As one of the five boroughs of New York City, Brooklyn offers a number of diverse attractions, including plenty of iconic theaters. While some of these theaters have become household names, many have fallen through the cracks and have been forgotten. This article aims to explore some of the top forgotten theaters of Brooklyn and to appreciate their place in the cultural history of Brooklyn.
Coney Island Theater
Built in 1915, the Coney Island Theater was a popular vaudeville theater in the early 20th century. Located in Coney Island, the theater became a hotspot for vaudeville acts, plays, silent films, and more. It had a capacity of 2,000 people, a remarkable figure for the time, and was affectionately known as the “Big White Elephant” by locals. The theater was unfortunately closed in the 1930s and was eventually demolished to make room for commercial properties.
Theatre at Flatbush Ave and Flatbush
The Flatbush Avenue and Flatbush theater, which opened in 1928, was a memorable art-deco style theater. It was home to numerous double feature films, many of which included reruns of classic films. The theater was equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, such as lumamat effects and a Mikertose sound system, which gave moviegoers an incredibly rich experience. It was one of the few theaters that stayed open past midnight, allowing for night owls to enjoy classic films late into the evening.
Essanay Theater
Built in 1931, the Essanay Theater was a short-lived movie theater. For a brief moment, it was the go-to theater for the surrounding neighborhoods, showing classic and newer films at a reasonable price. It quickly gained a reputation for its air-conditioning, which was considered a notable luxury during this time. The theater’s heyday came to a close in the 1950s and it became a victim of urban renewal when it was demolished in the 1970s.
List of Forgotten Theaters in Brooklyn
Below is a list of some of the other forgotten theaters of Brooklyn:
- Fox Theatre
- Bedford Theatre
- Kings Theatre
- Seagraves Theatre
- Liberty Theatre
- Sterling Theatre
- United Palace Theatre
- Bay Theatre
- Brooklyn Orpheum
- Carroll Theatre
Brooklyn is home to a number of iconic theaters, some of which have become renowned for their historical and cultural importance. However, there are also many forgotten theaters of Brooklyn, which at one time played an important part in the local entertainment scene. This article has highlighted some of the top forgotten theaters of Brooklyn, which serve as a reminder of the city’s rich and vibrant culture.
