Senator Theater

THE SENATOR THEATER is an odd relic in today's world of multiplex cinemas. It is the highest-grossing single-screen theater in Maryland, drawing about 160,000 patrons a year to its 1939 Art Deco edifice on York Road. But what is so successful today might turn out to be an economic white elephant as tastes and habits change.With a $40,000 boost from the city, the Senator is now hoping to launch its long-planned expansion. The first stage is likely to be construction of a 175-seat diner across the street from the theater.

Tom Kiefaber, former owner of the Senator Theatre , was released from jail Tuesday and gave his own account of events leading to his arrest Monday at the cinema, denying that he has trespassed and harassed the current owners. Kiefaber had been charged Monday with trespassing and taken to Central Booking downtown. Later that day, a Baltimore district judge issued a temporary peace order prohibiting Kiefaber from contacting Kathleen Cusack, who operates the Senator along with her father, James "Buzz" Cusack.

While some groups are calling for boycotts of the Michael Moore-made movie Fahrenheit 9/11, Baltimore's two independent theaters have been arguing over who should be allowed to show it. The Charles Theatre has blocked the Senator Theater from showing the movie, which opens Friday. The film has drawn attention for its critical look at the Bush administration's actions after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Critics have condemned it as unpatriotic. The co-owner of the Charles acknowledged that he asked the film's distributor not to release it to the Senator.

I will admit to knowing little about the inner workings of the movie industry, from Hollywood to film distribution to the big screen complexes and smaller screen venues, such as Baltimore's much-loved Senator Theater . But I think I know what I want as a movie-goer. As I drove by the Senator last weekend, I noticed that it was closed for renovations. The new owners are planning three screens instead of just one, and a restaurant. That sounds nice. I can't wait to see what they do with the place.

In yesterday's LIVE section, an incorrect name was listed for Richard Thompson and His Band, which performs Oct. 14 at the Senator Theater, 5904 York Road.The Sun regrets the error.Pub Date: 7/26/96

I will admit to knowing little about the inner workings of the movie industry, from Hollywood to film distribution to the big screen complexes and smaller screen venues, such as Baltimore's much-loved Senator Theater . But I think I know what I want as a movie-goer. As I drove by the Senator last weekend, I noticed that it was closed for renovations. The new owners are planning three screens instead of just one, and a restaurant. That sounds nice. I can't wait to see what they do with the place.

Look for a Sofi's Crepes to open soon in Belvedere Square, where the Starbucks used to be. The Sofi's operation now at the Woman's Industrial Exchange is packing up lock, stock and batter, owner Ann Costlow says. But please don't get this screwed up. The original Sofi's in Charles North, next to the Charles theater isn't going anywhere. And the Sofi's in Annapolis and Owings Mills, which are franchise operations, are staying put. But this does mean that there will not be a Sofi's Crepes going into the Senator theater.

A Govans construction company has filed court papers to foreclose on the historic Senator Theater, but one of the theater owners says cinema buffs need not worry about the future of the city's last remaining art deco movie palace."

On the Block,'' a film locally produced and directed by Steve Yaeger, will have its premiere at the Senator Theater on Monday, Dec. 10.Howard Rollins, the former Baltimorean who is starring in ''Heat of the Night'' on television, stars in the film. He will be present at the premiere. Marilyn Jones stars as a dancer on the Block.Blaze Starr, who has a small role in the film, will join Yaeger, Rollins and Jones as they unveil a commemorative cement block in front of the theater.A ''Block'' party will follow the screening.

Neighbors of the Senator Theater are wise to question the wisdom of having that building sold to Towson University ("Senator Theatre bids pared to Towson University, Charles," Jan. 27). They would be well-advised to meet with other communities which have dealt with the university over various issues. It would be far better to mount opposition now and keep Towson out of their community. Despite the statements of Marina Cooper, the usual response of the university has been that is has no control/responsibility for students when they are off campus.

Look for a Sofi's Crepes to open soon in Belvedere Square, where the Starbucks used to be. The Sofi's operation now at the Woman's Industrial Exchange is packing up lock, stock and batter, owner Ann Costlow says. But please don't get this screwed up. The original Sofi's in Charles North, next to the Charles theater isn't going anywhere. And the Sofi's in Annapolis and Owings Mills, which are franchise operations, are staying put. But this does mean that there will not be a Sofi's Crepes going into the Senator theater.

Last spring, the city bought the Senator Theater for around $800,000. As a Baltimore taxpayer trying to survive the recession, I believe the Senator should be sold to Buzz Cusack, the owner of the Charles Theatre ("WTMD bid to take over Senator draws concerns," Jan. 29). Thus the taxpayers will get back their investment. Obviously, Tom Keifaber, the failed owner of the Senator, doesn't want his successful rival to own the theater. Plus, it is important to ask if Mr. Keifaber has an agenda.

Neighbors of the Senator Theater are wise to question the wisdom of having that building sold to Towson University ("Senator Theatre bids pared to Towson University, Charles," Jan. 27). They would be well-advised to meet with other communities which have dealt with the university over various issues. It would be far better to mount opposition now and keep Towson out of their community. Despite the statements of Marina Cooper, the usual response of the university has been that is has no control/responsibility for students when they are off campus.

Changes to the interior of Baltimore's embattled Senator Theatre must now be approved by the city's Commission on Historical and Architectural Preservation. Tuesday's move to protect the 70-year-old movie house is the first time the preservation panel would have authority over the inside of a building. Previous action has affected only exteriors. "Fans of the Senator Theatre want to preserve the building and see it continue as a film and performing arts venue," said CHAP Chairman Tyler Gearhart.

While some groups are calling for boycotts of the Michael Moore-made movie Fahrenheit 9/11, Baltimore's two independent theaters have been arguing over who should be allowed to show it. The Charles Theatre has blocked the Senator Theater from showing the movie, which opens Friday. The film has drawn attention for its critical look at the Bush administration's actions after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Critics have condemned it as unpatriotic. The co-owner of the Charles acknowledged that he asked the film's distributor not to release it to the Senator.

The long-stalled renovation of the Rotunda movie theater could resume soon, and the twin-screen cinema could reopen by year-end as part of a multipronged plan to put the landmark Senator Theater on sounder financial footing, the theater's owner said yesterday. The owner, Thomas A. Kiefaber, said he is close to securing a $1.2 million loan that would be used to operate the Senator, refinance its debt, and complete renovation of the Rotunda theater. A nonprofit foundation would be created to operate the theaters.

Last spring, the city bought the Senator Theater for around $800,000. As a Baltimore taxpayer trying to survive the recession, I believe the Senator should be sold to Buzz Cusack, the owner of the Charles Theatre ("WTMD bid to take over Senator draws concerns," Jan. 29). Thus the taxpayers will get back their investment. Obviously, Tom Keifaber, the failed owner of the Senator, doesn't want his successful rival to own the theater. Plus, it is important to ask if Mr. Keifaber has an agenda.

The long-stalled renovation of the Rotunda movie theater could resume soon, and the twin-screen cinema could reopen by year-end as part of a multipronged plan to put the landmark Senator Theater on sounder financial footing, the theater's owner said yesterday. The owner, Thomas A. Kiefaber, said he is close to securing a $1.2 million loan that would be used to operate the Senator, refinance its debt, and complete renovation of the Rotunda theater. A nonprofit foundation would be created to operate the theaters.

After weeks of counting down, months of mounting hype and years of anticipation among the book's spellbound fans, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone opened in movie theaters yesterday - and not a minute too soon. At the Senator Theater in Baltimore, as at scores more across the country, the good-vs.-evil tale of an orphaned wizard hit the screen at 12:01 a.m. - the earliest it could legally be shown - taking a sellout crowd of 850 on a much-welcomed, 2 1/2 -hour escape from reality.

Senator Theatre owner Tom Kiefaber found out Wednesday that the historic York Road theater has been selected as one of the showcase engagements for "Star Wars: Episode One -- The Phantom Menace," which opens May 19. The deal will be finalized after the movie is screened for exhibitors the first week in May."Based on the record-setting engagement of the `Star Wars' trilogy we had in 1997, and the fact that we have been selected on this initial list of showcase engagements, we are very optimistic about coming to terms with Fox and inking a deal with them," Kiefaber said yesterday.