photography

Lincoln Square Theatre – Decatur, Illinois

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This was originally posted on After the Final Curtain’s Patreon in August 2024. For expanded early posts, as well as video walkthroughs and other exclusive content, you can become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/afterthefinalcurtain

View of the auditorium from the side of the balcony.

On October 31, 1916, the Lincoln Square Theatre in Decatur, Illinois opened its doors. Designed by the local architectural firm of Charles J. Aschauer and Arthur M. Waggoner, it featured the Art Nouveau and Beaux Arts styles, which were popular at the time. The theater was considered fireproof, constructed of steel, concrete, and fireproof brick. It originally seated nearly 1,400 people and was equipped with a Barton theatre organ, featuring two 3-manual consoles. The public got its first glimpse of the theater during an event in early October 1916, with its formal grand opening occurring on October 27, 1916. The first performance featured George M. Cohan’s stage comedy “Hit-The-Trail-Holliday” starring Frank Otto and “My HomeTown Girl” starring John Hyams and Leila McIntyre.

In February 1926, the theater hired a 12-member orchestra to accompany stage productions and silent films. By June 1929, the theater “talkies” arrived in Decatur, first at the Empress Theater. The Lincoln began showing talkies 14 months later, marking the end of its vaudeville days.

Harry Blackstone, a famous magician, performed at the theater in September 1942. During his performance, a fire broke out at a neighboring drugstore. Blackstone cleverly and calmly evacuated the theater, convincing the audience of schoolchildren that they were part of a magic trick. No injuries were reported. Over the years, many famous performers graced the stage of the Lincoln Square Theatre, including Ethel Barrymore, and Bob Hope. Houdini was rumored to have performed at the Lincoln, but there’s no evidence to back that up. In March 1960, a fire heavily damaged the lobby, which was rebuilt a few months later.

View of the auditorium from the center of the balcony.

The theater was sold in 1974 to Plitt Theaters Inc., and later passed to the Kerasotes chain. The Kerasotes chain leased the building on a month-to-month basis until 1980, when their lease was terminated. Before leaving, Kerasotes removed much of the theater’s valuable equipment, leaving the projectors and speakers in disrepair.

Travel Channel’s Most Terrifying Places in America filmed an episode at the theater, dubbing it one of the most haunted theaters in the United States.

Throughout the 1990 and 2000s, efforts to restore the Lincoln Square Theatre began. It reopened for a few years but the theater closed in May 2017, unable to complete full restoration. However, in 2021, a nonprofit group called “Friends of the Lincoln Square Theater” (FotLSQ) took over the project. The theater reopened as a concert venue in 2022. The FotLSQ has repainted much of the theater, replaced the curtains, and the seating on the main level.

*I didn’t photograph the lobby as the original was destroyed, and the new one was not interesting.

Behind the Curtain: What’s Coming in 2025

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Auditorium, Elitch Theatre – Denver, Colorado.

Happy 2025!

As we step into 2025, I’m excited to share what’s on the horizon for After the Final Curtain.

Workshops in 2025

This year, I’m introducing destination workshops designed for those who share a passion for photographing and preserving historic spaces. While I’ll still host a few local sessions, the focus will be on two major events: one in late spring/early summer and another in the fall. Each workshop will take place at multiple locations, giving us a chance to capture and celebrate the beauty of historic theaters in different settings. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these workshops will be a fantastic opportunity to refine your skills and immerse yourself in these architectural gems.

Patreon: Exclusive Content for Theater Enthusiasts

For those who want even more, my Patreon page is the place to be. Many of my 2025 posts are already available there, including expanded features, behind-the-scenes insights, and video walkthroughs of historic theaters. Patreon also gives you early access to new content and a closer look at my creative process. If you’re as captivated by historic theaters as I am, I’d love to have you join the community! You can sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/afterthefinalcurtain.

Monthly Posts on After the Final Curtain

I’ve been hard at work finishing up my posts for 2025 and am already scheduled through August—just a few months left to go! Here on the main site, I’ll continue to share one post a month. These will highlight the history, beauty, and stories behind some of the most incredible theaters I’ve visited. Whether you’re following along here or on Patreon, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Thank you for your continued support and shared passion for historic theaters and photography. I’m so grateful to have this community and can’t wait the next year brings.

Here’s to another year of preserving and celebrating these remarkable spaces!

The Capitol Theatre – Davenport, Iowa

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This was originally posted on After the Final Curtain’s Patreon in April 2023. For expanded early posts, as well as video walkthroughs and other exclusive content, you can become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/afterthefinalcurtain

View of the auditorium from the balcony.

Located within the historic 10-story Kahl building in Davenport, Iowa, the Capitol Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone since its completion in early October 1920. Constructed by Henry C. Kahl, the building not only housed office spaces and retail outlets but also a 2,500 seat theater designed by renowned architects Rapp & Rapp, famous for their work on iconic venues such as the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NY, and the Uptown Theatre in Chicago, IL.

The theater’s main entrance and stairway.

The Capitol, which cost $680,000 at the time (equivalent to $10.6 million today), opened its doors on December 25, 1920, with the screening of the silent film “The Man Who Lost Himself” starring William Faversham and Hedda Hopper. The inaugural event was accompanied by a performance on the impressive M.P. Moller Opus 2939 pipe organ, a $60,000 instrument that required five freight cars for transportation to the theater.

View of the auditorium ceiling from the stage.

The orchestra level of the auditorium featured alcoves housing a grand piano and a harp. The theater’s aesthetic was further enhanced by paintings adorning the lobby, foyer, and balcony. Under the management of Paramount Pictures Inc. subsidiary A.H. Blank by 1941, the Capitol Theatre became a hub for both vaudeville performances and movies. Notably, it hosted the legendary Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and Dion & the Belmonts on January 29, 1959, just days before the plane crash on February 3, 1959, that took the lives of Holly, Valens and The Big Bopper, forever immortalized as “The Day the Music Died.”

Statler and Waldorf, two muppets, were placed in a box seat and left behind after the theater closed.

In subsequent years, the theater underwent several transformations, from showcasing Spanish language films in the early 1970s to screening adult XXX movies in the late 1970s. It was repurposed as a Christian Center in the 1980s and a concert hall for various genres in the 1990s, it eventually became a hub for local productions of ballet, community theater, and college performances.

In 2010, the Capitol Theatre closed its doors. In 2020, a $25 million renovation project commenced, transforming the building into the JNB Capitol Building of Bettendorf. The theater reopened on September 23, 2023 with a concert by the American post-hardcore band Dayseeker. The renovation recreated some features that had been lost and preserved marble floors and artwork. Alongside the theater, the 10-story building now boasts 65 apartments. Free tours of the theater are offered daily at 3 PM, 4 PM, and 5 PM.

Spring and Summer Photo Workshops 2024

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Fox West Theatre in Trinidad, Colorado

I’m excited to finally announce the first round of Photography Workshops for 2024. As I’ve said elsewhere – this will be my last year doing workshops in their current form.

 

Strand Theatre – Clinton, MA

Strand Theatre

Location: Clinton, MA

Date: April 27, 2024

The Theatre: The Strand Theatre opened in 1924, in Clinton, Massachusetts. It closed in 2021 after years as a dinner theater.

Cost: $80.00

Tickets: https://www.mlambrosphotography.com/workshops/strand-theatre-workshop-clinton

Olympia Theatre Worcester, MA

Olympia (Art) Theatre

Location: Worcester, MA

Date/Time:
May 11, 2024

The Theatre: The Art Theatre opened in 1891 as Lothrop’s Opera House and is the oldest surviving theater in Worcester, MA. It went through a number of names including; The Olympia Theater, Lynch’s Pleasant Theater, Fine Arts Theater, and finally the New Art Cinema. It closed in 2006.

Cost: $80.00

Tickets: https://www.mlambrosphotography.com/workshops/arttheatreworkshop2024

Fox West Theatre

Location: Trinidad, Colorado

Date: June 22, 2024

The Theatre: The Fox Theatre in Trinidad, Colorado made its grand debut on March 16, 1908, showcasing the stage play “The Bondman.” Over the years, it served as a versatile venue for a variety of performances including stage shows, vaudeville acts, opera, and silent films. It closed in 2013, making it one of the longest running single screen theaters in the country.

Cost: $160.00

Tickets: https://www.mlambrosphotography.com/workshops/foxwestworkshop1021

Opera House, Hotel and Tunnels Workshop

Location: Trinidad, Colorado

Date/Time: June 23, 2024

The Opera House:
In 1882, Trinidad’s inaugural opera house emerged amidst much celebration courtesy of the Jaffa brothers—Sam, Sol, and Henry. For twenty-four years, it resonated with the melodies of plays, brass bands, and the rhetoric of public speakers before its curtains closed in 1906. Responding to the town’s pragmatic ethos, the auditorium morphed into an office block and an extension of the neighboring Wight Hotel.

Resilience characterized its trajectory as the edifice endured a 5.3-magnitude earthquake in 2011, sustaining significant damage. Despite expert voices advocating for its demise, the community united in a bid to salvage and restore their historic gem.

We will also have access to an old hotel building downtown as well as some tunnels that run underneath the city.

Cost: $120.00

Tickets: https://www.mlambrosphotography.com/workshops/trinidadoperahouse

Strand Theatre

Location: Boston, MA

Date/Time: June 30, 2024

The Theatre: The Strand Theatre opened on November 11, 1918, in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. It was designed by Boston architectural firm Funk and Wilcox, who also designed the nearby Franklin Park Theatre. It is currently used for live events.

Cost: $75.00

Tickets: https://www.mlambrosphotography.com/workshops/strand-theatre-workshop-boston-ma826

As always – I have some other workshops planned for later this year. If there are any you’d like me to revisit or suggested locations – let me know!

The Boulevard Theatre – Queens, NY

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This was originally posted on After the Final Curtain’s Patreon in July 2023. For expanded early posts, as well as video walkthroughs and other exclusive content, you can become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/afterthefinalcurtain

View of the auditorium from the balcony.

Located in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, NY, the Boulevard Theatre has a rich history that spans nearly a century. It first opened its doors on September 10, 1926, as one of three theaters built in Queens by the Grob & Knobel circuit with Herbert J. Krapp as architect. The other two were the Jackson Theatre and the Sunnyside Theatre.  It was the only one of the three that had large enough stage facilities to handle a musical or Broadway style play.

View of the auditorium from the stage during demolition.

The theater, with 1,839 seats, was designed to showcase shows that had recently closed on Broadway or were on trial before their official run. This made it a popular place for theater enthusiasts. In 1928, William Fox acquired the Grob & Knobel theaters, and Louis Werba managed the Boulevard Theatre. But due to the Depression, both Fox and Werba faced bankruptcy. As a result, the Boulevard Theatre became a double-feature movie house under Fox’s successor, Skouras Theatres. Skouras also took control of the Jackson Theatre and Sunnyside Theatre, which were later sold to Century Theatres.

After years as a live theater venue, the Boulevard switched formats and became a movie theater. In the 1960s, it was a first run movie theater.  A special screening of “Yours, Mine and Ours” starring Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda was shown at the theater in 1968 before its wide release.

Triplexed in the 1970s, the Boulevard Theatre encountered difficulties because it was located in a residential area on Northern Boulevard, far from the 82nd Street shopping district around Roosevelt Avenue. This, combined with a decline in the neighborhood, led to the theater closing in the 1980s and its owner planned on demolishing it. However, this did not happen partially because of the community’s disapproval of his plan.

Eventually, the Boulevard Theatre was sold and transformed into the successful Natives Restaurant-Theatre, catering to Queens’ Hispanic community. The entrance was converted into a restaurant-bar, and the three auditoriums were used for various events. However, by 2016, it had turned into a restaurant/nightclub, which closed during the Covid-19 Pandemic. In early 2021, it was demolished, putting an end to its rich and storied history.

The remains of one of the stairways leading to the balcony.

RKO Madison Theatre – Queens, NY

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This was originally posted on After the Final Curtain’s Patreon in May 2023. For expanded early posts, as well as video walkthroughs and other exclusive content, you can become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/afterthefinalcurtain

View from the balcony of the RKO Madison Theatre.

It’s not uncommon to see buildings in New York City with a mismatched facade, especially in neighborhoods where space is at a premium. But if you’re like me, and you’re interested in the history of the city, you might wonder what that building used to be. And in the case of this particular building, it has quite a history. The building at the corner of Myrtle and Wykoff Avenue used to be the RKO Madison Theatre, which opened on November 24, 1927.

The Madison Theatre, as it was originally known, is situated on the border of Brooklyn and Queens, was constructed by B.S. Moss, a subsidiary of Keith-Albee. Moss’s original plan was to name the theater Beacon, but he was eventually persuaded to change the name to Madison, as a tribute to James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, and Madison Street, which was situated nearby. The architect in charge of the design was Eugene DeRosa, who had previously worked on the Colony Theatre in Manhattan. DeRosa employed an Italian Renaissance style, with a classical Greek facade made of white marble. The theater’s slogan around the time of its opening was “Bringing Broadway to Brooklyn.”

A close up of the theater’s dome.

It boasted a seating capacity of 2,760, which was significantly larger than Moss’ earlier venture, the Colony. The Grand Foyer spanned two stories and was accentuated with a vaulted ceiling that sported crystal chandeliers. The walls of the foyer were crafted from colored marble, with bronze borders that added a touch of class. A white marble staircase led patrons to the mezzanine promenade, which featured a lounge area and restrooms. The auditorium was large and included a balcony with a loge section at the front. Its ceiling, from the center of the dome, featured a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and the colored lights within the dome’s cove allowed for an ever-changing ambiance. The orchestra pit was situated at the front of the stage and had three separate elevators, one each for the orchestra, piano, and Wurlitzer organ, which was an unprecedented luxury for a neighborhood theatre. Much of the Madison’s grandeur was due to Moss’ intention to outdo the competition of the nearby Fox Ridgewood, which had been the area’s dominant theatre since 1913.

Much of the theater’s lobby still exists, but it has been completely walled off.

Houdini’s brother, Theo Hardeen, had his stage show at the Madison Theatre on May 30th, 1945. Thirteen days later, on June 12, 1945, Theo Hardeen passed away at the age of 69 from esophagus cancer. The RKO Madison Theatre was a popular venue in Ridgewood for decades. However, it became a Grindhouse, which was a theater that mostly showed b-grade horror or exploitation films, in the 1970s and eventually closed right after Halloween in 1977. The last film it showed was a twin-bill horror flick. The building was then converted for retail use in 1978 and has since housed several stores, including Consumers, Busy Bee, Odd Lot, and now Liberty Department Store.

The projection booth has been stripped bare of all equipment.

The Utah Pantages Theatre – Salt Lake City, Utah

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This was originally posted on After the Final Curtain’s Patreon. For expanded early posts, as well as video walkthroughs and other exclusive content, you can become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/afterthefinalcurtain

View of the auditorium post twinning.

On December 1, 1920, the Pantages Theatre opened in Salt Lake City, and was called “Utah’s most ornate theater” in an early advertisement. Designed by Benjamin Marcus Priteca, the official architect of the Pantages circuit, the theater could accommodate 2,300 guests. Priteca had designed more than 20 theaters for the company, making him the preferred architect of Alexander Pantages. The theater cost a staggering $2 million, equivalent to $34 million in present-day terms. Priteca, famous for his work with Pantages, decorated the interior in the Italian Renaissance style, a popular choice in Pantages theaters that became known as “Pantages Greek.”

A closer look at the skylight of the Utah Pantages Theatre.
A close up of the tiffany skylight.

The grand opening of the theater featured the silent film “Polyanna,” starring Mary Pickford as well as some vaudeville performances. On September 11, 1929, it was renamed the RKO Orpheum Theatre and renamed again on September 29, 1937, as the Utah Theatre. The Utah Theatre reopened with a stage review and the film “The Girl Said No,” starring Robert Armstrong.

View of the lobby from the mezzanine level.

In 1938, the Utah Pantages Theatre underwent significant changes, which included the removal of its third story and the application of Art Moderne style to its facade. A new marquee was also installed in the same style. Over the years, the theater hosted many famous performances from celebrities such as Babe Ruth, Abbott and Costello, and Will Rogers.

Entrance hallway to the Utah Pantages Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The theater had a long entrance hallway leading to the lobby.

The center section of the facade and marquee were replaced yet again in 1968, this time with a simpler design featuring a smaller projecting roof. The interior also underwent major renovations during this time, resulting in the creation of a twin-plex layout and the removal of original interior finishes in the lower auditorium to accommodate the renovation.

It ceased to operate as a movie theater in 1988 and was later used by a local dance company until 1992, when it was sold to new owners. Following a series of changes in ownership, the vacant building was eventually acquired by the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency (RDA) in 2009.

View of the auditorium from the side of the balcony.

Hines, a privately owned real estate development firm, signed an agreement with Salt Lake City in 2019 to purchase the Utah Theatre property. The agreement required the future residential development to include at least 10% of affordable housing units and to maintain a green space with public access. The developers acquired the property for $0 from the RDA under these conditions. However, the proposed 31-story, 400-unit apartment tower at the site, which would involve the demolition of the Utah Theatre, was met with controversy. There have been efforts to save the theatre from demolition as supporters of this initiative dispute the city’s renovation cost estimates of $60-$80 million.

Some of the ornate plasterwork that remained in the theater prior to demolition.

The demolition of the historic theater, despite efforts by preservationists, and concerned citizens, began on April 19, 2022. Michael Valentine, a filmmaker and one of the founders of the group “Save the Historic Utah Pantages Theatre”, watched the demolition from a distance, streaming the event online. He lamented the loss of the beloved theater, describing it as a “hard to watch” and “sad day for Utah,” adding that it was “Utah’s greatest theater.” Multiple legal attempts to save the building proved unsuccessful, while the developers were unyielding in their pursuit of their construction schedule, citing financial losses for any delays.

After the theater’s demolition, Hines requested a one-year extension for finalizing their designs, citing unforeseen challenges discovered through soil samples. However, the loss of a key equity partner due to market changes has created significant financial difficulties for the Texas-based firm, causing them to miss their legal deadline for commencing construction.

The developer, though affirming their commitment to the success of the upscale tower, has not provided any timelines or estimates for when the delays might end. This has left many wondering about the future of the site and its impact on the surrounding community.

Elks Lodge – Pawtucket, RI

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This was originally posted on After the Final Curtain’s Patreon in November 2022. For expanded early posts, as well as video walkthroughs and other exclusive content, you can become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/afterthefinalcurtain

View of the auditorium from the orchestra level.

The Pawtucket Elks Lodge Building is located in the central business district of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It was designed in the Mission/Spanish Revival architectural style by the O’Malley-Fitzsimmons Company. Its first floor was made for commercial tenants, which is unusual for an Elks lodge.

Looking back at the auditorium from the stage.

On June 10, 1904, the Pawtucket Lodge of Elks #920 was founded with 64 members. They rented halls for their meetings before purchasing a permanent home on School Street in 1914. However, membership skyrocketed, and they announced plans to build a new lodge building in 1924. Construction was complete by 1926 and they moved in. During the Great Depression, the Pawtucket Elks could survive because of the income they received from the commercial tenants in the building.

The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 18, 1983. The Elks moved out of the building in the late 20th century, and the building fell into disrepair. It’s currently home to an artists collective who live and work in the building.

The exterior of the building.

A tapestry that was definitely not original to the building.

Empire Gardens (The Globe, Loew’s Center Theatre) – Boston, MA

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The Empire Garden was originally posted on After the Final Curtain’s Patreon in December 2022. For expanded early posts, as well as video walkthroughs and other exclusive content, you can become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/afterthefinalcurtain

The exterior of the theater.

The Empire Garden restaurant in Boston, Massachusetts was originally the Globe Theatre, a historic movie theater that was built in 1903. The theater was designed in the French Renaissance style by architect Athur Vinal and was a popular entertainment venue in Boston for many years.

It was taken over by E.M Loew’s and renamed the Loew’s Center Theatre in 1947. It has the distinction of being run by both Loew’s Incorporated, and the E.M. Loew’s circuits. Over the years, the Loew’s Center Theatre played host to a variety of films, stage productions, and other events. It was a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The area the theater was in became known as “The Combat Zone” in the late 1960s, and in 1974, the Boston Redevelopment Authority rezoned the area as a red-light district. The Center started showing soft-core pornography and blaxploitation films.

In the late 1980s, the theater was renamed to the Pagoda, and switched formats to show Hong Kong action films. However, it struggled financially and closed in 1995. It was later converted into the Empire Garden restaurant, which has been in operation at the same location ever since. While the exterior of the building has been preserved, much of the interior has been renovated to accommodate the restaurant. The ground floor has been completely gutted to make way for retail space, but the balcony survives and is now the dining room for the restaurant.

Summer and Fall Photo Workshops 2023

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I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a photography workshop at the Fox West Theatre in Trinidad, Colorado, on October 21, 2023. Here’s a bit about the theater –

The Fox Theatre in Trinidad, Colorado, made its grand debut on March 16, 1908, showcasing the stage play “The Bondman.” Over the years, it served as a versatile venue for a variety of performances, including stage shows, vaudeville acts, opera, and silent films. It closed in 2013, making it one of the longest running single screen theaters in the country.

I spent around 8 hours photographing the place, and it wasn’t enough. There’s just too much to see.

For more info and to sign up visit:

https://www.mlambrosphotography.com/workshops/foxwestworkshop1021

 

View from the upper balcony of the Sorg Opera House.

Another new addition is the Sorg Opera House in Middletown, Ohio on September 30, 2023. This workshop was originally going to happen before the pandemic, and I’m happy it’s finally taking place.

It originally opened in the 1890s. The Sorg began showing early forms of motion pictures in 1901 and switched to films full time in the late 1920s. It is currently owned by the SORG (Sorg Opera Revitalization Group), who have performed much needed renovations on parts of the theater.

For more on the theater check out my post from 2018: https://afterthefinalcurtain.net/2018/10/25/sorg-opera-house-middletown-ohio/

To sign up for the workshop visit:

https://www.mlambrosphotography.com/workshops/sorgoperahouseworkshop

Finally, by popular demand – there will be another workshop at the Paramount Theatre in Springfield, MA on July 29, 2023.  It’s one of my favorite workshop locations, and I’m glad it’s back in the rotation.

To sign up visit: https://www.mlambrosphotography.com/workshops/paramountworkshop72023

For the rest of the 2023 workshop schedule check out:

https://www.mlambrosphotography.com/workshops