Well, in Chicago in the mid-90’s, the city helped to revive older movie theatres, but now they have generally live shows and concerts. The Chicago Theatre, Oriental Theatre (now Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre) and the Palace (now Cadillac Palace Theatre) have been refurbished and are thriving. (The Chicago Theatre has featured the opening film of the Chicago International Film Festival the last 2 years, and the Oriental had the world premiere of the Sing-Along Wizard of Oz. So, they ARE capable of showing movies, but generally host Broadway shows and concerts.)
My understanding is that the theater organ was removed during the 1996-8 renovation by CATOE (Chicago Area Theatre Organ Enthusiasts) and is in their storage. The organ is not currently operable, due to some lost and/or damaged parts, but CATOE hopes to one day get it fully restored and operating.
I haven’t read David Naylor’s book, but I have read stories that B&K insisted on an Oriental design, an idea the Rapp Bros. weren’t thrilled with, and to show their displeasure (and exact their revenge), went over the top with their design in the Oriental Theatre. (Also, I’ve read they never used an oriental theme again.) But, on the other hand, I’ve also read that it was the Rapp Bros. who wanted the oriental theme, and had to struggle to win over B&K with their idea. I think I’m starting to believe the former is true … but, who knows, for sure?!
I haven’t seen the photo of the lobby chandelier referred to above, but the foyer center chandelier is missing, and, from what I’ve read/heard, interestingly, it was a chandelier that was not designed by the craftsmen who regularly worked with B&K/Rapp Bros.
Well, in Chicago in the mid-90’s, the city helped to revive older movie theatres, but now they have generally live shows and concerts. The Chicago Theatre, Oriental Theatre (now Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre) and the Palace (now Cadillac Palace Theatre) have been refurbished and are thriving. (The Chicago Theatre has featured the opening film of the Chicago International Film Festival the last 2 years, and the Oriental had the world premiere of the Sing-Along Wizard of Oz. So, they ARE capable of showing movies, but generally host Broadway shows and concerts.)
My understanding is that the theater organ was removed during the 1996-8 renovation by CATOE (Chicago Area Theatre Organ Enthusiasts) and is in their storage. The organ is not currently operable, due to some lost and/or damaged parts, but CATOE hopes to one day get it fully restored and operating.
I haven’t read David Naylor’s book, but I have read stories that B&K insisted on an Oriental design, an idea the Rapp Bros. weren’t thrilled with, and to show their displeasure (and exact their revenge), went over the top with their design in the Oriental Theatre. (Also, I’ve read they never used an oriental theme again.) But, on the other hand, I’ve also read that it was the Rapp Bros. who wanted the oriental theme, and had to struggle to win over B&K with their idea. I think I’m starting to believe the former is true … but, who knows, for sure?!
I haven’t seen the photo of the lobby chandelier referred to above, but the foyer center chandelier is missing, and, from what I’ve read/heard, interestingly, it was a chandelier that was not designed by the craftsmen who regularly worked with B&K/Rapp Bros.