LANDMARK THEATRE TO CELEBRATE ITS 80^th BIRTHDAY

The Landmark Theatre, the last remaining downtown movie palace, will be celebrating its 80^th birthday on February 18, 2008.  The Theatre, designed by Thomas Lamb and built by movie mogul Marcus Loew, opened its doors to the public on Saturday, February 18, 1928 with the silent film "West Point," and by mid-morning hundreds had formed lines outside the Theatre.  For 25 cents admission, patrons were directed by uniformed ushers through the lobbies, absorbing the wealth of colors, materials, and furnishings.  For more than a year, the Theatre showed only silent films; its first "talkie" was "The Broadway Melody," on March 30, 1929.  Times have certainly changed in the entertainment world in 80 years!

To mark the occasion, the Landmark Theatre invites the public to our party during Winterfest on Friday, February 22 at 11:00 AM for birthday cake, coffee, and guided tours of the building.  Join us as we celebrate 80 years and the latest accomplishment in our renovation efforts; the acquisition of the Loew's Building's retail spaces.  This acquisition brings the Theatre one step closer to Phase Two of the restoration and expansion project.  This project will turn our movie palace into the premier performing arts center of Central New York.  The Theatre will also be holding monthly celebrations including monthly tours, our annual July golf tournament, our Halloween ghost hunt, and our holiday movies, to name a few.  Visit our web site at http://www.landmarktheatre.org/ for continuous updates and a calendar of events.

The Theatre is also interested in hearing from past ushers, volunteers, and patrons about their most unforgettable show at the Landmark Theatre, or their funniest story, scariest ghost encounter, or memorable moment.  Did your grandparents meet in the lobby at a movie?  Were your parents married here?  Did you get to shake Josh Groban's hand?  Get Willie Nelson's autograph?  Let us know!  E-mail Jake DeRose at jake@landmarktheatre.org to relay your story, or call her at 475-7979 ext. 105.

The Landmark Theatre is in the midst of an exciting period in its history: We saw the completion of Phase One of our renovation project in 2001 and efforts have begun to implement Phase Two of the renovation project, renovating and improving the stage to attract a wide array of concerts and touring Broadway shows. This is an exhilarating time of new opportunities for the theatre as we carry on our mission to bring a wide array of cultural events to the community.  The Landmark Theatre is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the metropolitan community by expanding its capabilities as an entertainment center.  A renewed emphasis will be made to keep the theatre alive so that future generations have the opportunity to learn the remarkable story behind the 1928 movie palace.