from my photo archives!
There are not many photographs of the Civicv during its multi hued period.
“In the mid sixties, when MJ (Michael Moodabe) was overseas, his brother somewhat secretly, commissioned a multi coloured art deco exterior repaint. It was not terribly successful and during the 1975 renovations the building reverted to its now sandy coloured hue.” Michael Moodabe jr. ‘Peanuts and Picture”
A rare photo of the orchestral barge and Wurlitzer which rose up to stage level. circa 1940
A rare photo of the orchestral barge and Wurlitzer which rose up to stage level. circa 1940
The Civic was the first NZ cinema to screen cinemascope,( 1953) entailing alterations to the decorations of the proscenium and realignment of the panthers.
The Civic was the first NZ cinema to screen cinemascope,( 1953) entailing alterations to the decorations of the proscenium and realignment of the panthers.
The return visit of ‘Phantom of the Opera” (2008) played to capacity crowds with the Civic’s moorish interior conforming to the proscenium of the Palais Garnier!
The return visit of ‘Phantom of the Opera” (2008) played to capacity crowds with the Civic’s moorish interior conforming to the proscenium of the Palais Garnier!
Excavation of the stage corner site enabling a larger stage area to be constructed.(1999)
Lifting of the proscenium and stage boxes to heighten the new Wintergarden roof. Previously the Wintergarden was open to the theatre auditorium. (1999)
Hoardings around the Civic during refurbishment (1999) were used as palettes by local artists.
Part of the old Wintergarden, sealed off by the construction of the second cinema in 1973. For a copy of 'in Defence of Dreams" -the story of how the Civic was saved from demolition - click the photo.
photographer, Julia Kuttner, is well known for her postcards series of the Civic (circa 1900’s)
Another James Bond premiere at the Civic. The Civic during its cinema days hosted many premieres, both NZ and World.
The final day of the Ciivic as a Cinema. (February 1999), it then closed for refurbishment and laterations suitable for live shows, and except for the annual film festival, does not screen films.
The view north of the first floor Green Room, giving a view of ‘real life” for the many musicians and thespians.
Murray Head with Joselyn and Roger Morton, in he Wintergarden cinema for a preview of Murray's film.
Photo:Looking at the Wintergarden entrance from the foyer mezzanine
Photo: a rare photo of the mezzanine circa 1930's.
click photo to purchase this postcard
A rare colour photo showing the organ and its base to rise up to stage level, and the orchestral barge.
A panther crouches either side of the proscenium and has flashing green eyes.
