Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1963)

SKOURAS REMODELS ANOTHER THEATRE Playhouse, Great Neck, L. I. Given Full Treatment' by Circuit in Updating Program This attractive lounge off the lobby of the remodeled Playhouse Theatre. Great Neck, L.I., N.Y., was made possible by taking over adjoining stores. The wrought iron fence and gates, picture windows, vinyl walls and floor create a light, refreshing atmosphere, highlighted by the planter and statue in the center. Skouras Theatres Corp. has been demonstrating its confidence in the future of the motion picture industry by a series of remodelings in its properties, and the latest house to be given the “full treatment’’ is the updated Playhouse Theatre, Great Neck, L.I., which was reopened March 3. The result of the work, which was accomplished in only a few weeks, is a truly beautiful theatre, decorated and furnished for eye-appeal and comfort, with the latest in sound and projection equipment installed. The front of the brick building was faced with ceramic tile, blue white with a gold vein, and a new marquee erected. Facing the streets on its comer location are three large picture windows which look out from an enlarged lounge which was made possible by taking over adjoining stores. WINDOW LEDGE SEATS This lounge, off the lobby and entered through wrought iron gates, features a planter with antique boy-on-a-dolphin in the center. The walls are travertine vinyl and the ceiling is acoustic tile, inset with Hi-Hat lights. Window-ledge banquettes have foam rubber cushions and are upholstered in red. The red is picked up in the draped window valances. The Playhouse lobby features a lighted dome from which is hung an antique metal basket with an assortment of tropical plants. Other illumination is achieved with Hi-Hats. The cashier’s window is on the right and the lounge on the left as patrons enter. Straight ahead are mounted four illuminated aluminum display frames for coming attractions. The walls here are also travertine vinyl. In the auditorium, gold chevron Fiberglas fabric covers two inches of acoustic Fiberglas. Gold paint highlights other areas. The carpet is patterned in a beige tone. The 1,000 luxurious theatre chairs, upholstered with red nylon, are installed on wide centers for comfortable seating and perfect vision from any point in the auditorium. The widescreen is masked and draped with gold chevron Fiberglas. The theatre is equipped with magneticoptical stereophonic sound with special modifications by Skouras Theatres sound department. In the mezzanine lounge, completely redecorated and refurnished, a focal point is a display of outstanding ceramic pictures. Restrooms were redecorated with blue vinyl walls in the men’s room and yellow vinyl walls in the ladies’ room which also features a full mirror. The remodeling of the Playhouse, a downtown, first-run theatre, was accomplished at a cost of approximately $100,000. Air conditioning had been brought up to date prior to this renovation. The refreshment bar in the Playhouse was custommade and features a six-flavor drink dispenser, popcorn warmer, refrigerated candy case and ice cream display case. On the backbar, miscellaneous knickknacks are shown. The patterned g rillwork above the center is backlighted. View of the outer lobby toward the street. The cashier's window is on the left (right as patrons enter), and the lounge on the opposite side. V/alls are travertine vinyl, and featured decoration is the antique metal basket, filled with tropical plants hung from a lighted ceiling dome. 22 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION