![]() The Bijou finally opened in 1904, with an incomplete stage roof. Interestingly, the bowling alleys remained. In 1903 the Casino was restructured and rebuilt so that it became the Bijou. The Casino was used too for indoor baseball games. Polo matches with teams from area cities such as Providence, Pawtucket, New Bedford and Salem were presented. Wood of Boston, builder of the Casino, had been a big polo enthusiast. The Casino had been built in 1895 and had a polo-rink/skating-rink (47 x 100 feet), pool and billiard tables, bowling alleys, banquet and assembly rooms. The Bijou had been constructed as a modification of the original Casino which had been there and had been the sports center of the community. “The Bijou Theatre closed in 1929 when the Durfee opened, and it was torn down in 1933.”Ī FebruFall River Herald article (replete with extensive detail not included here) reported that the Bijou had been sold at auction the day before at $7,000 to Nathan Yamins, who announced the the theatre entrance at 162 North Main Street would be remodeled for business purposes and that the auditorium itself on Durfee Street would be razed for a public garage and a gasoline station.įor the previous thirty years the theatre had been used for theatrical productions as well as sporting events. I recall the organ blaring out ‘Girl of My Dreams.’ I only went to the Bijou once to see a silent picture called Slide, Kelly, Slide starring William Haines. I remember seeing glosssies of Norma Shearer in The Trial of Mary Dugan and Lon Chaney in Laugh, Clown, Laugh. “On my way home from school I always stopped in the Bijou lobby to see the stills of the film playing there. “In my vivid imagination I thought when you attended the Bijou that you got your supper with the show (I told you I wasn’t smart!). It also had a slogan on it: ‘Bijou Theatre – Home of Super Pictures.’ Since I was very young and couldn’t read very well, I thought the sign read” ‘Bijou Theatre – Home of Supper Pictures.’ ![]() The Bijou had a large billboard on its Pine Street side which advertised its current attraction. I was very familiar with the Bijou because I passed its side four times a day as I went up Pine Street to Sacred Heart School. The lobby of the theatre is still there – it is now the office of the Greater Fall River Community Development Agency. “The Bijou Theatre (capacity 1400) was located on the west side of North Main Street between Pine and Elm Streets. Parking is easy-two blocks away and only $6.00 for Self Park.Fall River theatre manager, theatre historian and commentator wrote in a FebruFall River Herald piece in the column “Under the Marquee” the following memories of the Bijou: We were very satisfied with the performance and will return to the Bijou. In between songs, he recited thoughtful lyrics of poetry related to his walking journeys throughout the world. The “Sound of Silence” was spot on with harmonies as good as the record. His stellar performance included all his great songs along with a couple of classics from the Graduate. A nice mix - a little of everything is on the roster.Īrt Garfunkel is a legend and his lyrics will live on for eternity. However, in addition, the Bijou also offers a wide array of well know rock, jazz and country artists from the past and present such as: Lindsey Buckingham, Christopher Cross, and Joe Jackson. It provides an opportunity for lesser known local and TN groups to advance their career and gain a higher level of identity than by just playing in the area pubs or smaller venues. The Bijou is unique because it fills a void in the KNOX area. The staff is cordial and they have a great concession area. ![]() ![]() The Bijou is classical,- really historical, and over 100 years old. We liked the way they have their restaurant next door directly connected to the theater. The small venue setting is our preference and the seating arrangement at the Bijou is ideal - with a good view of the stage from most areas. The Art Garfunkel concert was the first event we attended at the Knoxville Bijou and it was very good. My wife nagged me to get the Garfunkel tickets in December 2018 so I purchased seats from Ticketmaster at 10:01 AM on the morning they went on sale and got really good seats. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |