Ford center for the performing arts, oriental theater
Now operated by Chicago Broadway and managed by Nederlander organization, the Ford center for the performing arts is the top theater in Chicago. It is situated at the area downtown of the state, mainly in Illinois.
History of Establishment
Also known as the oriental theater, the Ford center for the performing arts was launched in 1926, being one among the several highly wrought movie palaces established in the state. The arts center continued being an essential part of the theater district of the state in 1960's yet sponsorships declined as the period of 70's hit. This took place together with the Chicago Loop's fortunes in general.
During the later part of that era, the theater started screening exploitation films, leading to its closure in 1981. The Ford center for the performing arts sat idled for over a decade.
The Oriental Theater is among the few houses that operate in Chicago's Loop Theater District today. As what Richard Christiansen stated, the theater opening spurred on its restoration. According to him, it is going to be a speck premature because it will still take about three years when all theaters in the theater district of North Loop will be in place.
On the Oriental's face, which will be christened as the Ford center for the performing arts, Ragtime already posted a sign, the first musical show to be held in the re-established movie palace.
Architecture of the Ford center for the performing arts
Cornelius Rapp and George L were the ones who designed the Ford performing arts center. They were also the architects behind the establishment of Chicago and Palace theaters. The place features decors inspired from an Indian architect. Balaban and Katz, the city's leading theater chain, managed this 3250-seat theater.
Theater Restoration
During the late 90's period, the Oriental theater was repaired and modernized. On the 18th of October 1998, it was again opened, with reconfigured seating accommodation of 2, 253. The restored arts center currently hosts different Broadway shows of some visiting companies. The full name of the theater is Ford center for the performing arts Oriental Theater nevertheless to locals; Oriental Theater is its recognized name.
Moreover, during the theater's expansion, Daniel Coffey, an architect initiated a design scheme which aimed at increasing the back stage portion of the theater. He planned on gutting the next Oliver Building, and keeping one-third of the original steel construction of the building. He also meant to preserve the façade of the Dearborn building and an area of its passageway.
