In the midst of this bitter cold February month in Brooklyn, we had some warmth in our hearts to welcome the charming and endearing performing artiste, Diana Ross at the Kings Theatre, last Tuesday evening. The theatre, as we know, was an old building that had been vandalized over the years and was a shelter to many homeless people around Brooklyn. I will never forget the Friday afternoon a few years ago, when I was robbed right across from the theatre itself, as someone was always hanging out there behind the giant old drapes once used by theatre.
But in Brooklyn, last Tuesday night, one would not have known that such things once existed there. It was a new ensemble, with picturesque for a perfect setting. Diana Ross is a great songstress and she certainly did not disappoint any of her over three thousand fans who came to hear and see her. I find her propensity somewhat compelling, so I could not afford to miss the opportunity to see her when the act was right here in Brooklyn.
The stylish diva, had everyone rocking and singing through out most of her performance. She still has her game and knows how to get the crowd grooving with her. Fans knew most or all of her songs as well, so the party did not stop. Most of us were sitting down, when her splendid voice burst throughout the wide and sturdy theatre. The words, “I’m coming out” ranged profoundly, this had everyone jumping to their feet. She entered the stage from the front area of the isle and mounted the stage with fans behind her. “Let the show begin” and fans started rocking right to the end. Diana was awesome. Her repertoire was good and mesmerizing and I am almost certain no one left the show disappointed.
But the captivating segment of the evening was the supreme design, beautifully carved and structured red cherry oak, stencil carving, and the metal molding of the Kings Theatre. Show goers were astounded and in awe of such genuine and absolute beauty. The almost 40 years of vandalism and long winter days that have weathered the drapes, floors, windows and walls, exposed to the snow were gone and like the phoenix burned and crushed Kings Theatre rose again.
Time has its way of unfolding the truth for indeed the beauty may have fade, but the theatre was strong and firm and so as the old, ravished furniture collapsed on the inside and chairs and drapes once used by vandals for beds and night clothing to hide from the winter nights escape our memories, once again the Kings Theatre surged. Almost four decades later as the greatness of the theatre unraveled, it exposes us to a 20th century master piece. The elegantly wide staircase, the high ornamental ceiling, the long yet enshrine golden edged banister that projects such grace, with the calculating support of patrons moving up and down the range.
A true reflection of its 1929 design. The glowing patina covering the walls and ceiling reveals a sense of strength that would repel any tests capable of heralding a contradicting position of the genuine work of art. New carpets clad the old staircase and walkways contradicting the aged old theatre, and the almost 40 years since the last time its doors were opened. Several mini bars spread across the ground lounge to help patrons experience the glamour that comes along with the theatre. Kings Theatre is a vintage of modern technology. The old Lowe’s King Theatre, now the Kings Theatre, is an extraordinary beauty of genuine designs. It is a valid resurfacing right there on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. I hope to God we can preserve it.
