Listed among one of the five Wonder Theaters of New York, you would be surprised that this place still has performances!
Back in 1929 and 1930, New York City became host to five extravagant movie places known as The Wonder Theatres. There were excellent cinemas being made back then and The Wonder Theaters were just the perfect. They were initially known as Loew’s flagship theatres and they sported the interiors from the Jazz Age, giving a deep-dive to the luxury and fantasy of Hollywood; totally in contrast to the Great Depression and Second World War that were prevailing during the same time.
As of today, you can see the last of Wonder Theatres open on Loew’s 175the Street Theater, which is also called as the United Palace Theater. Starting from 22nd February 1930, they showcased films such as Their Own Desire and Pearls, along with popular performances from Al Shaw and Sam Lee. You will be enthralled looking at the lavish interiors and ornate chandeliers, giving you a flavor of the Mayan architecture. The architect was Thomas W. Lamb and he blended Byzantine, Romanesque, Indonesian, Hindu, Chinese, Moorish, Persian, Eclectic, Rococo and Deco art forms for this excellent building, as The per New York Times. It boasts of a seating capacity of 3,000 and is the largest in Manhattan.
The movie palaces started running out of business in 70s and only a few are left as of today.
What was previously The Wonder Theatre is only a church now and hosts a 50 foot screen to host movies and it also hosts performances once in a while by popular celebrities including Adele!
A panoramic view of the stage from the back of the balcony
The balcony
The facade of the theatre
The lobby
South wall of the lobby
The prayer tower, topped with a “Miracle Star of Faith,” added by Reverend Ike
The United Palace Theatre
