The Lansdowne Theater, a 1927 movie palace closed since 1987, was ready to reopen as a concert venue this month, but unforeseen construction issues have delayed that opening, writes Dan DeLuca for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Roof issues and other concerns not discovered earlier are causing the delay.
Matt Schultz, project manager for the nonprofit Historic Lansdowne Theater Corp., which owns the theater, commented that “historic buildings are wonderful but hold many secrets — especially ones that have been closed for 37 years.”
The 1,280-seat venue, which underwent a 14-year $18 million renovation, was supposed to see its first performer Oct. 17.
British songwriter and activist Billy Bragg was the first artist set to perform at the historic theater, followed by a Beatles tribute band, the Fab Four, on Oct. 18, then British songwriter-guitarist Richard Thompson promoting his new album, Ship to Shore.
Those shows have been moved to other venues along with others scheduled in November and December.
Schultz is hoping to have an announcement soon about the new opening days.
The Lansdowne Theater was closed in 1987 following an electrical fire, with Beverly Hills Cop its last film to be screened.
Read more about the concert delays and how to find out about the rescheduled events in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
