In my travels across the USA, one of my favorite things to do is to check out the local theaters. Many of them go way back; some have either closed, or have been re-purposed as churches. In my hometown of Cleveland, we have a thriving theater scene, though some of our theaters are no longer functioning as such. Here, some of my favorite theater signs from across America, starting of course, in the land of Cleve.
Gotta start in my neighborhood in Cleveland Hts. The Centrum has gone through a lot of changes over the years, from showing $2 movies (as the Heights Theater), to a brief resurrection as the Centrum showing first-run movies. It’s now a church.
The late, lamented Euclid Tavern in University Circle. I saw quite a few concerts here “back in the day.”
The late, very lamented New Mayfield Theater in Little Italy. I saw hundreds of classic movies here, from Hitchcock to Bogart to the Beatles. The sign is still there, bringing a tear to my eye every time I go by.
The Bop Stop, a cool jazz club in Hingetown (W. 29th and Detroit). Thankfully, it’s not “late,” and is still in business.
The Beachland Ballroom, a great concert venue in Collinwood. Also still going strong, thankfully.
The El Rey Theather, Chico, California (8/16)
The Chicago Theater (5/17). Sadly, I did not go to the Norah Jones show, even though I am a fan.
The Byrd Theater, Richmond, VA (3/19)
The Boulder (Colorado), one of my favorite theaters. (7/18) (Didn’t go to this show, either.)
The Lincoln, Cheyenne, Wyoming (9/17). I love the juxtaposition of the old-timey movie stills and the current movies.
The Majestic, San Antonio (3/17). Didn’t go to this show, either, though in my defense I didn’t know who Rodney Carrington was. (He’s a stand-up comedian/singer. Thanks, Google.)
The Ed Sullivan Theater, New York (10/17). The Beatles played here “back in the day.” It is now home to the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Resurrection Church, Charleston, WV (3/19). Didn’t go inside, though if anyone should, it’s me.
National Comedy Center, Jamestown, NY (birthplace of Lucille Ball) (10/18). Definitely worth a visit, just for the history.
The Dixie, Staunton, VA (3/19). Do NOT mess with the ticket taker.
The Fox, Oakland, CA (8/18). Didn’t go to this show, either, though in my defense, I’ve seen David Byrne in concert twice.
The Pabst, Milwaukee, WI (5/19). I was SUPPOSED to see a show here in 2018, but a nasty bout of sciatica kept me from traveling.
The Warner, Morgantown, WV (3/19). I wish I could have seen the inside of this theater.
The Paramount, Charlottesville, Virginia (3/19), showing one of my favorite movies
Radio City Music Hall, NYC (9/10)
Madison Square Garden, NYC (9/10), the most famous theater in the world
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