It has been reported that the VOX church organization will purchase the Capital Theater building. This is my daughter’s Church and they have various sites and is the fastest growing Non Denominational Christian Church in CT and elsewhere. They use the the College Street Theater in New Haven quite often and I even attended the Christmas program with my daughter last night. That gave me a great idea on just how the Capital Theater will actually work out and be a great fit for the VOX Church. The will need more gathering space and offices so the old Hotel building next door is probably in the works as well. The capital has a balcony and will need it. The Plaster animation is there and can be repaired. The auditorium is empty of seats and stage equipment but that stuff is available. I would have preferred the City to follow thru with their plans with selling Bonds but this may end up being a better deal because with the design that VOX Theater will end up with the old theater would have multi use options Be assured that it was have all new electric, plumbing, heating and ac and of course state of the art lighting, sound and stage rigging. My guess is that they will tier the floor for various seating and table options. I am a Catholic but I clearly understand the attraction to these new Churches especially VOX, Welcome to New London, this could be a boom for New London’s other businesses especially restaurants on both Bank and State Street.
When it became known that the Controversial Movie with Caroll Baker and Karl Malden was going to debut in Kansas City at The Aladdin Theater instead of the KIMO, work was planned to spruce it up. The interior was painted a Pink and Grey and covered up nice stenciling almost Identical to The Vista. To Will Dunklin - I am pretty sure the Organ was removed at that time. For years it was to the left of the stage on Floor. Also, there was a major boycott by nearly all the Churches there on the Eastside. St.Stephen’s was very vocal stating it would be a Mortal Sin for Catholics to see the movie Baby Doll. Like the early Bridget Bardow films, pretty tame compared to all the hype. The problem was that after the movie left, Churches preached to their members to no longer go to movies at The Aladdin Theater. With some surprise, I think it made it another 2 years and then closed in 1958, even though it was in pretty nice condition. A sad loss for all the kids in the neighborhood because we had Saturday morning movies in the Summer and also Sunday Matinees that were always popular. The Aladdin never again booked any controversial films after the Baby Doll fiasco
I wish that would have been saved - what a perfect building to have saved for such a beautiful location. Maybe a combination Movie Theater and live performing arts theater. Sad loss.
There seems to be a lot of rumors about the future of the Niantic Cinema - most people I know what it to get another chance, maybe with a new owner and some remodeling. One rumor is that the main theater itself may be restored for both movies and a live performance venue maybe with tiered table or theater seating. Another rumor is that another company is ready to come in and strip the 5 plex of all its new digital projection, sound system and screens for use elsewhere. That one really hurts I think the city needs to be behind this and make it a non profit facility owned by the city but contracted to manage it. However. it needs some serious upgrades. I wear linely bifocals so I absolutly hate these uncomfortable no head support recliners that seem to be getting installed everywhere. May be mix would be better. Bottom line the theater needs to be saved and the community needs to get involved asap.
It is now official, the city has determined that the old theater is not safe and has scheduled demolition. At this point, I just wish the facade could be saved and secured for something new in the future.
The Capital Theater must be saved - there are Grants out there that can help with the restoration. This is truly a possible beautiful historic landmark.
Really beautiful theater. Hope it can be restored to a performing arts venue - could be multi purpose with tiered seating both theater and table Las Vegas style with. I think it could compliment the Garde and not compete. The Garde can still show state of the art digital movies in a movie palace setting. The Capital could be simply live performance and also a banquet venue etc. This theater must be saved and the current owner is just not getting it done, or, anything else on that block
It would be great to replicate the original Neon that was on the Vogue Marquee and vertical blade sign. Downtown LS needs a historic type theater again. I thought the old Senior Citizen Center would have been a great site for a conversion to a Rio type theater that is in Overland Park KS or the Armour in N Kansas City.
Wow, sad it was lost. It would be great for someone put in a vintage style movie theater back in downtown Lee’s Summit, MO. Maybe the Fine Arts Group in the future. LS already had a well known Neon Sign Co. that re-create a vintage beautiful NEON lit Marquee. . Maybe a combo, live performance venue and a movie theater similar to the RIO in Overland Park KS. LS is a perfect setting.
There seems to be a growing concern about no theaters operating on The Plaza. Many people have been angry ever since the Plaza was closed and converted to a short lived Restoration Hardware Store and then a knock off version. The ugly dark grey that replaced the white paint is dark and horrible for any retail situation. Many of us want the Plaza restored and returned as a Live Performing Arts Theater with ability to also show special movies. Although a removable flore was built along with a drop ceiling in the main auditorium to be the back room storage for the retail, much of the original decor is still there but hidden. Part of the old Balcony had to be modified to allow for the new restrooms to be built. All in all, we want the Plaza Theater back. It was not so altered that it could not be restored. Sadly the beautiful steps going up to the Balcony were removed along with covering the ornate steps going downstairs to the Lounge and Restrooms - Much of the Balcony is still the same and some have said the seats were never removed. The beautiful Spanish Style ceiling is still there, but would need a lot of repair due to the placement of new heating and AC in the building along with the dropped ceiling in the stock warehouse. Got to get more people behind this especially the Arts Community. Not sure what is happening with the Palace Theater main building. What are the plans for that? If we can get pride back at the Plaza with it being a safe place for night life, we need the Theaters back especially The once majestic Plaza. Anyone else the feels the same way, please comment.
Actually the Palace Theater was a nice performing arts theater with a large stage. My Aunt worked the Ticket office for many years until it closed. For the last 7 years, is mainly showed westerns and for a year was an Owl Movie theater meaning it was a 24 hour operation and that caused it to get a little seedy so that was short lived. Too bad it was not saved, since it could have been a nice live performance theater. Many People have forgotten KC’s Lyceum that was around the corner on 9th Street It butted up to the Palace South Side auditorium wall.
Does anyone know what are the plans for the part of the Palace Theater complex in the old Sears Building. Some are saying that B&B Theaters are going to renovate and take over. I loved the former larger auditoriums across the walk way and the pictures on the walls of history movie palaces. Hope a lot of that ends up in another theater somewhere. I know there have been problems on The Plaza but I cannot imagine the Plaza without movie theaters.
I wish there had been pictures posted of the interior – it was quite ornate for a small theater that included a balcony and quite ornate ceiling. Before it was demolished, it was converted into a much larger Penner’s Men’s Clothing Store. The leveled the main floor and redid the elec and Heating AC for that new area – not much of the actual auditorium was destroyed but I do remember taking a peak inside and I was quite impressed. It remained a Penner’s fro about 4+ years and then much of the stores on 12th were demolished, including some great restaurants and Adam’s Men’s Store on the Corner. I tried to see as much of the demolition of the Regent as I could, just like I sadly watched the demolition of the old Paramount and Roxy Theaters – treasures lost. The Regent still had its Theater Organ and Pipes etc along with its old Piano also destroyed during the demolition. It was easy to see just how ornate it was. Apparently, it was built primarily for movies but did have narrow stage area with rigging still in tack. I remember the Regent showing at least One Burlesque B&W film after two regular movies that were very popular with the GIs overseas during WWII. They were pretty harmless and also some of the skits pretty funny – they can be seen online. Downtown KC has lost so much of its history. I do not remember what Bank Building was built in its place, I want to say Mercantile Bank but what every it was, it did not last and I think the building is now just condo’s.
What is the current status of this wonderful big screen theater? I am still angry that the River Hills and Reviera are both gone. Don’t get me started about the Paramount downtown. Has the MH Cinema been stripped out completely? Is it even still standing?
Last Christmas, I was back in Kansas City and had noted previously that Restoration Hardware had left. I did not know they were going next door in space from the old Halls Store. So what is going on with the Plaza Theater Building? The actual ceiling was never destroyed and only a front portion of the balcony was removed.Come on UMKC restore the Plaza Theater as a Live Performing Arts Center. If not the Plaza – how about the old Lyric (Capri) Theater.
I grew up in Kansas City and loved the Plaza Theater. It was the gem of JC Nickels Co. Sadly the theater was made a 3plex and then closed and remodeled as A Restoration Hardware Store. I understand that much of the auditorium was saved including the Stage and the ceiling even though that space was used as back stock storage the The Floor was modified in a way that it too could actually be restored at a later date back to a theater. The front part of the balcony was sadly removed and they did not use the downstairs lounges and they were left intact. Now that the Restoration Hardware Store is gone, this would be a good time for the theater to be completely restored as a live performing arts venue maybe associated with UMKC, Put the auditorium back to the way it was. There is room to increase the stage and back stage area. Not sure what is going on with the Plaza – too many empty buildings. I understand that even Houston’s has not closed. The Business, Arts and KC Historic Community need to get behind putting the Plaza Theater Back together. The Midland, still beautiful, is now and oversized live music Bar venue and it is deteriorating with the excessive loud music. I saw a lot of problems in the auditorium and the management is doing nothing about it. Very sad. Save and Restore the once majestic Plaza Theater before it is too late.
It is now Feb 2017, is there any updates on plans to get this once beautiful theater up and running with the lights on again? I know that about 5 years ago there was some serious discussion about demolishing that auditorium and keeping the facade and building two banquet rooms for the adjoining Hotel. I hope that conversation is history.
I just took a trip back home to Kansas City, MO from Connecticut and took a drive downtown Kansas City, KS and was disappointed to see a vacant lot where the Avenue Theater once stood. I know it was closed for many years after being used by a church. However, it was not really changed in side with the exception of the movie screen, framing and the speakers being removed so the stage are could be more multi-purpose. When I moved to CT 3 years ago, I was informed that a real plan to clean up the old Avenue (later Cameo) Theater and to begin showing movies again – most likely Spanish Produced movies was almost a done deal. The biggest expense was going to be the purchase of all digital projection equipment and outfitting the stage area with a new screen and speakers. I actually was able to take a look inside before the wood protections were put in place. The theater was in very good shape with some lite water damage in the ceiling. The seats were all there and even the last remaining curtain and rig. It would have been very easy to spruce up this single screen gem still standing in the KC Metro. Not sure why this effort fell apart and the gov did not get behind it. I also noticed that the Granada Theater re done about 7 years ago has received a new facelift and seems to be a multi-use Spanish Church related venue with the capability of still showing movies but no digital projection equipment according to a man coming out of the Granada. I think Kansas City, KS gov made a huge mistake to not save the old Electric Theater which was very similar to the KCMO Folly and Orpheum Theaters inside. It could have been a wonderful live performance theater incorporated into all of the re-development in the that two block area. Seems like it is always the theaters that get demolished. Saving the Avenue as a real Community Theater would have been a very smart move.
It has been reported that the VOX church organization will purchase the Capital Theater building. This is my daughter’s Church and they have various sites and is the fastest growing Non Denominational Christian Church in CT and elsewhere. They use the the College Street Theater in New Haven quite often and I even attended the Christmas program with my daughter last night. That gave me a great idea on just how the Capital Theater will actually work out and be a great fit for the VOX Church. The will need more gathering space and offices so the old Hotel building next door is probably in the works as well. The capital has a balcony and will need it. The Plaster animation is there and can be repaired. The auditorium is empty of seats and stage equipment but that stuff is available. I would have preferred the City to follow thru with their plans with selling Bonds but this may end up being a better deal because with the design that VOX Theater will end up with the old theater would have multi use options Be assured that it was have all new electric, plumbing, heating and ac and of course state of the art lighting, sound and stage rigging. My guess is that they will tier the floor for various seating and table options. I am a Catholic but I clearly understand the attraction to these new Churches especially VOX, Welcome to New London, this could be a boom for New London’s other businesses especially restaurants on both Bank and State Street.
When it became known that the Controversial Movie with Caroll Baker and Karl Malden was going to debut in Kansas City at The Aladdin Theater instead of the KIMO, work was planned to spruce it up. The interior was painted a Pink and Grey and covered up nice stenciling almost Identical to The Vista. To Will Dunklin - I am pretty sure the Organ was removed at that time. For years it was to the left of the stage on Floor. Also, there was a major boycott by nearly all the Churches there on the Eastside. St.Stephen’s was very vocal stating it would be a Mortal Sin for Catholics to see the movie Baby Doll. Like the early Bridget Bardow films, pretty tame compared to all the hype. The problem was that after the movie left, Churches preached to their members to no longer go to movies at The Aladdin Theater. With some surprise, I think it made it another 2 years and then closed in 1958, even though it was in pretty nice condition. A sad loss for all the kids in the neighborhood because we had Saturday morning movies in the Summer and also Sunday Matinees that were always popular. The Aladdin never again booked any controversial films after the Baby Doll fiasco
It was really beautiful all lit up at night. \
I wish that would have been saved - what a perfect building to have saved for such a beautiful location. Maybe a combination Movie Theater and live performing arts theater. Sad loss.
A lot of very rare beauty is now gone - how sad.
There seems to be a lot of rumors about the future of the Niantic Cinema - most people I know what it to get another chance, maybe with a new owner and some remodeling. One rumor is that the main theater itself may be restored for both movies and a live performance venue maybe with tiered table or theater seating. Another rumor is that another company is ready to come in and strip the 5 plex of all its new digital projection, sound system and screens for use elsewhere. That one really hurts I think the city needs to be behind this and make it a non profit facility owned by the city but contracted to manage it. However. it needs some serious upgrades. I wear linely bifocals so I absolutly hate these uncomfortable no head support recliners that seem to be getting installed everywhere. May be mix would be better. Bottom line the theater needs to be saved and the community needs to get involved asap.
It is now official, the city has determined that the old theater is not safe and has scheduled demolition. At this point, I just wish the facade could be saved and secured for something new in the future.
Looks like a large performance stage and that is great. The City of New London needs to get behind this restoration.
The Capital Theater must be saved - there are Grants out there that can help with the restoration. This is truly a possible beautiful historic landmark.
Really beautiful theater. Hope it can be restored to a performing arts venue - could be multi purpose with tiered seating both theater and table Las Vegas style with. I think it could compliment the Garde and not compete. The Garde can still show state of the art digital movies in a movie palace setting. The Capital could be simply live performance and also a banquet venue etc. This theater must be saved and the current owner is just not getting it done, or, anything else on that block
That is the Vogue Theater that was in Lee’s Summit, MO not the one on Broadway in KCMO
It would be great to replicate the original Neon that was on the Vogue Marquee and vertical blade sign. Downtown LS needs a historic type theater again. I thought the old Senior Citizen Center would have been a great site for a conversion to a Rio type theater that is in Overland Park KS or the Armour in N Kansas City.
Wow, sad it was lost. It would be great for someone put in a vintage style movie theater back in downtown Lee’s Summit, MO. Maybe the Fine Arts Group in the future. LS already had a well known Neon Sign Co. that re-create a vintage beautiful NEON lit Marquee. . Maybe a combo, live performance venue and a movie theater similar to the RIO in Overland Park KS. LS is a perfect setting.
There seems to be a growing concern about no theaters operating on The Plaza. Many people have been angry ever since the Plaza was closed and converted to a short lived Restoration Hardware Store and then a knock off version. The ugly dark grey that replaced the white paint is dark and horrible for any retail situation. Many of us want the Plaza restored and returned as a Live Performing Arts Theater with ability to also show special movies. Although a removable flore was built along with a drop ceiling in the main auditorium to be the back room storage for the retail, much of the original decor is still there but hidden. Part of the old Balcony had to be modified to allow for the new restrooms to be built. All in all, we want the Plaza Theater back. It was not so altered that it could not be restored. Sadly the beautiful steps going up to the Balcony were removed along with covering the ornate steps going downstairs to the Lounge and Restrooms - Much of the Balcony is still the same and some have said the seats were never removed. The beautiful Spanish Style ceiling is still there, but would need a lot of repair due to the placement of new heating and AC in the building along with the dropped ceiling in the stock warehouse. Got to get more people behind this especially the Arts Community. Not sure what is happening with the Palace Theater main building. What are the plans for that? If we can get pride back at the Plaza with it being a safe place for night life, we need the Theaters back especially The once majestic Plaza. Anyone else the feels the same way, please comment.
Actually the Palace Theater was a nice performing arts theater with a large stage. My Aunt worked the Ticket office for many years until it closed. For the last 7 years, is mainly showed westerns and for a year was an Owl Movie theater meaning it was a 24 hour operation and that caused it to get a little seedy so that was short lived. Too bad it was not saved, since it could have been a nice live performance theater. Many People have forgotten KC’s Lyceum that was around the corner on 9th Street It butted up to the Palace South Side auditorium wall.
Does anyone know what are the plans for the part of the Palace Theater complex in the old Sears Building. Some are saying that B&B Theaters are going to renovate and take over. I loved the former larger auditoriums across the walk way and the pictures on the walls of history movie palaces. Hope a lot of that ends up in another theater somewhere. I know there have been problems on The Plaza but I cannot imagine the Plaza without movie theaters.
Wish someone had some interior pics of the Vista Theater, I know it was almost a twin of the Aladdin Theater.
I wish there had been pictures posted of the interior – it was quite ornate for a small theater that included a balcony and quite ornate ceiling. Before it was demolished, it was converted into a much larger Penner’s Men’s Clothing Store. The leveled the main floor and redid the elec and Heating AC for that new area – not much of the actual auditorium was destroyed but I do remember taking a peak inside and I was quite impressed. It remained a Penner’s fro about 4+ years and then much of the stores on 12th were demolished, including some great restaurants and Adam’s Men’s Store on the Corner. I tried to see as much of the demolition of the Regent as I could, just like I sadly watched the demolition of the old Paramount and Roxy Theaters – treasures lost. The Regent still had its Theater Organ and Pipes etc along with its old Piano also destroyed during the demolition. It was easy to see just how ornate it was. Apparently, it was built primarily for movies but did have narrow stage area with rigging still in tack. I remember the Regent showing at least One Burlesque B&W film after two regular movies that were very popular with the GIs overseas during WWII. They were pretty harmless and also some of the skits pretty funny – they can be seen online. Downtown KC has lost so much of its history. I do not remember what Bank Building was built in its place, I want to say Mercantile Bank but what every it was, it did not last and I think the building is now just condo’s.
How lucky for Stamford to still have this beautiful theater. So many wonderful neighborhood theaters are now history.
What is the current status of this wonderful big screen theater? I am still angry that the River Hills and Reviera are both gone. Don’t get me started about the Paramount downtown. Has the MH Cinema been stripped out completely? Is it even still standing?
Last Christmas, I was back in Kansas City and had noted previously that Restoration Hardware had left. I did not know they were going next door in space from the old Halls Store. So what is going on with the Plaza Theater Building? The actual ceiling was never destroyed and only a front portion of the balcony was removed.Come on UMKC restore the Plaza Theater as a Live Performing Arts Center. If not the Plaza – how about the old Lyric (Capri) Theater.
I grew up in Kansas City and loved the Plaza Theater. It was the gem of JC Nickels Co. Sadly the theater was made a 3plex and then closed and remodeled as A Restoration Hardware Store. I understand that much of the auditorium was saved including the Stage and the ceiling even though that space was used as back stock storage the The Floor was modified in a way that it too could actually be restored at a later date back to a theater. The front part of the balcony was sadly removed and they did not use the downstairs lounges and they were left intact. Now that the Restoration Hardware Store is gone, this would be a good time for the theater to be completely restored as a live performing arts venue maybe associated with UMKC, Put the auditorium back to the way it was. There is room to increase the stage and back stage area. Not sure what is going on with the Plaza – too many empty buildings. I understand that even Houston’s has not closed. The Business, Arts and KC Historic Community need to get behind putting the Plaza Theater Back together. The Midland, still beautiful, is now and oversized live music Bar venue and it is deteriorating with the excessive loud music. I saw a lot of problems in the auditorium and the management is doing nothing about it. Very sad. Save and Restore the once majestic Plaza Theater before it is too late.
It is now Feb 2017, is there any updates on plans to get this once beautiful theater up and running with the lights on again? I know that about 5 years ago there was some serious discussion about demolishing that auditorium and keeping the facade and building two banquet rooms for the adjoining Hotel. I hope that conversation is history.
I just took a trip back home to Kansas City, MO from Connecticut and took a drive downtown Kansas City, KS and was disappointed to see a vacant lot where the Avenue Theater once stood. I know it was closed for many years after being used by a church. However, it was not really changed in side with the exception of the movie screen, framing and the speakers being removed so the stage are could be more multi-purpose. When I moved to CT 3 years ago, I was informed that a real plan to clean up the old Avenue (later Cameo) Theater and to begin showing movies again – most likely Spanish Produced movies was almost a done deal. The biggest expense was going to be the purchase of all digital projection equipment and outfitting the stage area with a new screen and speakers. I actually was able to take a look inside before the wood protections were put in place. The theater was in very good shape with some lite water damage in the ceiling. The seats were all there and even the last remaining curtain and rig. It would have been very easy to spruce up this single screen gem still standing in the KC Metro. Not sure why this effort fell apart and the gov did not get behind it. I also noticed that the Granada Theater re done about 7 years ago has received a new facelift and seems to be a multi-use Spanish Church related venue with the capability of still showing movies but no digital projection equipment according to a man coming out of the Granada. I think Kansas City, KS gov made a huge mistake to not save the old Electric Theater which was very similar to the KCMO Folly and Orpheum Theaters inside. It could have been a wonderful live performance theater incorporated into all of the re-development in the that two block area. Seems like it is always the theaters that get demolished. Saving the Avenue as a real Community Theater would have been a very smart move.
I would have loved to have seen the new Star Wars movie in this beautiful historic Theater.