Relive Movie History in Style at The Commodore Theatre
By Penny Lee Remick, 03.30.06

Fred Shoenfeld shielded himself with a dish towel as popcorn threatened to pelt at his face. As he pulled the towel away, the yellowed puffs bubbled over into the receptacle below. “Best popcorn in the world!” he touted.

Shoenfeld is the proud owner of The Commodore Theatre, in Portsmouth, VA. Its triangular marquis juts out over High Street sidewalk, bulbs flashing in linear fashion while onlookers gape at the latest movie title. Others quickly file to the box office, a peninsula shaped projection, before tickets sell out.

At the age of 12, Shoenfeld, a Norfolk native, was already in the business, working on setting up the film reels and ensuring viewing quality for show time.

“I’ve always had an interest in the technical, which has been the projection and sound systems,” Shoenfeld explained.

He trekked to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1962 to procure an engineering degree with emphasis on theater operation. By 1987, he signed adoption papers for The Commodore Theatre, making him the third owner of the Baltimore architect John J. Zink’s (1886-1952) art deco building.

Shoenfeld’s favorite actors do not shine bright on the big screen.

“I’m probably a bigger fan of people like Lowell Thomas [credited with virtual reality Cinerama], people who are really behind the scenes,” Shoenfeld said. “And Merian C. Cooper, who made the original 1933 version [of King Kong] was just an absolute genius.”

After purchasing the theater, The Commodore underwent a make-over for the next 29 months.
“The whole concept was: recreate as much as possible the original 1945 look of the theater,” Shoenfeld reflected, as he strolled through the building.

What remains most intact of the 1945 Commodore is the grandiose feel. Embarking into the theater, one sees a broad expanse of tables and cushioned club chairs, dimly lit with table lamps. It has the feel of a more glamorous era, when patrons arrived in sequined gowns and tuxes and gracefully lowered themselves at reserved tables to catch a show over drinks and witty conversation, while singers crooned over a heavy microphone.

“The people who were my instructors and trainers were around from almost the first day of the industry, in the ‘Silent Era.’ So I had the benefit of learning from the old masters in the business. These were people that we call the true exhibitors, the theater owners, and the whole aspect of going to a movie was to be a really big experience, like going to a Broadway play. A lot of people are turned off by the fact that the whole experience has decayed,” Shoenfeld said.

Historically, The Commodore’s longest running show was “Titanic.”

“The buzz in the movie industry was [that it was] going to be a disaster. I saw it before it came out and knew it was going to be a big, big film, and we ended up playing it for twenty-one weeks here, which was twice as long as we played anything else,” Shoenfeld said. “We sold out for sixteen weeks - amazing track record for a film, because it attracted all ages.”

His second biggest hit has been his customers.

“We get people almost all over the whole country- New York, Chicago, or L.A.,” Shoenfeld said. “They say, ‘We’re coming to town. What’s playing?’ But you know, it’s a landmark, and people love it, and we get a lot of very loyal followers who come here every time we change films.”

The Commodore Theatre stands as both a cherished piece of architecture, as well as a lively and useful museum. Its exterior is ornamented with large plaques that read of its national and state historical landmark registry, while its tall glass doors swing open as people briskly approach the box office.

“I would highly recommend The Commodore to anyone who is looking for a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy good food while watching a movie,” said Kim Byerly, first time patron and long time resident of Hampton Roads.

Tickets are a mere six dollars, and menu items run up to ten dollars. Fare is simple, such as a nacho platter and other appetizers, soup, salads, and sandwiches. Though shrimp and fish ‘n chips are offered, as well as ice-cream desserts. Also, wine, soda, and other beverages are offered. If dining is desired, buy tickets early as tickets sell fast, and plan to arrive up to an hour before show time if you enjoy languishing among murals and eating at leisure. Those arriving by show time are not able to be served.

“I enjoyed the atmosphere and decor at The Commodore. The food was simple but good. The employees were friendly, and they tried to make sure that we had an enjoyable experience,” Byerly added.

The Commodore Theatre is at 421 High Street, Portsmouth, VA. Tickets are first come first serve, cash only, and no telephone reservations are accepted. For show times call (757) 393-6962, or go online to www.commodoretheatre.com

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