Theatre Historical Society of America

BANGOR, ME - The Penobscot Theatre is preparing for their holiday shows a week after thousands of dollars of equipment were stolen. https://www.wabi.tv//penobscot-theatre-preps-for-holiday/

If you haven't checked out Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace yet here's your chance - Friday 12/11 is the Broadcast premiere on TCM Turner Classic Movies!

Beverly, MA - The Cabot Theatre turns 100 this year and is celebrating with a virtual concert.

Milwaukee, WI - See the latest progress as seats are installed at MSO's Warner Grand Theatre.

Goshen, IN - The Goshen Theatre underwent a $6 million renovation beginning in May 2019 and had planned on reopening in July 2020. It's reopening will not happen until sometime in 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic.

Laconia, NH - Colonial Theatre renovation nears the finish line. The $10 million renovation is scheduled to be complete in early 2021.

Lexington, KY - The Kentucky Theatre is closing until 2021 due to a lack of new films and low attendance.

Dennis James performed his annual Halloween spectacular live from Indiana University's Auditorium on October 27. This year's film was Blackmail which was directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Two versions of the film were released, one for theaters equipped to show "talkies" and a silent version for ones that could not. The version shown is the silent one accompanied by James on IU Auditorium’s 4,543 pipe organ.

Going Attractions: The Definitive Story of the Movie Palace is being released on VOD/DVD on 10/20. The film features a number of historic theaters as well as THS members. From their press release: "GOING ATTRACTIONS celebrates the splendor and grandeur of the great cinemas of the United States, built when movies were the acme of entertainment and the stories were larger than life, as were the venues designed to show them. The film features film historian Leonard Maltin and a diverse group of people active in saving and reviving historic venues across the country."

Rutherford, NJ - Bergen County is auctioning off the Williams Center. The Williams Center originally opened as the Rivoli Theatre in April 1922. That portion of the building has been closed since 2012 due to safety concerns. https://www.northjersey.com//rutherford-nj-wil/3577424001/

Milwaukee, WI - Here's a look at the Warner Grand Theatre, which is currently being restored. It's scheduled to reopen in January 2021 as the Bradley Symphony Center.

Negaunee, MI - The Vista Theater is working towards repairs before Winter. It's roof collapsed in August, and they're seeking to raise $100,000.

Ellendale, ND - Renovations continue at the Ellendale Opera House.

Lewistown, PA - The Embassy Theatre wins a $100,000 grant to go towards their restoration.

Halloween is just over a month away so here come the stories of ghosts in historic theatres. Charlotte, NC - The haunting of the Carolina Theatre.

Birmingham, AL - The Lyric and Alabama Theaters have launched a crowdfunding campaign to make up a small part lost revenue. Both have been closed since mid-March and more than 90 events have been cancelled.

Philadelphia, PA - Lansdowne Theater recieved a $73,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commision to help with the restoration of the first floor facade.

Chicago, IL - Will foreclosure suit doom the Congress Theater's comeback?

Austin, MN - The 91- year old Paramount Theatre is getting a new fire sprinkler system and a new roof.

New Brunswick, NJ - The State Theatre announces major renovations have begun and will be finished by the summer of 2021.