A
Old and unrestored theatres are all around us and yet so unnoticed. A new photobook unveils their often overlooked beauty.
Proctor’s Theatre, Newark, New Jersey
Although available outdoors from street sellers, food was banned in theatres to display respectability. In the late 1920s, however, the operators in Proctor’s Theatre in Newark began to set up stands to improve the economic situation during the Great Depression. Popcorn and Coke would become a significant part of the theatre’s income.
Proctor’s Theatre, Troy, New York
Originally opened as Proctor’s Fourth Street Theatre in 1914, it hosted famous comedians such as Jack Benny and Bob Hope. From 1929, it was successively taken over, renamed as Proctor’s Troy Theatre and switched to screening films. In the 1960s, it began playing second-run films before closing in 1977. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1979. In 2010, the theatre was repaired but is currently not being used today.
RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre, New York
Originally opened in 1928, RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre was designed by Thomas Lamb. In 1982, it was listed on the NRHP. In 1986, the theatre was bought and closed by its new owner who planned to build a shopping centre on the site, intentionally damaging the hall. In 2019, despite the preservation efforts, the hall was knocked down to make way for a residential tower block.
Metropolitan Opera House, Philadelphia
The theatre was originally opened as the Philadelphia Opera House in 1908. In the 1920s, it was renamed as the Metropolitan Opera House, showing silent films in addition to hosting various opera companies. In the 1940s, it became a sports arena. In 1954, it was turned into a church. In the late 1990s, the building was purchased by Mark Hatcher. The church and the developer came to an agreement on a repair for a music venue that was completed and reopened in 2018.
1. In the late 1920s, Proctor’s Theatre in Newark set up stands to ________.
A. show respect for the guests B. increase the theatre’s income
C. promote newly released movies D. compete with the street sellers
2. What can we know from the passage?
A. RKO Keith’s Flushing Theatre is well preserved.
B. Proctor’s Theatre in Troy plays second-run films now.
C. Metropolitan Opera House has witnessed changes in its function.
D. Proctor’s Theatre in Newark has been officially listed on the NRHP.
3. What is the purpose of this passage?
A. To rank the old and unrestored theatres.
B. To show the development of American theatres.
C. To encourage people to protect the old theatres.
D. To provide information on overlooked old theatres.
【1~3题答案】
【答案】1. B 2. C 3. D
