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End of an Era, Start of the Next
The Crandell Theatre is now officially, though temporarily, closed while we complete the long-anticipated renovation and restoration of the nearly 100-year-old cinema. After a flurry of packing and sorting and categorizing by staff, board members and volunteers, the movers arrived last Wednesday to collect the pieces of the Crandell's storied past and take them to storage. Some of the more beloved items, like the 1970s-era painted red usher that stood for decades inside the front doors, are in very safe keeping with staff.
The Crandell Office will be moving to 2 Park Row in early December. They will be able to answer any of your questions during the closure.
We'll be sharing photo updates from the builders in future e-newsletters, now coming out on a bi-weekly schedule. Stay tuned!
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The movers carefully roll out the legacy 1950s-era reel-to-reel Century projector, which, as it name implies, was meant to last 100 years. It replaced the Simplex reel-to-reel in use during the 1930s and 40s. Photo by Ingrid Turner | |
Sound came to the Crandell less than two years after it opened. This 1928 RCA medal, which stood above the box office, identifies the cutting-edge optical sound technology Mr. Crandell chose at the time. Used with the RCA Photophone projector, it was invented by RCA and adopted by Joseph Kennedy's studio, RKO Radio Pictures. Photo by Beth Marchant | |
This charming fellow is very familiar to Crandell patrons of the past 50 years. He was painted by Betty Quirino, Tony's wife, in the 1970s to resemble their youngest son. Photo by Dawn Steward | |
An unusually empty balcony, bereft of seats. Photo by Zach Neven | |
Critic and FC Co-Executive and Co-Artistic Director Peter Biskind and actor Walton Goggins before Goggins' on-stage Q&A. Photo by John Shea | |
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Scenes from
FilmColumbia 2024
Some 118 attendees celebrated actor Walton Goggins, last month on Sunday, October 20, at the Kick-Off Party for the FilmColumbia festival held at Jack Shear’s home in Spencertown, NY. Guests feasted on a delicious custom appetizers, a dinner buffet, and cocktails inspired by Goggins' film and TV work from Bimi’s Canteen. Baby Billy's Braised Brisket Tacos, Vice Principals Pimento Mac and The Hateful Eight Slates of assorted cheese, meats and grapes were enjoyed by all.
Goggins was the life of the party and used his considerable talents to make a heart-felt plea for supporting our ongoing Crandell 100th Anniversary Renovation and Restoration Project. Funds raised from the Kick-Off Party, in particular, will support the programs of the Crandell Theatre upon its reopening in Summer/Fall 2025.
We will share many more festival photos in the next several newsletters, culminating in a comprehensive photo gallery on the website by the end of the year.
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Goggins entertaining guests, Crandell board members and staff at the Kick-Off Party. Photo by John Shea | |
Board members and Capital Campaign Chairs Nick Van Alstine and Lael Locke. Photo by John Shea | |
Goggins-ified appetizers. Photo by John Shea | |
Benefactor Jack Shear at FC24's "Sneak Peek," which he sponsors every year. He explained to delighted audience members that he feels the same sense of anticipation as they do. "They never tell me what the film is beforehand!" Photo by John Shea | |
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UPCOMING OFF-SITE SCREENINGS
Dec. 14 @ 1 pm: FREE Crandell Kid Flicks/Winterfest Screening at Morris Memorial
The Crandell may be closed for construction and renovation, but Crandell Kid Flicks is starting up a new winter season just around the corner at Morris Memorial. Come see the lovable and zany holiday favorite, Elf, at a free off-site screening, part of Chatham's 2024 Winterfest.
Expect a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Candy will be also available for sale.
PLEASE NOTE: Morris Memorial has limited seating. Families are encouraged to bring your own blankets and pillows to spread out on the floor.
Mark your calendars: Crandell Kid Flicks returns to Morris Memorial at 1 pm on January 12, February 9, March 9, April 6, and May 11.
Sponsored by
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Have a Seat!
We are continuing to raise funds for the capital campaign into 2025. As we return the theater to its former glory and renovate the facilities with plush, comfortable seating, consider taking your seat among the 82 others to date who have already purchased a commemorative nameplate. It's an important time in the Crandell's history and we want everyone who loves this theater to be a part of making its future happen.
Why does this matter? Hear writer Ralph Gardner Jr.'s persuasive argument in his recent commentary on WAMC here.
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The Crandell Theatre is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit community cinema in Chatham, NY. It is one of a few community-based, nonprofit theaters in the United States devoted to film and one of fewer than one hundred single-screen movie theaters nationally. The theater is supported by ticket sales and earned revenue, contributions of members and friends, and private and public grants, including the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Since 2010, Crandell Theatre, Inc., has raised more than $1 million to purchase the historic theater and make needed repairs. The current Crandell board is engaged in a multi-million-dollar campaign to renovate and restore the area’s oldest, largest, single-screen theater and enhance the moviegoing experience for generations to come. For more information, visit crandelltheatre.org, or call 518-392-3445.
The "Crandell Under Construction" bi-weekly enewsletter is sent on alternate Thursdays.
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