I remember the St. George Theater during the 1950’s and early 1960’s.
I went to McKee High School right down the street on St. Marks Place, and would pass the St. George literally every day (at least those days when I’d actually show up for school).
In fact, as an aspiring singer (at the ripe old age of 14) I actually performed as part of a doo wop signing act in a rock ‘n roll stage show in October 1960.
The show included The Shirells, The Videos, Tony Orlando, The Marcels, Freddie Cannon, among others.
At just 14 years old, I nearly wet my pants standing out on that stage. But, I wouldn’t have missed that opportunity for the world.
What a HUGE place; almost 3,000 seats. Just looking up at that ceiling gave me a feeling of being so small in comparison.
But, when that blue-white spotlight hit me, and the whole audience disappeared into a black background, I was in another world; I’ll never forget that moment. It was a combination of total fear and total adulation … I LOVED IT!
I’m very happy to see that the St. George Theater has been restored. It’s a beautiful place with history absorbed into every fiber of its many surfaces.
As a kid living on Castleton Avenue in West Brighton, I remember walking to the Ritz on many Saturday afternoons. For $0.25 we got 100 cartoons and a movie.
On 1 particular Saturday, my younger sister and I went to the Ritz on a day they were giving out prizes. They’d call a ticket number and you’d have to fight your way to the stage to collect the prize.
They called my ticket number for a prize that was a new Schwin bike. But, being in the back on the ground floor near the popcorn stand with hundreds of screaming kids crowding the aisles, we couldn’t even get out of our row and was unable to collect our prize.
I saw the numerous 1st run movies at the Ritz, including the original “War of the World” at the Ritz in 1952, Elvis' 1st movie, “Love Me Tender,” and Pat Boone in “April Love.” Then, there were the classics like “Ben Hur” and “The King and I,” not to mention the Disney classics, like “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and “Davey Crockett.” Man, what a great life if was, then.
The smell of that theatre was so pleasant and distinct. And, the majesty of the deep, rich carpet; the beautiful chandeliers, and those wide, marble staircases.
I’m very greatful to have lived at such a wonderful time to have experienced this, and other great theatres on Staten Island.
Just want to correct some information in my comment of October 19, 2010.
The Rock ‘n Roll show I was in took place in November 1961, not in October 1960. That would have made me 15 years old, not 14 years old.
And, in case anyone really cares, the group I was with was called, Tommy Tucker & The Lullabyes.
Sorry for the previous error.
I remember the St. George Theater during the 1950’s and early 1960’s.
I went to McKee High School right down the street on St. Marks Place, and would pass the St. George literally every day (at least those days when I’d actually show up for school).
In fact, as an aspiring singer (at the ripe old age of 14) I actually performed as part of a doo wop signing act in a rock ‘n roll stage show in October 1960.
The show included The Shirells, The Videos, Tony Orlando, The Marcels, Freddie Cannon, among others.
At just 14 years old, I nearly wet my pants standing out on that stage. But, I wouldn’t have missed that opportunity for the world.
What a HUGE place; almost 3,000 seats. Just looking up at that ceiling gave me a feeling of being so small in comparison.
But, when that blue-white spotlight hit me, and the whole audience disappeared into a black background, I was in another world; I’ll never forget that moment. It was a combination of total fear and total adulation … I LOVED IT!
I’m very happy to see that the St. George Theater has been restored. It’s a beautiful place with history absorbed into every fiber of its many surfaces.
I hope it lives for many, many decades to come.
Ken Jones
As a kid living on Castleton Avenue in West Brighton, I remember walking to the Ritz on many Saturday afternoons. For $0.25 we got 100 cartoons and a movie.
On 1 particular Saturday, my younger sister and I went to the Ritz on a day they were giving out prizes. They’d call a ticket number and you’d have to fight your way to the stage to collect the prize.
They called my ticket number for a prize that was a new Schwin bike. But, being in the back on the ground floor near the popcorn stand with hundreds of screaming kids crowding the aisles, we couldn’t even get out of our row and was unable to collect our prize.
I saw the numerous 1st run movies at the Ritz, including the original “War of the World” at the Ritz in 1952, Elvis' 1st movie, “Love Me Tender,” and Pat Boone in “April Love.” Then, there were the classics like “Ben Hur” and “The King and I,” not to mention the Disney classics, like “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and “Davey Crockett.” Man, what a great life if was, then.
The smell of that theatre was so pleasant and distinct. And, the majesty of the deep, rich carpet; the beautiful chandeliers, and those wide, marble staircases.
I’m very greatful to have lived at such a wonderful time to have experienced this, and other great theatres on Staten Island.
Ken Jones