Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Regal Theater To Reopen Oct. 1 As A 'Hologram' Theater

By Sam Cholke | June 16, 2017 3:21pm | Updated on June 16, 2017 3:22pm
 The New Regal Theater will reopen in October specializing in
The New Regal Theater will reopen in October specializing in "hologram" projections.
View Full Caption
Courtesy of Open House Chicago, Eric Rogers

SOUTH SHORE — The Avalon Regal Theater will be one of the first theaters in the country to bring in “hologram” projections.

The theater, 1645 E. 79th St., announced Friday that it will have installed by Oct. 1 projection equipment that allows live acts to appear three-dimensionally on stage at the theater while physically elsewhere.

Owner Jerald Gary has been working for a year-and-a-half to get the technology into the theater from 1927 he’s worked on since purchasing the theater at a foreclosure auction in 2014.

“As a both a musician and millennial from the South Side, I am proud to bring the Avalon Regal Theater into the future with Hologram USA,” said Avalon Regal owner Jerald Gary.

Hologram USA’s equipment isn’t technically a “hologram,” but instead a specific kind of projection that people may have seen used on CNN or on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” television show.

The company has gained recognition for its projections that appear to bring dead artists like Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur and Whitney Houston back to life. The first show at the reopened Regal is expected to be similar and include a representation of Billie Holiday.

“We’ve brought icons back to perform for fans in giant stadiums all over the world, but there’s something about recreating classic performances on a stage like the Regal’s where they actually once performed that adds to the magic,” said Hologram USA CEO Alki David.

There is still a lot of work to do before October. Gary still needs permits to finish rehabs and a license from the city to host the virtual performances.