The theatre was featured last night on VH1 for a live Goo Goo Dolls concert, part of their Super Bowl Blitz concert series. The place looked absolutely spectacular on TV! http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/_y4GkXg1NWY/VH1+Super+Bowl+Blitz+Six+Nights+Six+Concerts/QG-7A798ieK/Brad+Fernquist
Yes, unfortunately the projection booth is still in a state of disrepair and we (for the time being) still have to settle for DVD presentations. However, it’s still exciting to see a film like The Exorcist on the big screen in such a spectacular theatre!
Just a couple of corrections: The St. George address is 35 Hyatt, not 25; seating capacity is now only 1,786 and movies are rarely shown. However, The Exorcist was just shown for Halloween and the theatre just obtained a new, larger screen so hopefully more films are on the way!
Recent sell-out shows included Paul Anka, Dianna Ross, Brett Michaels and Liza Minnelli.
Unfortunately, there currently is no electrical power going to the projection room. A previous owner ripped out all circuits to the room in preparation of running a new service up there: it was never completed. In order to show films again, the two circa 1970 projectors would need a complete overhaul, the electric would need to be completed, additional modern equipment would have to be purchased and a new, full size screen would need to be insatalled. Also, the decission would need to be made regarding digital equipment and/or 70mm. All told, about $50-$100,000.00. Anyone out there feeling generous??? Without it, the best you could possibly
hope for would be a movie night featuring a small screen and a rear projection DVD, sorry. The project is on the wish list for the St. George but, not near the top at this time.
Thanks Jean. The Mickey Mouse and Popeye ads have survived but, unfortunately, all of the other items that you mentioned seem to have been “lost”.
By the way, funding has been approved for a new marquee but it will take some time for it to be designed and installed; hopefully within the next year.
I am currently working on compiling an extensive history of the St. George Theatre. With the exception of old S.I. Advance stories, there is virtually nothing available. I am looking for the history of the building, its' operators and the origin of the paintings within. I also would appreciate any old photogrphs (primarily interior shots) that I can safely scan and return. Any interesting stories and/or information regarding the Proctor & Gamble shows of the 30’s and 40’s would also be of assistance. Please reply here if you can help. Thanks!
Fred, I just came across an obituary in the New York Times from Oct. 3, 1945. It was for your uncle Jeremiah, (Jerry) who passed on Oct.1, 1945 (not 1947.) He is listed as the brother of Eugene, Felix, Vincent, John, and Sylvia Hoffman. The obituary reads as though all the other siblings were still living at the time of Jeremiah’s death.
Your uncle’s Apollo Theatre was combined with the Lyric Theatre to build the Hilton Theatre on 42nd Street in NYC. Many of the original architectural elements were preserved and re-used in the “new” theatre. Eugene also was the architect for the St. George Theatre in Staten Island, NY. This theatre is now reopened and presenting live shows. The theatre is presently being restored to its' former glory and photos of it can be viewed at www.stgeorgetheatre.com If your trip this summer includes NYC, I would be happy to give you a tour of the spectacular St. George Theatre. If your cousin, Robert, has any information to share about the St. George, I would love to hear from him. Any questions, feel free to write!
The theatre was featured last night on VH1 for a live Goo Goo Dolls concert, part of their Super Bowl Blitz concert series. The place looked absolutely spectacular on TV! http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/_y4GkXg1NWY/VH1+Super+Bowl+Blitz+Six+Nights+Six+Concerts/QG-7A798ieK/Brad+Fernquist
Yes, unfortunately the projection booth is still in a state of disrepair and we (for the time being) still have to settle for DVD presentations. However, it’s still exciting to see a film like The Exorcist on the big screen in such a spectacular theatre!
Just a couple of corrections: The St. George address is 35 Hyatt, not 25; seating capacity is now only 1,786 and movies are rarely shown. However, The Exorcist was just shown for Halloween and the theatre just obtained a new, larger screen so hopefully more films are on the way! Recent sell-out shows included Paul Anka, Dianna Ross, Brett Michaels and Liza Minnelli.
Unfortunately, there currently is no electrical power going to the projection room. A previous owner ripped out all circuits to the room in preparation of running a new service up there: it was never completed. In order to show films again, the two circa 1970 projectors would need a complete overhaul, the electric would need to be completed, additional modern equipment would have to be purchased and a new, full size screen would need to be insatalled. Also, the decission would need to be made regarding digital equipment and/or 70mm. All told, about $50-$100,000.00. Anyone out there feeling generous??? Without it, the best you could possibly
hope for would be a movie night featuring a small screen and a rear projection DVD, sorry. The project is on the wish list for the St. George but, not near the top at this time.
Michael,
I am interested in the book; e-mail me at
Thanks Jean. The Mickey Mouse and Popeye ads have survived but, unfortunately, all of the other items that you mentioned seem to have been “lost”.
By the way, funding has been approved for a new marquee but it will take some time for it to be designed and installed; hopefully within the next year.
I am currently working on compiling an extensive history of the St. George Theatre. With the exception of old S.I. Advance stories, there is virtually nothing available. I am looking for the history of the building, its' operators and the origin of the paintings within. I also would appreciate any old photogrphs (primarily interior shots) that I can safely scan and return. Any interesting stories and/or information regarding the Proctor & Gamble shows of the 30’s and 40’s would also be of assistance. Please reply here if you can help. Thanks!
Fred, I just came across an obituary in the New York Times from Oct. 3, 1945. It was for your uncle Jeremiah, (Jerry) who passed on Oct.1, 1945 (not 1947.) He is listed as the brother of Eugene, Felix, Vincent, John, and Sylvia Hoffman. The obituary reads as though all the other siblings were still living at the time of Jeremiah’s death.
Your uncle’s Apollo Theatre was combined with the Lyric Theatre to build the Hilton Theatre on 42nd Street in NYC. Many of the original architectural elements were preserved and re-used in the “new” theatre. Eugene also was the architect for the St. George Theatre in Staten Island, NY. This theatre is now reopened and presenting live shows. The theatre is presently being restored to its' former glory and photos of it can be viewed at www.stgeorgetheatre.com If your trip this summer includes NYC, I would be happy to give you a tour of the spectacular St. George Theatre. If your cousin, Robert, has any information to share about the St. George, I would love to hear from him. Any questions, feel free to write!