Esquire Theater

This theater has been completely destroyed. The interior is completely gutted and there are large holes punched into the auditorium walls. Another theater lost due to a complete lack of vision.

If I had the money to renovate it, I would.
I think it would be a fantastic location to create a proscenium stage for plays, musicals, and opera — and with a screen could show indie films and second run flicks, in addition to being a great place for concerts in an intimate setting. I know we have Bedell now, but it would still be great for those uses, and could produce shows with smaller draws and more controversial subject matter. If only I had the means, I would certainly have the motivation. Ever since I moved here in 2011, I’ve wondered how it could sit vacant for so long, being on Broadway in the center of town, right on the corner of campus.

Here is a recent shot of minor repairs being made to the Esquire.

http://www.capecentralhigh.com/cape-photos/broadway/hope-for-esquire/

Good news: the Esquire Theater in Cape Girardeau has been sold to someone who is going to renovate it and turn it into an indie house.

Here are photos taken Oct. 18, 2011: http://www.capecentralhigh.com/cape-photos/broadway/esquire-gets-new-life/

Happy to hear the the ‘Esquire Theater’ is still in existence & spared from the ‘Wrecking Ball’ of progress.
I was a freshman at ‘Cape State’ in 1958 & in need of funds to complete the year. Jim Foster, Manager of the ‘Esquire’, hired me for position of ‘Marquee Technician’ (three guesses as to job description duties)& ‘Usher’. Had a great year working with co-workers & Mr. Foster, who happened to be a terrific guy.
Still recall some of the great movies at that time…‘The Pride and the Passion’, ‘Mr. Roberts’, Doris & Rock, Cary & Audrey thrillers, etc.
Interestingly, Mr. Foster telling me to assist the concession stand at intermission at one of the new movies…he stated that there was something called “subliminal messages” in this movie & that patrons would want a lot of popcorn, candy & soda. He was correct…sales
were off the chart that evening. Later, I heard that the Government ordered these messages to cease & desist.
Would be nice to hear from my co-workers from that time.
Joe
e-mail:

‘BATTLESTAR GALACTICA" played in June 0f 1979.No mention if SENNSROUND sound effects were in the theatre.

Chuck,

The marquee is, as far as I know, the same as it was in the 2009 photos. I’m headed back to Cape in about a week. If it has changed, I’ll post new stuff.

I’d assume so, but at that point the whole marquee probably has to come off, and that gets ideas in people’s heads…

I’m not sure where Bibbler got his info, but the Esquire never had a balcony or starcases like is described. There was one tiny starcase up to the booth and storage and that’s it. The concession stand and boxoffice were part of the east wall.

In 1979 I was managing the theatre and Dubinsky Bros. put in new seats, it didn’t help much, the new cinemas with multi-screens were going up and single screens were dying.

But we made history (and got news time) when “Life of Brian” came out, we had people all upset over “this evil movie” and we even got pickets, it boosted ticket sales highly!

And another article from the same source:
http://tinyurl.com/pgj48

Who do you contact about buying and saving?