The landmarked Loews Paradise Theatre in the Bronx has officially become the Paradise Performing Arts Center, a nonprofit organization seeking to raise $50 million to restore the historic venue and keep it in use during renovations.
“Welcome to the Lowes Paradise Theatre. State of the art, 1929,” said Scott Perrin, executive director of the Paradise Performing Arts Center.
Inside, the theater remains in good condition, with its ornate décor preserved. Longtime Bronx residents may remember attending movies, graduations or other events there. The venue continues to host private events.
“I love how every corner, every bit is a photo moment,” said Hannah Celeste, special events coordinator.
The organization plans to restore the theater to its original appearance while making needed updates. Leaders say the goal is to create a venue that can accommodate a wide range of programming, from local community performances to major productions and concerts.
“Just like Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, City Center, The Apollo in Harlem, the Bronx needs more performing arts centers,” Perrin said.
The 4,000-seat Paradise Theatre opened five weeks before the start of the Great Depression, according to theater officials.
“The theatre opened five weeks before the Great Depression hit. So, it wasn’t great timing,” Celeste said.
The theater opened the same day as its sister venue, The Kings in Brooklyn, and is the second-largest theater in New York City after Radio City. It was one of five original Loews Wonder Theaters and was designed to present both stage and screen entertainment.
“It’s an atmospheric theater. So, the ceiling would light up with the stars. And there would be projection clouds, and that’s part of our plan to restore all that to the theater,” said Peter Martin, managing director of the Paradise Performing Arts Center.
Charles Piazza, also a managing director of the Paradise Performing Arts Center, said the theater’s history provides a model for future programming.
“In the 1930s there were posters of Harlem comes to the Bronx, featuring Cab Calloway. So, our idea to bring that here is an idea that was almost 100 years ago,” Piazza said.
Supporters say years of preservation efforts may now be paying off as plans for restoration move forward.
Asked what makes the theater special, caretaker Darion Lewis pointed to its legacy and future.
“Everything that came before. And everything that’s going to come after,” Lewis said.
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