A century-old Lansdowne Theater is set to open its doors on August 22 after nearly four decades of closure, with the presentation of Chazz Palminteri: A Bronx Tale, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.
The movie theater was forced to close in 1987 after a devastating fire and has stayed unused since then. Ownership of the building changed several times before it was acquired by the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation in 2007.
The nonprofit hoped to turn the former movie house into a concert hall, and after years of fundraising and restoration, the once favorite gathering spot is set to welcome visitors again.
“It’ll certainly be a feast for your ears for the concerts here, but it’ll also be a feast for your eyes,” said Matt Schultz, executive director of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation.
The reopening of the 1,280-seat building faced multiple setbacks that delayed the $20 million project, but supporters viewed the challenges as worthwhile for the greater purpose.
“It’s not just about the building,” said Schultz. “It’s about enhancing the community and creating jobs in businesses that are going to locate around the theater.”
Read more about the Lansdowne Theater opening after years of fundraising and renovations in WHYY.
______
