Marquee Makeover

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Main-Theater-0270 Lido Theater-credit Bob Hodson
The fully restored Lido Theater includes the auditorium’s marine life murals, which have been coated with black light paint to glow in the dark. The theater was originally designed by architect Clifford A. Balch and built for $110,000; it opened Oct. 27, 1939, with the movie “Hollywood Cavalcade,” starring Don Ameche and Alice Faye. | Photo by Bob Hodson

A renovation has returned iconic Lido Theater to its former glory down to the art deco details.

By Newport Beach Magazine Staff

 

Originally built in 1939, the iconic Lido Theater—one of Orange County’s earliest movie houses and one of the few remaining single-screen cinemas—reopened this fall after a full renovation with meticulous attention to detail.

The building’s exterior has been returned to its original color scheme as the project revealed the stucco shade used when the theater was first constructed. Inside, the lobby’s mahogany columns and doors were refinished to their original luster. The concession stand received a backdrop of ornate, art deco-style mirrors in rose, blue and silver with gold tile accents. Carpet reminiscent of Hollywood’s golden age was installed throughout. Brass and copper finishes were also added as well as cream-colored paint with subtle silver sparkles in the lobby and staircase.

Seat-Panel-Goddess-0287-credit Bob Hodson
Re-created goddess seat aisle panels, made with vintage molds | Photo by Bob Hodson

Decorative boating anchors that hold a time capsule—which was buried by the original owners and city dignitaries in the portico terrazzo between the box office and theater entrance—are now in the terrazzo of the expanded lobby.

In the auditorium, the remodel uncovered four original balconies flanking the stage. These decorative elements are now graced with burgundy velvet drapes. The expanded stage is also framed by a new red velvet waterfall curtain. And 60-foot murals along each side of the seating area were coated with black light paint so the sea life design now glows in the dark. Goddesses adorning the theater seat aisle panels, which had been removed in a previous remodel, were re-created using vintage molds.

Within the restrooms, 500 square feet of original tile was uncovered and restored, and 33 linear feet of Catalina tile—rarely seen today but known for its colorful, hand-painted beauty—was also used in the restrooms and lobby. Each restroom features art deco-style wallpaper designs by Frederic Schumacher & Co., a luxury interior decor firm founded in 1889. And, lastly, restored mahogany and mirrors were paired with four re-created makeup mirrors and glass countertops, which were shown in the Lido Theater’s original plans and can now be found in the Bette Davis Women’s Lounge. Davis, a beloved actress and Corona del Mar resident at the time of the landmark theater’s original construction, is said to have traveled by the site daily and requested a sitting parlor in the ladies’ room; the restored lounge now bears her name.

McG joins city dignitaries, and members of Sugar Ray to celebrate the ribbon cutting at Lido Theater-credit Avery Vega
McG with city dignitaries and members of band Sugar Ray at the Lido Theater grand reopening | Photo by Avery Vega

Of course, modern upgrades were also added, including a state-of-the-art Christie Xenon cinema projector as well as 18 new side and back speakers and 13 new front speakers (behind the screen), all with Dolby Digital surround sound.

Closed for the renovation in 2019, the project took five years, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the delicate work required to add air-conditioning and heating without damaging the building’s structure and interior.

To operate this newly restored theater in all its splendor, owner Fritz Duda Co. tapped Newport Beach native Joseph McGinty Nichol, known professionally as McG, and his company River Jetty Restaurant Group, which owns A Restaurant, CdM Restaurant and A Crystal Cove. Calling The Lido a “gift to the community,” Nichol’s company will present a mix of first-run and classic movies, live music, speakers, comedians, cinema and chorale groups, and other events with a wide appeal. Nichol also plans to bring in 35mm film projectors to screen old-time movies and will occasionally present double features.

Main-Theater-Back-0244-credit Bob Hodson
The four original balconies, uncovered on each side of the stage and now adorned burgundy velvet drapes | Photo by Bob Hodson

“I grew up in Newport Beach and have a lot of great memories of The Lido,” Nichol said in a press release. “It’s one of the coolest things about Newport and I love the idea of giving back to the community by bringing in eclectic new programming. I’m excited to help usher in a new era of entertainment at The Lido, especially now that it’s been restored and is more beautiful than ever.”

The theater is running a 12 Days of Christmas Movies series through Dec. 23, with classics like “Elf,” “The Santa Clause,” “Home Alone” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the big screen. A Cafe Pop-Up Experience is also available at the theater: Enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches, grab-and-go items and baked goods, and eat while watching free, family-friendly classic movies playing on repeat throughout the day. Check the theater’s Instagram stories for upcoming daytime showings. (thelidotheater.com)

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