Bruce! Tim! Thank you for your thoughtful responses, and so quickly after my post too. In my research, I found this: https://afterthefinalcurtain.net/2015/10/01/studebaker-theatre/
I remember seeing Dancer in the Dark three times in a large theater space that was painted all black. I also saw free screenings of Princess Mononoke and Topsy Turvy in that theater. I saw Emmett Otter’s Jug Band Christmas in the Studebaker in winter of 2023. I thought perhaps that was the theater I saw those three movies in, but that doesn’t work with my memory of the geography of the space. Those movies screening in the World Playhouse does. I sat up in the balcony for all of them, and that balcony wasn’t as large as Studebaker’s.
I saw Red Planet advertised on their marquee in 2000, and thought to myself, “well, that’s the beginning of the end.”
I recall the smaller theaters being in the back on the south side of the building, where the Studebaker is now. I can’t reconcile my memories with how the space is now, however. I saw Eve’s Bayou, Way of the Gun, Ice Storm, Sweet Hereafter (I think), Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai, and, like Bruce C., Little Voice in those smaller theaters. I’m sure there are more, but I can’t think of them right now.
I went to Chicago Academy for the Arts for high school from ‘94-'97 on Chicago and Milwaukee, but lived on the South Side, so I took the Metra from LaSalle Street Station. I did not like going home, so I would go to the Artist’s Snack Shop with friends and see a movie. I went to Roosevelt University for college, which is right next door.
I wish we could find an aerial view or a blue print of the space right now vs. the space then. I base my memories partially on where the box office is. Oh gosh. It’s so frustrating, and I know it’s only gonna get worse with age. I’m only 44 but it’s happening.
Gymkata is awesome! I have it on VHS.
Was this part of some anti-disco thing?
One of my fondest memories is seeing Idle Hands here, and sneaking in Chinese food.
Is this the rear of the grocery store?
Wish we had some photos of the sidewalk from 1999.
I LOVED this thai buffet, and was heartbroken when it burned down.
When was it divided into 4 theaters and how did they carve it up?
I saw Ghostbusters 2 here.
I remember seeing Brick here and that was it.
I think I saw The Cell here on an awful date.
Are those thin vertical lines holding the drop ceiling up?
https://youtu.be/z331WJwJY3c?si=nqMb8HeNHQ0kzPtL
Watch this video for a rare glimpse inside the Playhouse Theater.
Movie adaptation starring Topol.
Were they screening porn in The Playhouse and children’s fare in The Studebaker?
What does this represent?
This is The Playhouse.
Is this The Playhouse?
A big chunk of memories came floooooding back!
Were movies shown in this theater around 2000? I think I sat in the balcony for at least three screenings.
I think I saw Dancer in the Dark here. Also, free screenings of Topsy Turvy and Princess Mononoke. Can anyone confirm?
Bruce! Tim! Thank you for your thoughtful responses, and so quickly after my post too. In my research, I found this: https://afterthefinalcurtain.net/2015/10/01/studebaker-theatre/
I remember seeing Dancer in the Dark three times in a large theater space that was painted all black. I also saw free screenings of Princess Mononoke and Topsy Turvy in that theater. I saw Emmett Otter’s Jug Band Christmas in the Studebaker in winter of 2023. I thought perhaps that was the theater I saw those three movies in, but that doesn’t work with my memory of the geography of the space. Those movies screening in the World Playhouse does. I sat up in the balcony for all of them, and that balcony wasn’t as large as Studebaker’s.
I saw Red Planet advertised on their marquee in 2000, and thought to myself, “well, that’s the beginning of the end.”
I recall the smaller theaters being in the back on the south side of the building, where the Studebaker is now. I can’t reconcile my memories with how the space is now, however. I saw Eve’s Bayou, Way of the Gun, Ice Storm, Sweet Hereafter (I think), Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai, and, like Bruce C., Little Voice in those smaller theaters. I’m sure there are more, but I can’t think of them right now.
I went to Chicago Academy for the Arts for high school from ‘94-'97 on Chicago and Milwaukee, but lived on the South Side, so I took the Metra from LaSalle Street Station. I did not like going home, so I would go to the Artist’s Snack Shop with friends and see a movie. I went to Roosevelt University for college, which is right next door.
I wish we could find an aerial view or a blue print of the space right now vs. the space then. I base my memories partially on where the box office is. Oh gosh. It’s so frustrating, and I know it’s only gonna get worse with age. I’m only 44 but it’s happening.
I very much want to know how the Fine Art Movie Theater carved up the Studebaker and Playhouse spaces.
Whoa.
Looking through this site over the last several months, I recall seeing an ad for The Children at Blue Island’s Lyric Theater.
Ooh! I love From Beyond.