Blow Out to help Restore the Boyd Theater

The old Boyd Theater on Chestnut Street isn't ready yet to show movies again, but you can watch one on behalf of the the art deco theater at International House this Friday. Friends of the Boyd, the non-profit group working with Clear Channel to restore the 1928 movie palace for live shows and film, is holding its annual fund-raiser and movie screening on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. They're showing Brian de Palma's Blow Out, the 1981 film set in Philadelphia (and, by the way, starring John Travolta.) It will be fun to see how much has changed since the movie was shot here. Tickets cost $15 and are available at the Friends of the Boyd site, or at the door on Friday, starting at 5:30 p.m. Be sure to arrive to catch the comedy routine by Chumley and Carlota. Friends of the Boyd is also hosting a $50 catered reception that starts a 6 p.m.
It may seem that Clear Channel is taking its time on the theater renovation. Work may be slow, but it does seem to be moving ahead. Clear Channel has completed the necessary interior demolition work and is now interviewing contractors. Once a firm is hired, it should only be a matter of time before the box office opens for business once again.