INTERMISSION
ANTHONY WAYNE THEATER blog
Bits of news and information as we work towards opening night.
BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT!
The iconic Anthony Wayne letters that sit on top of the theater’s marquee have been dark for years. We were fortunate to connect with Eric Rothwarf of Sky Neon, a Philadelphia based neon sign company. Eric is an expert in creating, refurbishing, and installing neon signs.
Eric has spent the past few months working to bring life back to the Anthony Wayne channel letters (industry term for the iconic red letters). Over time a few of the acrylic faces had cracked or gone missing, the recommendation was to replace all of them for uniformity and longevity. Eric removed each remaining letter, traced each one, and took them to his Philadelphia shop where new acrylic letters were cut to fit in the enamal letter cans that hold the neon bulbs. He was suprised at the pristine condition of the enamel letter cans. At about 80 years old, Eric said he’s never seens cans in such good shape.
The new channel letters are now securley affixed in their orginal enamel cans. The red neon lights behind the lettered faces are in proper working order. Be on the look out for an evening in the not-to-distant future when the bright lights of the Anthony Wayne Theater marquee shine again.
Q&A WITH AWT BOARD MEMBER, JULIA BEST WARNER
AWT - Tell us a little bit about yourself?
JULIA - I am a native to the Philadelphia area. I grew up in Villanova and went to school through the Radnor School System before moving across the state to pursue my BFA in Theater Performance at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. I’ve lived in Pittsburgh, New York, Los Angeles and now I’m happy to say I call Philadelphia home again.
AWT - What are you up to now?
JULIA - My current day to day is being Mother to two beautiful children! I could end there, but I’m also an actress when the right role comes around. I most recently had the incredible honor of filming Michael Cera’s directorial debut “Love is Not the Answer” starring Pamela Anderson. I’m also a producer when the project is right and I’m able to work with people I respect and can learn from.
AWT - What is your AWT memory?
JULIA - Anthony Wayne Theater and I go way back. I have too many memories to share here, but I’ll pick my top 3.
I saw my first ever film at Anthony Wayne. My parents took us to see The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1996. I remember being absolutely enthralled with the size of the film! Hearing that soundtrack in surround sound got me hooked on movie theaters.
Once I was old enough to go to the movies on my own, my best friend and I went to see a matinee of School of Rock in 2003. The theater was basically empty and I couldn’t understand why everyone in the neighborhood didn’t flock to see that masterpiece every showing.
And lastly, I know I share this fact with many people, my first date was at the Anthony Wayne Theater. We saw She’s The Man starring Amanda Bynes in 2006 (I understand I am currently cementing my millennial status). I wore a dress, my dad took a photo of us in our foyer before we drove to the film. I pretended to be embarrassed, but secretly I loved it. His older brother drove us there and drove us home. There is a moment in the film where Amanda’s character is asked about her favorite cheese. The only time we interacted during the entire date was when he leaned over and asked “what’s your favorite kind of cheese?” I froze, maybe expecting something else. I said Gouda, just like Amanda. (It’s sharp cheddar) that might be my favorite memory.
AWT - What is your wish for the future of this theater?
JULIA - I see AWT reinventing and revitalizing what it means to come together as a community. I see it as a shared space where people can enjoy film, live performances, and each other’s company. Where you can host a birthday party or a special event. Where we can gather and engage in conversation about art that moves us. Where people can have their first date or their 100th date.
What has been the best moment so far with your involvement in the project?
For me the best moment so far has been touring the old theater and having all of my memories flood back. Also being able to meet and collaborate with Jennifer L. Carlson, Michelle Johnson and the incredible board members who are dedicated to bringing this special place back to life.
AWT - And obviously, favorite movie?
JULIA - Clue 1985 with one of my all time favorite actresses Madeline Kahn.
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