Getting inside the Majestic Theatre of East St. Louis

Chris and Katie Robleski of Fading Nostalgia recently used their night photography talents to shoot the inside of the Majestic Theatre in East St. Louis, Illinois. The Robleskis wrote a blog about gaining access to the theater's seldom-seen interior. Their 26-minute podcast goes not only into the decaying but beautiful Majestic Theatre and the troubled history … Continue reading Getting inside the Majestic Theatre of East St. Louis

Gillioz Theatre celebrations to mark its 90th year

The historic Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield, Missouri, will mark its 90th year with a big New Year's Eve concert by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and an expanded number of classic-movie screenings and plenty of concerts through 2016, according to the Springfield News-Leader. A total of 12 to 15 films will be screened next year, … Continue reading Gillioz Theatre celebrations to mark its 90th year

Santa Rosa theater may be revived

It's not a sure thing, but plans to revive the historic Pecos Theatre in downtown Santa Rosa, New Mexico, got a big boost last week when a state official enthusiastically supported Guadalupe County's proposal to buy and renovate the theater, according to an article in the print edition of the Guadalupe County Communicator. The town's … Continue reading Santa Rosa theater may be revived

TeePee Drive-In goes up for sale again

The long-closed TeePee Drive-In on an original alignment of Route 66 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is on the market again, according to KJRH-TV in Tulsa, after a brief ray of hope for its revival a few years ago faded. The asking price for the property is $275,000. Here's the video report from the station, which has … Continue reading TeePee Drive-In goes up for sale again

Sky-View Drive-In put up for sale

The historic Sky-View Drive-In theater along Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois, has been put on the market for $275,000. The theater is listed through the Goodman Agency in Carlinville, Illinois. According to the Realtor, the Sky-View underwent a $77,000 conversion to digital film format, so it is ready for the current age. The theater's capacity … Continue reading Sky-View Drive-In put up for sale

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to play at Birthplace of Route 66 Festival

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, along with special guest Pure Prairie League, will perform Aug. 14 at the historic Gillioz Theatre during the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival in Springfield, Missouri, according to the Springfield News-Leader. The country-rock band, which has been around for almost 50 years, is best-known for its cover of "Mr. Bojangles" … Continue reading Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to play at Birthplace of Route 66 Festival

Coleman Theatre will screen double feature of silent movies

The historic Coleman Theatre Beautiful in Miami, Oklahoma, will present two century-old silent films with Dennis James on the theater's Mighty Wurlitzer organ. The two hour-long films from 1915 are "The Cheat" and "A Fool There Was" -- both of which were considered scandalous during that era but are tame by modern standards. Show times … Continue reading Coleman Theatre will screen double feature of silent movies

Historic theater in South Pasadena sold

The historic but closed Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena, California, has been sold to a developer with a history of renovating and reopening old buildings in downtown Los Angeles, reported the Los Angeles Times. Izek Shomof wants to turn the theater into an entertainment venue that could include a bar and showing old movies as … Continue reading Historic theater in South Pasadena sold

Rialto Square Theatre will get a new marquee

The historic Rialto Square Theatre along Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, soon will receive a new marquee and will repaint its iconic vertical sign thanks to a $350,000 gift from a local construction firm owner, reported The Herald-News. The new marquee will have LED screens suitable for video under the name of the theater. Ed Czerkies of … Continue reading Rialto Square Theatre will get a new marquee

Baxter Springs theater nominated to National Register

The Ritz Theater, a former movie house on Route 66 in Baxter Springs, Kansas, has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, according to a news release from the Kansas Historical Society. The building is at 1145 N. Military Ave. (aka Route 66). The theater's inclusion is all but assured, because the National … Continue reading Baxter Springs theater nominated to National Register