I still have a rain check given to me by the manager of the Beacon Theatre way back in the early 70’s. The ticket would have entitled me to see and hear the newly renovated theatre organ, but it was not to be. The concert was cancelled.
Once you disembark from the ferry, it is just a 3 minute walk up to the top of Hyatt St. Once at the top of the hill you won’t be able to miss the theatre. ENJOY!
“Blues Clues” is slated for an opening at the theatre in December. Seats are being recovered. The roof is being repaired and the bathrooms are being redone. A local plumbing supply company has volunteered its' services. The interior MAY be used in the NEW production of the film version of “The Producers.”
The theatre has been sold to a local woman who owns a dance studio.
We are hoping she will keep the theatre as a performing arts center. We believe that is her probable intention. I believe the sale went through in April.
Deb, please contact me with regard to your interest. In what capacity are you interested in the property? There are many of us who want the theatre to be used as a performing arts center. The owners as of last news want the theatre kept as is as well. They DO want to preserve it and do NOT want it torn down. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at:
New stores have opened in the building that houses the theatre, thus perhaps bringing back some life to the neighborhood. However, the last information I read was that the front of the building will be incorporated in to condos or such. I would recommend the Staten Island Historical Society or SI Museum of Arts and Sciences to save the marquee at least.
I have been trying to locate someone whho is helping to get the theatre up and running again. Presumably she is busy but has not answered my emails. I may call her soon to find out what gives.
As mentioned in MARQUEE magazine, vol.6 no.2 second quarter 1994, “Proctor’s 86th St. Theatre at Lexington Avenue;Opened May 16,1927-3160 seats; Architect Thomas W. Lamb; Organ: Wurlitzer Opus 1553 3m/15rk;RKO operated from 1929; Demolished 1965; It was redecorated in 1944. Replaced by RKO 86th St. Twin ( 450 seats each ) December 1971, Closed: 1986 and replaced by Packard 86th St. Cinemas(Cineplex)Opened October 6. 1989.”
The theatre intitially held 2,800 seats though now the orchestra seats are gone. The theatre was later, run by the Fabian chain, which ran other island theatres.
Nestor Castro was the designer.
It is Spanish Baroque in style.
Paramount Pictures filmed the Jack Black film, “School of Rock” in the theatre. The film is out NOW. Check the end of the film for the St.George, which, for the film, became the Palace, I believe.
The theatre is still standing, though the orchestra seats were removed long ago. Most of the theatre is intact, including murals, stained glass, chandeliers, mosaic tiles, fountains, original fabric under reupholstered seats, statues, iron sconces, pink marble staircases. It is glorious! How do I know? I was a volunteer.
Recent news is that it may be donated in return for a 2 million dollar tax write off. At least two not for profit organizations have shown interest.
We are STILL trying to save the theatre in the hope it can be landmarked and kept as a performing arts center.
Radio City had an Art Deco exposition in 1975. It was wonderful. SO many vendors selling all SORTS of Deco items. I still have the poster from the show. In the theatre, they played the original black and white movie “King Kong” which I believe premiered there in 1933?
The theatre ( club ) is currently for sale. Inside are “7,000 sq. ft. including lobby, private lounge, 2 baths, 3 bars, open dance floor or theatre, stage, seating are and private offices”. ( As per Century 21 Sept. 2002 )
ALL the NYC premiers happened at the Criterion. All the outside boroughs had to wait their turn. Many folks recall “Opening Thursday at a theatre near you.”
“Ben Hur”, “Cleopatra”, “5 Weeks in a baloon”, “Around the World in 80 Days”, “Spartacus”, and other blockbusters opened there.
The theatre is currently being renovated and restored to its' former grandeur. The St.George is seeking volunteers to assist in bringing it back to life!
We are looking forward to seeing it in all its' glory and to open its' doors to live venues!
Go to the theatre’s web site at www.StGeorgetheatre.com
I am sure you can rent the space for such functions. I know someone who does just that. If you want, you can email me.
I still have a rain check given to me by the manager of the Beacon Theatre way back in the early 70’s. The ticket would have entitled me to see and hear the newly renovated theatre organ, but it was not to be. The concert was cancelled.
Once you disembark from the ferry, it is just a 3 minute walk up to the top of Hyatt St. Once at the top of the hill you won’t be able to miss the theatre. ENJOY!
“Blues Clues” is slated for an opening at the theatre in December. Seats are being recovered. The roof is being repaired and the bathrooms are being redone. A local plumbing supply company has volunteered its' services. The interior MAY be used in the NEW production of the film version of “The Producers.”
There IS hope yet! YAY!
The theatre has been sold to a local woman who owns a dance studio.
We are hoping she will keep the theatre as a performing arts center. We believe that is her probable intention. I believe the sale went through in April.
Deb, please contact me with regard to your interest. In what capacity are you interested in the property? There are many of us who want the theatre to be used as a performing arts center. The owners as of last news want the theatre kept as is as well. They DO want to preserve it and do NOT want it torn down. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at:
New stores have opened in the building that houses the theatre, thus perhaps bringing back some life to the neighborhood. However, the last information I read was that the front of the building will be incorporated in to condos or such. I would recommend the Staten Island Historical Society or SI Museum of Arts and Sciences to save the marquee at least.
The theatre later became a part of the Fabian Theatre chain.
Vito,
I have been trying to locate someone whho is helping to get the theatre up and running again. Presumably she is busy but has not answered my emails. I may call her soon to find out what gives.
Jean
With regard to Stephanie, she went back to Yakima, Wa. to work at a theatre there.
I know how you feel Vito, as I was ( am? ) one of the volunteers at the St. George. It breaks my heart to see the Paramount as she is.
Once again, a “FOR SALE” sign has been posted.
As mentioned in MARQUEE magazine, vol.6 no.2 second quarter 1994, “Proctor’s 86th St. Theatre at Lexington Avenue;Opened May 16,1927-3160 seats; Architect Thomas W. Lamb; Organ: Wurlitzer Opus 1553 3m/15rk;RKO operated from 1929; Demolished 1965; It was redecorated in 1944. Replaced by RKO 86th St. Twin ( 450 seats each ) December 1971, Closed: 1986 and replaced by Packard 86th St. Cinemas(Cineplex)Opened October 6. 1989.”
The theatre intitially held 2,800 seats though now the orchestra seats are gone. The theatre was later, run by the Fabian chain, which ran other island theatres.
Nestor Castro was the designer.
It is Spanish Baroque in style.
Paramount Pictures filmed the Jack Black film, “School of Rock” in the theatre. The film is out NOW. Check the end of the film for the St.George, which, for the film, became the Palace, I believe.
The theatre is still standing, though the orchestra seats were removed long ago. Most of the theatre is intact, including murals, stained glass, chandeliers, mosaic tiles, fountains, original fabric under reupholstered seats, statues, iron sconces, pink marble staircases. It is glorious! How do I know? I was a volunteer.
Recent news is that it may be donated in return for a 2 million dollar tax write off. At least two not for profit organizations have shown interest.
We are STILL trying to save the theatre in the hope it can be landmarked and kept as a performing arts center.
Jean
Recent news is that the theatre’s exterior will remain while the rest of it will be demolished to make way for a high rise.
Formerly known as Leo’s Empire.
The style is Spanish Baroque.
Designed by the firm, Rapp and Rapp.
Radio City had an Art Deco exposition in 1975. It was wonderful. SO many vendors selling all SORTS of Deco items. I still have the poster from the show. In the theatre, they played the original black and white movie “King Kong” which I believe premiered there in 1933?
The building now houses a church… so, what ELSE is new?
The theatre ( club ) is currently for sale. Inside are “7,000 sq. ft. including lobby, private lounge, 2 baths, 3 bars, open dance floor or theatre, stage, seating are and private offices”. ( As per Century 21 Sept. 2002 )
My mom lives just down the block from this theatre. The last show I saw advertised there was “Blue Man Group.”
ALL the NYC premiers happened at the Criterion. All the outside boroughs had to wait their turn. Many folks recall “Opening Thursday at a theatre near you.”
“Ben Hur”, “Cleopatra”, “5 Weeks in a baloon”, “Around the World in 80 Days”, “Spartacus”, and other blockbusters opened there.
The theatre is currently being renovated and restored to its' former grandeur. The St.George is seeking volunteers to assist in bringing it back to life!
We are looking forward to seeing it in all its' glory and to open its' doors to live venues!