The Lansdowne Theater was celebrated over the weekend at a gala attended by hundreds, including elected officials and donors and a special Brazilian jazz performance.
The facility at 31 N. Lansdowne Ave. closed in 1987 after an electrical fire. The doors first opened to the theater in 1927 with the showing of the silent film, “Knockout Riley.”
“Reopening the Lansdowne Theater preserves a beloved cultural landmark while creating a vibrant gathering place to enjoy live performances for future generations to come,” Matt Schultz, executive director of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corp., said. “This project represents years of dedication by our community, partners and supporters.”
Bob Jara, president of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corp, spoke at the Saturday gala. (COURTESY OF THE HISTORIC LANSDOWNE THEATER CORPORATION)
And, they were all celebrated Saturday at the gala, where sports radio host Glen Macnow served as the emcee and Schultz shared remarks along with U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5, of Swarthmore; state Rep. Gina Curry, D-164, of Upper Darby; Delaware County Council Chair Richard Womack; Lansdowne Mayor Magda Byrne and Bob Jara, president of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corp.
Schultz spoke about the two and a half-hour event.
“We had over 600 people,” he said. “It was great. It was fun … Though we charged people, this was really a thank you to all of the donors.”
He said the event was done as part of their particular kickoff for Delco Gives Day, the community fundraising campaign for hundreds of nonprofits.
Schultz said the night started with remarks and was followed by the Minas performance.
Minas provided some Brazilian jazz entertainment during the Lansdowne Theater gala Saturday. (COURTESY OF THE HISTORIC LANSDOWNE THEATER CORPORATION)
“We talked about how we really needed everyone’s effort whether the donors, the elected officials, the trades people,” he said, noting that the night felt like “a huge sigh of relief.”
With people coming as far as Florida and San Francisco some were astonished by how the theater looked.
“A lot of people had not been in the building yet,” Schultz said. “A lot of people were pleasantly surprised … People came with their own memories of the building when they were kids or teenagers and I think they were really surprised at how it turned out.”
He explained that financial support is still needed as the corporation remains responsible for the building’s upkeep, not BRE Presents, which is the promoter and leases the facility to bring world-class entertainment in.
“We have to make sure that the building never falls into disrepair,” Schultz said. “We’re the landlord, not the tenant. We’re raising money on the side to make sure the building stays in good condition.”
He said it’s particularly special to see people coming to the theater and patronizing the restaurants and businesses on the avenue.
“It is really nice to go down there and see people going into the theater and going into the restaurants,” Schultz said.
Then, there are the musical acts like Lyle Lovett, Graham Nash, Jeffrey Osborne and more.
“They’re coming to our little town to perform,” Schultz said. “Who would’ve thought?”
Inside the Lansdowne Theater. (KATHLEEN E. CAREY – DAILY TIMES)
Byrne shared her experience of the night on Facebook.
“Last night at the Lansdowne Theater opening gala was really something special,” she said. “The theater was packed, and you could just feel the love and pride this community has for this place. It’s hard to put into words, but it meant a lot to be in that room together.
“Huge congratulations to Save the Lansdowne Theater on an incredible job,” Byrne noted. “This has been years in the making, and it truly showed. Thank you to everyone who stuck with this project and helped bring it across the finish line, including Delaware County Council, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Rep. Gina H. Curry, Senator Tim Kearney, and of course Lansdowne Borough.”
She said it was a great night to be a part of Lansdowne.
“It’s always an honor to represent this community,” Byrne said, “but last night felt especially meaningful. I’m really looking forward to all the new memories we’ll make together in our beautiful Lansdowne Theater.”