Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1963)

Colorful building materials and green shrubs and trees add to the attractiveness of the design of the new Mount Kisco Theatre in Ml. Kisco, N.Y. Mount Kisco (N.Y.) Theatre Has A Covered Walkway Leading to 350-Car Municipal Parking Area The beautiful Mount Kisco Theatre in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., is the first new theatre to be built in Westchester in 18 years. Modern in every respect, it is a far cry from the outmoded one that was torn down in 1954 to make way for Mt. Kisco’s railroad overpass project. The 600-seat theatre, from the drawing board of Drew Eberson, architect, is a downtown theatre and has a covered outside walkway leading to the municipal parking area in the rear of the theatre which has a capacity of 350 cars. The building is of brick and native stone, with a generous use of plate glass beneath the marquee, including the entrance and exit doors and the area above them, and a spacious lounge at the left which has full length draperies. The soffit of the marquee and the ceiling of the lobby are studded with recessed downlights. Across the front of the building is a landscaped area with green plantings. Two poster display cases are mounted on the left wall, and two on two sides of the corner pillar. The boxoffice is in the lobby where there are additional planters. A wellstocked and neatly displayed refreshment stand is also located here. DAMASK AUDITORIUM WALLS Walls of the auditorium are of damask and the screen curtain is also of this material. Decorative wall lighting fixtures add to the charm of the auditorium. The theatre chairs are wide and comfortable and are spaced on wide centers so that newcomers can reach their seats without asking those already seated to rise. The projection room is large and a model in layout. All wiring is in conduit and there are especially large worklights for the projectionist. The floor is resilient tile. Walls and ceiling are white to create a light, pleasant atmosphere for more efficient work by the projectionist. Projection and sound equipment are of latest design. Mount Kisco Theatre is leased and operated by Howard Lesser; his son, Ronald; and Edmund Linder who is also manager. They also operate two theatres on Long Island, the Roslyn and Spring Valley. Linder came to the Mount Kisco from the Gopher Theatre in Minneapolis. He originally started with Loew’s in 1929, and managed the Criterion and Winter Garden Theatres in New York City, the Ontario in Washington, the Roosevelt in Miami Beach and the Town and Country in Jacksonville. MUCH PUBLICITY FOR OPENING He is an outstanding showman and has won several Boxoffice Showmandiser Citations and other showmanship prizes. An example of his showmandising was the garnering of much publicity and many pictures in the editorial section of the local newspaper, the Patent Trader, as well as a full page ad for the opening sponsored by local construction companies and others who were involved in building the theatre. The premiere drew a packed house, and for those who could wedge through the lobby there was champagne. Also on the opening night, the American Legion did a beautiful job in dedicating a new American flag that Linder promoted from the local bank of Westchester. Ed Linder, managing director, stands before the indoor, open-type boxoffice. An overhead planter lends charm to the well-lighted refreshment stand. 20 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION