St. George Theatre
25 Hyatt Street,
Staten Island,
NY
10301
25 Hyatt Street,
Staten Island,
NY
10301
25 people
favorited this theater
Showing 76 - 100 of 245 comments
Dear Bruce,
Not sure what you are getting at with what you stated and why it was addressed to me. From what I read the Brooklyn Fox was demolished and the St. George still stands as beautiful as it was or better than when my father managed it. I am also including an artical describing the Atlanta Fox which doesn’t mention Fabian at all, so what was your comment aiming at????
Atlanta Fox Theatre
600 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Opened December 25,1929
Seating Capacity: 4,518
(Webmaster’s note: Since this is my tribute site to the Atlanta Fox, I felt I needed to put something here, so this is a very concise history of the building. To learn more about the Atlanta Fox Theatre, see the other pages of this site.)
The Atlanta Fox is a Movie Palace that was not meant to be one. Designed by Olliver J. Vinour and P. Thornton Marye, the Yaarab Temple’s Shrine Mosque was to “Out Baghdad Baghdad” with its opulent Arabic and Moorish design. Prior to the start of construction in 1928, Fox Films Corporation signed a 21-year lease to use the mosque’s civic auditorium as a movie theater. The lease was used to acquire a loan from Trust Company of Georgia to provide funds to complete the building project. (The project was totally funded by the Shriners; Fox Films did not provide any financial help.)
The Atlanta Fox Theatre opened Christmas Day 1929 and was the last great Fox Theatre movie palace. Thanks to the Great Depression, Fox Films ceased to operate the Atlanta Fox in August of 1930 and its operation was taken over by Loew’s Incorporated. The Shriner’s organization was financially crippled by the Depression and after it could not pay its mortgage, the Atlanta Fox closed its doors in 1932 after 125 weeks of operation in anticipation of its impending foreclosure. The Atlanta Fox went through a tumultuous period until 1936 when it became the property of Mosque, Inc. During its life between 1929 and 1975, the Fox operated as a movie house with occasional live performances. In 1974, Mosque entered into an agreement to sell the Fox to Bell Telephone for its Southern Bell Division with the express purpose of it being razed. The citizens of Atlanta protested their beloved Fox’s impending fate and through the support of the Atlanta City government, a plan was conceived to save the Fox. Atlanta Landmarks, a non-profit organization, was formed and through a complex loan arrangement and property swap, the Fox was spared from the wrecking ball. The Fox quickly reopened in October of 1975 as a omnibus performing arts theater. In 1978, the Fox’s mortgage was paid off and the building was declared officially “saved”.
Over the next 29 years, an on-going restoration effort was made that has made the Fox better than its original 1929 condition along with some 21st Century improvements. Thanks to the Great Depression and the financial issues the Shriners had, certain aspects of the building were never completed or built. With the financial success of the Fox after it was “saved”, things that were planned but were not done have finally been addressed. This included such things as the proper chandeliers for the auditorium and completing the pipe organ. Since 1975, the on-going restoration and renovation of the Atlanta Fox has cost over $30 million dollars as of late 2004.
The Atlanta Fox Theatre is owned by Atlanta Landmarks, a non-profit organization specifically created to save, preserve, restore, and operate the Atlanta Fox. While its charter leaves open the organization’s “mission” to save other landmarks in the Atlanta area, Atlanta Landmarks' only interest is the Fox.
Dear Roberta and Janet,
A few years ago I got a guided tour of Fabian’s Atlanta Fox. Aside from the incredible architecture, I was really moved by a second box office that was at the side of the building. This was especially for the Black theater goer. After they bought their tickets, they were forced to climb 7 flights of stairs to get to their ‘seating section’ just below the projection booth in the very top of the balcony. As you know, there are aisles that cut through the row of seats in any theater. However, at the Atlanta Fox, the Black Section had walls to separate the section, but no aisle cuts!!!
From what my guide told me, this separate box office and separate staircase to the seating was in use until the early 60’s. Being from Brooklyn I remember the Brooklyn FOX where disc jockey, Murray the K hosted Rock and Roll Shows. Here, the acts were integrated and so was the audience. But then—-
that’s Brooklyn.
My name is Janet Trachtenberg, I am Roberta’s sister. Our father Jack Trachtenberg was District Manager for all the Fabian Theatre’s on Staten Island. Including the Staten Island drive-in theatre. He also managed the large building next to the St. George theatre. When he was discharged from the army he became manager of the Liberty theatre on Beach St., Stapleton. From there he worked himself up to District Manager. He met my mother when she was a cashier at the Paramount theatre and they married in 1948.
My name is Roberta Trachtenberg Arsenuk…My father was JACK TRACHTENBERG. He worked for the Fabien Chain for 35 years. He ran the St. George Theater up until his death in 1969.
I finally got to visit this beautiful theater on December 8th to see Joy Behar. It’s incredible that this palace lies just a 5 minute walk from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. I felt like we might have been the only Manhattan people to venture over to see the show, but we had a great time! I also felt like a youngster again (my friends and I are in our 40’s but the vast majority of the audience appeared to be at least in their 60’s)!
The theater is beautiful. Although it was a little disconcerting that all of the orchestra seats are missing (temporary seating was set up for the show) it was more than made up for when we went up to the balcony where all of the original seating remains and you get a true picture as to how big this theater really is. The ceiling is spectacular. Congratualtions to Rosemary and company for a work in progress well done!
I have been to Loew’s Jersey, Radio City and The Beacon. I atttended Loews Valencia as a kid and was able to take a tour of the ruins of the Loews Kings last year. My next goal is to visit Loews Paradise in The Bronx and Loews 175th St in Washington Heights. From the pictures that I’ve seen and the threads that I’ve read, I think the best is yet to come!
I was able to watch ( in several parts )the WALK THROUGH STATEN ISLAND, showing the St.G…
You can watch it commercial free on the PBS site. Otherwise wait for them to repeat it. I saw both. Funny thing too….but when I read about the show several months back, there was NO mention of the theatre. I wrote PBS, and so did Rosemary’s daughter, Doreen. Perhaps we BOTH lit a fire under PBS' door!
Please do give our love to Mrs. Rosemary!
You are in for a treat Luis, the theatre has been magnificently restored. Have fun at the Behar show, and please report back how the show went and what your feelings are about the theatre.
The Staten Island walking tour was pretty interesting. Unfortunately, too little time was spent at the St. George. I’m attending Joy Behar’s act at The St. George tomorrow night so I’m very excited to see this theater for the first time.
On December 15, 2007, the St. George Theatre will host the 78th Anniversary and Fourth Gala.
I received my invitation today, and I would encourage everyone to attend, and make your tax-deductable donation to help support this magnificent theatre.
The evening will include a Red Carpet Gala Reception in the Grand Lobby, presentation of the Georgie Awards and an evening with the Legendary Tony Bennett.
You can reserve your seats by visiting The St George Theatre
box-office, or calling 718 442 2900.
Tickets can also be purchased through Ticketmaster.
The Richmond Dance Ensemble headed by Mrs. Rosemary Cappozalo (known to Islanders as Mrs. Rosemary) and her daughters have magnificently restored the theatre. We must, all of us, do what ever we can to support this Staten Island Treasure.
I just bought my tickets to see Joy Behar in December and I’m very excited to see this theater!! The pictures look absolutley beautiful.
Especially for Fred DeRosa – May I email you at the address listed in your 7/30/07 post? My father owned the Dyker theatre in Brooklyn. I am delighted to introduce myself to you and thank you so very much for all the information about the architect, Eugene DeRosa and your family!! Please read my series of comments for The Dyker starting on the date 6/8/07 and combined with The Lafayette theatre, another DeRosa design)! [url=/theaters/3873/
I have been meaning to report to this board on my visit to the St. George Theatre as reported in the Advance. Please forgive my silence. Our visit was one of the most memorable events of my life. I was there as Fred DeRosa, Eugene DeRosa’s nephew. I was joined by my sister Maria of Tucson, Arizona; my first cousin, Eugene DeRosa’s son Richard DeRosa of Cooperstown, New York; my second cousins, Eugene DeRosa’s grandchildren, Barbara and David DeRosa. Plus Barbara’s sons Joey and Jesse and David’s son Josh, all Eugene’s great-grandchildren. It was a thrill for us all. We were treated royally by Henry Decker, Mrs. Rosemary, Luane, and Doreen. The people from the Advance were also wonderful. My only regret is that I couldn’t learn anything about my father Felix DeRosa. As an architect who also worked on theatres, he joined his brother Eugene when Eugene left the Lamb firm. I can only assume that he had some in-put on the St. George. The theatre was a marvel and the whole experience was very rewarding. I hope to maintain a special place in my life for the St. George.
You will be thrilled to see what Mrs Rosemary and family have accomplished. Please report back after your tour with comments
I am Eugene DeRosaâ€\s nephew. Late in my life, I have begun to explore some of my family heritage. After the death of my father, Eugeneâ€\s brother, in 1955 when I was seven years old, I had only limited contact with my fatherâ€\s side of the family. Iâ€\m now discovering my Uncle Eugeneâ€\s architectural legacy, including the St. George Theatre.
His heritage, I believe, is also part of my fatherâ€\s. Felix DeRosa was born in 1898, making him nine years or so younger than Eugene. He attended Cooper Union from 1914-18 and worked as a junior draughtsman. Returning to Cooper Union, he graduated as a draughtsman in 1921. He worked with his brother through the 1920s. I would be very surprised if my father did not work on the St. George. Unfortunately, he does not seem to be credited on anything. If any of you have any information that you could share on Felix DeRosa, I would be extremely grateful.
I had always been lead to believe by my mother and my father’s brother and sister, who remained alive during my childhood, that he was an “architect.” Iâ€\m not sure if there was a difference in terminology at the time, or if he was never actually an architect. If anyone can clear this up for me, it would be of extreme interest to my sister and me.
There were three other brothers and a sister. One of the brothers was my uncle Jerry DeRosa. He managed Loews State Theatres, but thatâ€\s all I know about him. He was born in 1891 (?) and died in 1945. Again, if anyone has any information on him, I would be very appreciative.
On August 7 (next week!) I will be in New York and have been invited to see the St. George Theatre. I will be there with my (twin) sister and my second cousin, David DeRosa, who is Eugeneâ€\s grandson. Weâ€\re all thrilled at the prospect of seeing the theatre. All of your comments on this wonderful building are making me even more excited.
Fred DeRosa
WNEW-FM (“Mix 102.7â€) and its popular on-air personality, “Brooklyn’s own Joe Causiâ€, will be hosting “Disco Divas” starring Maxine Nightingale & France Joli on Saturday night July 29th â€" this is sure to be a big show, as this radio station enjoys a large and loyal following of listeners (myself included)!
The St. George seems to have been quite successful at booking a continuous and comprehensive line-up of events, straight through the end of this year – many big names, particularly jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, who recently appeared on his own PBS-TV special, performing with such notables as Sting, Gladys Knight and Burt Bacharach (he has also performed nationally at major concert halls, including Long Island’s Tilles Center).
Impressive indeed, especially for a Staten Island venue!
Thank you for the conformation it is a real wonderfull theatre i am glad that it is being used for som kind of art insted of being riped down and made in to a parking lot. :) Thaank you for you time.
According to imdb.com, this is indeed the place, CHI74.
Here’s the imdb “filming locations” page for “School of Rock”.
Can any one tell me if this was the theatre that was used for the “Battle of the bands” part of the School of Rock the Jack Black movie just wondering thank you for your time :)
They don’t seem to be thinking in terms of classic films, but in February I went with a friend to see a full stage production of “Mame”, and not only was it excellent, but to actually see a musical in a classic old theater on Staten Island was a heady experience ! The friend I went with played “Mame” herself in Bay Ridge last month. That’s about as close as we get in Brooklyn to such an experience ! No more subway circuit; no more Loew’s Kings ! I had to traipse up to the Bronx to see Debbie Reynolds
yesterday ! PS – Still the complete entertainer !
Got to see the inside of the ST George about 3 years ago when they were getting ready for a recital- or something. A very impressive theater. I did not notice any theater type seats there.Have they been installed yet? and also, are there any plans to screen big screen epics or other fare here? Just curious.
i just came from the 10am screenings of the film festival. the experience of seeing a movie again ,in 35mm on a 40 foot screen , at the st.george theatre was awesome. it was hard to concentrate on the features, i was too busy looking around at the magnificently restored theatre. in my youth they almost always had the balcony closed or only the forward lower level would be open. now sitting in the top row , the height was enough that one could almost feel a bit dizzy. i’m almost tempted to go back for the 2pm screenings. the festival is showing “narrative features” and short films , so i can’t really recommend the fare. but to anyone who is a fan of old theatres or who went here in the old days it is well worth it. if they ever do movie nights showing classics like “the big sleep” or “the godfather” i will definetly be there.
Not a high point in the bookings for the St. George :)
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This is a traditional film festival just like Sundance, Tribeca etc. A union projectionist will be on staff. The opening night film is The Celestine Prophecy in 35mm and tickets are only $5. It is close to being a sell out. Info at http://www.sifilmfestival.org/
Rob is this a contemporary film festival or will there be classic films as well?