Comments about Plaza Theater in Newark, NJ

Jeff1 on August 3, 2012 at 6:34 am

This item appeared in The Music Trade Review, 1915:

“The M & S Amusement Co. plans to build two moving picture theaters soon. They will open The Regent Theater on Main Street, East Orange, first. The second theater will be opened on Seventh Street, Newark.”

Joe Vogel on January 14, 2012 at 2:49 am

This item from the February 17, 1915, issue of Engineering and Contracting could be about the Plaza Theatre:

“A theater costing approximately $100,000 will be erected by Edward W. McDonough on N. 7th St., near Orange St. Plans have been prepared by Henry Baechlin, architect, 665 Broad St., city.”

If Baechlin’s plans were used for the project, the theater should have opened by mid-1915, but I’ve been unable to find an opening date.

Ron Merk on January 7, 2012 at 4:57 pm

I have recently made contact with the granddaughter of one of the owners of the theater, Harry Aaron Kridel (who owned numerous NJ theaters) andthe last operator of the theater, his daughter, Madeleine Kridel) and have been given access to photos of the theater, and family members. But the real “cinema treasure” is that the family had 16mm movies of the front of the theater, and of a float in the Roseville Punkin' Parade advertising a “horror show” at the theater, and some footage of “monsters” in front of theater. Most in black and white, but some in color. This material is perfect for my documentary film. But I’m still looking for material on the Tivoli as well as downtown theaters. Moving images really needed, but stills or slides will also be fine. Please help if you can.

Ron Merk on June 18, 2011 at 9:53 pm

Hi, I’m still working on my documentary about Newark and the wonderful movie theaters that I attended in my youth during the late 50s and early 60s. If anyone has any photos or film of the Plaza, Tivoli or downtown movie palaces, please contact me at . Thanks so much. By the way, dropped by the Plaza one Sunday morning a few years ago, and was invited in my the church people. I was pleased to see that they have taken very good care of the interior. Spent many Saturday afternoons here as a kid. Thanks, Ron Merk

Ron Merk on September 18, 2009 at 4:07 am

Hi, if anyone has any slides, photos or films of the Plaza Theater, the Tivoli Theater or any of the downtown Newark movie palaces, please contact me. I’m making a documentary and cannot find much material on these theaters. Have found a few slides, and would be willing to share the scans with anyone who can help. I’m a filmmaker who was born in Newark, and attended all the theaters. Please respond to my direct e-mail address:
Thanks, Ron Merk

LUISMEL on March 14, 2009 at 1:44 pm

TC is that a flyer and where did you found it? also is it possible to have it bigger? Thanks!

kencmcintyre on July 6, 2008 at 9:37 pm

Here is an undated photo of the church:
http://tinyurl.com/5k6j2e

teecee on January 20, 2008 at 12:52 pm

1931 program:

View link

LUISMEL on June 21, 2007 at 5:48 pm

I believe it was once, then it was put up for sale and a spanish congregation bought it.

kcaldwell on June 20, 2007 at 5:26 pm

I think this is the building that housed Cornerstone Church and Positive Proof Ministries from 1989-1993.

LUISMEL on June 14, 2007 at 2:02 pm

Remember this movie house it use to play spanish double features then it suddenly closed didn’t know why till now. The building is still there and it has become a spanish pentecostal church now. I believe to have some pictures will post soon.

teecee on March 2, 2006 at 3:38 am

Listed as a Brandt Theater in the 1961 FDY.

teecee on June 8, 2005 at 8:21 am

As of 1925, was operated by Joseph Stern.

teecee on April 29, 2005 at 10:44 am

Listed at 129 N. 7th street in the 1951 FDY with 1133 seats.

Plaza Theater

129 N. 7th Street, Newark, NJ 07107

129 N. 7th Street,
Newark, NJ 07107