Paradise Theater, Styx, Chicago, Gone With The Wind

This piece is in fair condition, and was recently repaired.  It is made of Hydrocal^® (gypsum cement), circa 1980’s by Chicago artist Zani Jacobsen (since passed away).  It’s 29” tall x 15” wide x 5” deep, and weighs about 28 pounds.

The marquee reads: DOUBLE FEATURE “BATAAN” & “GONE WITH THE WIND”

This collectible artwork is a replica of the facade of the old Paradise Theater, which was located at 231 N. Pulaski Rd. on Chicago’s West Side.  The theater opened in 1928, and was designed in Middle Eastern style by architect John Eberson.  Its operator, the Balaban and Katz Company, closed it in 1956, and demolition was completed in 1958.

In 1981 the rock band Styx released the “concept” album Paradise Theater, which was a fictional account of the theater’s opening, closing and abandonment.  The album became Styx’s only US # 1 album and their 4^th triple-platinum, and featured songs “Rockin’ The Paradise”, “The Best of Times” and “Too Much Time on My Hands.”

In the literature that will accompany this piece, the artist, Zani Jacobsen, wrote: “From my sketches and photos I sculpt a clay ‘master’ model.  Over this a latex mold is made from which a small limited edition is cast. Hydrocal^® gypsum cement is used to obtain a fine reproduction and each building is hand painted in colors typical of the materials used. All lettering in stores and theaters is customized.”