I just wanted to share how proud of you Fellow “Theater nuts,” in Chi-town I'am. I’ve been watching your site for the Uptown with a lot of interest over the years and it seems as if a new chapter in this great theater’s life is about to be written. The passion you’ve all shown helped keep the Uptown’s fate in question allowing for time and reflection.I hope the new owners will allow your input and be able to channel the love you all have for it into something as great as the Great Theater its self.I look forward to the day I come to visit your city and the Palace that is the UPTOWN!!
Update: Today the BeeKay Gets its Interior!!! The drywall and plaster are going up today. The Theatre is taking shape quickly even with a few delays to re-think elements of the design.Tehachapi Community Theatre(TCT) has recieved another round of contributions getting us within around Twelve thousand dollars closer to Our sixty thousand dollar goal. The interior will be considerably more elegant than the rather sparten beginnings of the theater. Chandeliers,carpet a mutti-hued color scheme, fine tile all in the Art Deco mode will complete the look. The Facade of the theater cleaned-up well and will recieve its paint scheme… Exciting times!!
The Theatre re-construction continues- the roof has been completed and the new HVAC is being installed. The restoration of the Original Facade is underway! The contractors have stated “that this will be a diffrent building at the end of next week.” the electrical will be complete which will allow for drywall and plaster to begin. Completion has been moved to late September, early October 2008
Success!! The New walls are being raised today!!! Completion of the Beekay Theatre is slated for late Fall 2008!! Tehachapi Community Theater will open thier new home ( 40 years in the making!!!) with a production of Oliver! I'ts an exciting time for the Citizens of Tehachapi, A long held Dream is now being relized.
Tehachapi City Council has directed staff to put the building out to bid.The Facade is to be retained and restored to its 1936 glory. A replica of the Marquee is being planned and the color scheme and Neon looks to be a close match to what was original to the theatre.The community theater is currently working on a budget to finish the interior and by early estimates looks to have about half the needed funds before they even begin thier fund rasing campain! More to come in the future…
Any info on the owner? Its a goodlooking house, not opulent but noting to dismiss…Maybe a comedy club or a revival house. Its a shame to see that mammoth marquee going to waste to advertise Womens clothing! How about….. LIVE FROM THE RIALTO – WHOOPI GOLDBERG
(or incert your favorite comedian) imagine a shot of the Restored marquee as the opening for a weekly comedy show on some network like HBO? Crazy, maybe, but what if!!??
Greg, Man do I know about the if onlys!!! This theater does have great potential. Im sooo Jealous you got a “real” tour, no offence to the Conservancy, of the stage etc. But I guess they cant allow us theater nuts to run amuck, though I think a bunch of us so called nuts is just what this theater needs!! Broadway seems to be in position to become the “everything old is new again "destination for Angeleno’s. A mix of theaters(Live and Film) clubs. But I’d love to see NO SHOPS in Theater lobbys, It just seems sacreligious somehow!! But just a thriving mix, revered for its architecture and innovative reuse…If Only!!
Ill attend the concert at Warnors!! I hate to admit I’ve only heard recordings of old organ concerts, never been to a live show. I look forward to my first real experiance hearing a live organ and the bonus of seeing the inside of the Warnor….I hope you are able to get inside to do a little investigation @ Liberty!! D.
Thanks again Tom. I’ll use the alernate address in the Future. I’ll be planning a day trip up to Fresno soon to get a feel of downtown and hopefully talk to other people envolved with its proposed re-development!! If I was end up with the theatre I hope you guys might re-consider installing an organ, I’d give it a wonderful home! I feel the organ could be part of that fresh approach, everything old is new!! I still need to work on a good concept for the venue but the addition of a “voice' would be most welcome…D
I had read and noticed the lack of flys when I visited and I agree it does limit some live shows. But with that said flys along with curtians are some what “old Fasioned” and not always used. Most modern shows are more concerned with floor space than flys. But I agree something “fresh” and innovative should happen with the Liberty. It may not be the “palace” that the Warnor is but it could be brought back as a viable venue, after all it was the First! Even with the renovations and alterations the fact that it remains is important.Money,imagination,luck and love not to mention insanity is the pillers of any theater restoration/renovation. Tom I appreciate your insight,I had the pleasure of meeting you years ago at the Fox Theater Bakersfield. You remain vary much my first impression of you, a straight shooter who is passionate about old theaters and the organs that were their voices….I hope you still would be willing to hound some info for me. Thanks D.
Ken Those photos are exceptional!!! I was invoved with the theaters restoration and we have, what I thought ,was a great collection of photos taken of the Theater opening day Dec. 25, 1930. But these were interesting to see the theater as it looked in the 40’s. The Theater has kept its 1953 makeover and the unexpected photo of the concession counter was like striking gold! I wish we would have seen it when we restored the counter back to its 50’s splender.We used rcollections from staff and patrons to reconstruct the look and seeing the photo I think we did pretty well! Thanks again for sharing those images.
Tom I would appreciate anything you can find out, Owner, state of interior etc. So what do you think of my crazy notion about showing Silents/classic/art films ? Maybe the Key is a organ for not only films but for concerts… Maybe the timing is two early? The Brick is a concern…Hmmm. I know theres a gem here! Fresno is so lucky to have so many classic theaters, I would love to get my hands on one or steal one!!
Mr. Delay thanks for commenting back. I’m glad to see the City of Fresno is begining to see what a true gem their downtown can be!If ever you find out who the owner is Please pass it along. I’ve read some of the past posts, are the organ lofts still useable and could a organ be successfully re-installed? Is the original interior of the auditorium hiding behind the 50’s additions or was it destroyed in the remodeling? Would Fresno support a silent/art film house? Would love to hear some feedback…Thanks!
One of my favorite Blade/tower signs and Marquee. I went up to Fresno to check out their abundence of theaters. Talk about jealous!!I still dream about restoring this one…all that sex appeal That only a true movie palace can have!! I know she’s showing films again but are there any plans for a facelift? Any new info the rest of you junkies can supply I look forward to seeing….
I just wanted to share how proud of you Fellow “Theater nuts,” in Chi-town I'am. I’ve been watching your site for the Uptown with a lot of interest over the years and it seems as if a new chapter in this great theater’s life is about to be written. The passion you’ve all shown helped keep the Uptown’s fate in question allowing for time and reflection.I hope the new owners will allow your input and be able to channel the love you all have for it into something as great as the Great Theater its self.I look forward to the day I come to visit your city and the Palace that is the UPTOWN!!
Update: Today the BeeKay Gets its Interior!!! The drywall and plaster are going up today. The Theatre is taking shape quickly even with a few delays to re-think elements of the design.Tehachapi Community Theatre(TCT) has recieved another round of contributions getting us within around Twelve thousand dollars closer to Our sixty thousand dollar goal. The interior will be considerably more elegant than the rather sparten beginnings of the theater. Chandeliers,carpet a mutti-hued color scheme, fine tile all in the Art Deco mode will complete the look. The Facade of the theater cleaned-up well and will recieve its paint scheme… Exciting times!!
The Theatre re-construction continues- the roof has been completed and the new HVAC is being installed. The restoration of the Original Facade is underway! The contractors have stated “that this will be a diffrent building at the end of next week.” the electrical will be complete which will allow for drywall and plaster to begin. Completion has been moved to late September, early October 2008
Success!! The New walls are being raised today!!! Completion of the Beekay Theatre is slated for late Fall 2008!! Tehachapi Community Theater will open thier new home ( 40 years in the making!!!) with a production of Oliver! I'ts an exciting time for the Citizens of Tehachapi, A long held Dream is now being relized.
The City of Tehacapi has awarded the bid of $599,998 to Bowie const. of Tehachapi.Projected completion of the project will be Nov of 2008.
Tehachapi City Council has directed staff to put the building out to bid.The Facade is to be retained and restored to its 1936 glory. A replica of the Marquee is being planned and the color scheme and Neon looks to be a close match to what was original to the theatre.The community theater is currently working on a budget to finish the interior and by early estimates looks to have about half the needed funds before they even begin thier fund rasing campain! More to come in the future…
Any info on the owner? Its a goodlooking house, not opulent but noting to dismiss…Maybe a comedy club or a revival house. Its a shame to see that mammoth marquee going to waste to advertise Womens clothing! How about….. LIVE FROM THE RIALTO – WHOOPI GOLDBERG
(or incert your favorite comedian) imagine a shot of the Restored marquee as the opening for a weekly comedy show on some network like HBO? Crazy, maybe, but what if!!??
Greg, Man do I know about the if onlys!!! This theater does have great potential. Im sooo Jealous you got a “real” tour, no offence to the Conservancy, of the stage etc. But I guess they cant allow us theater nuts to run amuck, though I think a bunch of us so called nuts is just what this theater needs!! Broadway seems to be in position to become the “everything old is new again "destination for Angeleno’s. A mix of theaters(Live and Film) clubs. But I’d love to see NO SHOPS in Theater lobbys, It just seems sacreligious somehow!! But just a thriving mix, revered for its architecture and innovative reuse…If Only!!
Ill attend the concert at Warnors!! I hate to admit I’ve only heard recordings of old organ concerts, never been to a live show. I look forward to my first real experiance hearing a live organ and the bonus of seeing the inside of the Warnor….I hope you are able to get inside to do a little investigation @ Liberty!! D.
Thanks again Tom. I’ll use the alernate address in the Future. I’ll be planning a day trip up to Fresno soon to get a feel of downtown and hopefully talk to other people envolved with its proposed re-development!! If I was end up with the theatre I hope you guys might re-consider installing an organ, I’d give it a wonderful home! I feel the organ could be part of that fresh approach, everything old is new!! I still need to work on a good concept for the venue but the addition of a “voice' would be most welcome…D
Any new info/news about the continuing saga that is the Uptown?
I had read and noticed the lack of flys when I visited and I agree it does limit some live shows. But with that said flys along with curtians are some what “old Fasioned” and not always used. Most modern shows are more concerned with floor space than flys. But I agree something “fresh” and innovative should happen with the Liberty. It may not be the “palace” that the Warnor is but it could be brought back as a viable venue, after all it was the First! Even with the renovations and alterations the fact that it remains is important.Money,imagination,luck and love not to mention insanity is the pillers of any theater restoration/renovation. Tom I appreciate your insight,I had the pleasure of meeting you years ago at the Fox Theater Bakersfield. You remain vary much my first impression of you, a straight shooter who is passionate about old theaters and the organs that were their voices….I hope you still would be willing to hound some info for me. Thanks D.
Ken Those photos are exceptional!!! I was invoved with the theaters restoration and we have, what I thought ,was a great collection of photos taken of the Theater opening day Dec. 25, 1930. But these were interesting to see the theater as it looked in the 40’s. The Theater has kept its 1953 makeover and the unexpected photo of the concession counter was like striking gold! I wish we would have seen it when we restored the counter back to its 50’s splender.We used rcollections from staff and patrons to reconstruct the look and seeing the photo I think we did pretty well! Thanks again for sharing those images.
Tom I would appreciate anything you can find out, Owner, state of interior etc. So what do you think of my crazy notion about showing Silents/classic/art films ? Maybe the Key is a organ for not only films but for concerts… Maybe the timing is two early? The Brick is a concern…Hmmm. I know theres a gem here! Fresno is so lucky to have so many classic theaters, I would love to get my hands on one or steal one!!
Mr. Delay thanks for commenting back. I’m glad to see the City of Fresno is begining to see what a true gem their downtown can be!If ever you find out who the owner is Please pass it along. I’ve read some of the past posts, are the organ lofts still useable and could a organ be successfully re-installed? Is the original interior of the auditorium hiding behind the 50’s additions or was it destroyed in the remodeling? Would Fresno support a silent/art film house? Would love to hear some feedback…Thanks!
One of my favorite Blade/tower signs and Marquee. I went up to Fresno to check out their abundence of theaters. Talk about jealous!!I still dream about restoring this one…all that sex appeal That only a true movie palace can have!! I know she’s showing films again but are there any plans for a facelift? Any new info the rest of you junkies can supply I look forward to seeing….
Does anyone Know what the Theater is presently being used for? Any Info on the owner and also if there has been any progress on downtown revitaltion?