[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 135 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1865-E1866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF THE ALLEN THEATER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my best wishes to 
Cleveland's newly remodeled Allen Theater in celebration of its grand 
re-opening. The Allen has stood the test of time through many hardships 
to allow its patrons to enjoy the hundreds of films and performances 
that have graced its dazzling auditorium.
  Designed by the famous architect C. Howard Crane and built by Jule 
and Jay Allen, the theater first opened its doors on April 1, 1921 
amidst a frenzy of publicity praising this $1,900,000 movie ``palace.'' 
Its elegant interiors included a Great Rotunda illuminated by a grand 
chandelier hung 33-feet above ground. It held 3,080 seats and played 
host to many silent films.
  Even with its obvious success, the Allens would operate the theater 
for only a year, at

[[Page E1866]]

which time Lowes took over, starting a long succession of different 
owners. All brought significant changes to the Allen, from its 
structure to the actual performances that took place inside it. From 
1972-76, it played host to many soon-to-be-famous rockers who were 
looking to showcase their acts, such as the BeeGees, Cheech & Chong and 
the rock band KISS.
  After a brief ``dark-out'', the Allen came alive again with a techno-
entertainment show called the Laserium that lasted only a year, after 
which the theater closed its doors for 16 years. But after a long 
struggle, the Playhouse Square Foundation received the support to save 
this historic landmark from demolition by signing a 20-year lease to 
handle its operations. It presented the cabaret show ``Forever Plaid'' 
which was met with great success. Officials chose to remodel the 
theater's stage and make it conducive to long-running musicals like 
Phantom of the Opera and Showboat.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring the Allen Theater 
during this time of great celebration. Its grand re-opening marks a new 
beginning for this grand institution. Despite much adversity, it will 
continue to give us the magic of theater long into the future.

                          ____________________