Travelbynic@yahoo.com........The Perpetual Tourist!
842 S Broadway, Los Angeles
Ok, I know you’re going to be impressed…….I’m a member of the
LA Conservancy! (Doesn’t that sound
impressive?!) I impressed myself with
this membership! For $25 a year, I get
to take advantage of some of Los Angeles most beautiful buildings!! I have always loved architecture, so this was
a no brainer for me! So let me tell you
about one of the activities I learned about from this membership.
Los Angeles is loaded with opulent theatres and every once in
awhile they open their doors to the Conservancy. This was one of those occasions. I took the family and friends to the Orpheum
Theatre and we were able to enjoy the “vintage” film: “A Christmas Story”. With the membership we paid $10 per person,
but others could view the movie for $15 per person. Of course downtown parking will vary, but we
paid $15 for parking.
While waiting in line for the movie to start we were
surrounded by other BEAUTIFUL buildings….the United Artist Building, Eastern
Building (Outside used for ICarly) and several other art deco buildings. Doors opened at 1:15pm with the movie
starting at 2pm, you want to get there early so you can explore the theatre and
take photos.
While we enjoyed the opulence of the theater we had a
gentleman playing Christmas songs on the beautiful organ on stage. El Capitan also has an ornate gold organ, but
it is in Hollywood, this is the only organ on Broadway. The theatre has opulent side balconies,
beautiful gilded walls, vintage light fixtures and intricate ceilings. (Remember…..always look up!) The lobby is made with white marble that
showcases powerful columns. The
staircases are regal with beautiful bronze ladies holding up multi lighted
flames to light your path. Downstairs
you’ll find dark paneling with a fireplace where people were able to lounge
during intermission.
I have been able to see 2 of the beautiful theatres in LA,
and while the Orpheum is very beautiful, if you have the opportunity to only
see one theatre while visiting……see the LA Theatre!! More about that later but it is jaw
dropping! LA Theatre has 2 balconies, 2
downstairs areas, one includes a ballroom, AND we were even invited to see the
projection room. Because I totally
appreciate beautiful building, I would have paid the $10 just to see the
insides of these theatres so to see a movie is just a bonus! I mean think about how much you pay to see a
movie these days…..why not enjoy a theatre that beckons you back to days of
glamour and ritz?!
