Hollywood producer Joseph McGinty Nichol, known professionally as McG, and his company River Jetty Restaurant Group, have been named the new operator of The Lido Theatre in Newport Beach, California. Meticulously restored to its original Art Deco design by owner the Fritz Duda Company, The Lido will host a community open house to celebrate the re-opening on October 5 and will host the 25th annual Newport Beach Film Festival October 17–24.
In addition to hosting films throughout the Newport Beach Film Festival, The Lido Theatre will present the closing night film on October 24, A Real Pain with Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. Calling The Lido a “gift to the community,” Newport Beach native McG’s company will present a mix of live music, first run and classic movies, engaging speakers, comedians, cinema and chorale groups, and other events with a wide appeal.
“I grew up in Newport Beach and have a lot of great memories of The Lido. It’s one of the coolest things about Newport, and I love the idea of giving back to the community by bringing in eclectic new programming,” said McG. “I’m excited to help usher in a new era of entertainment at The Lido, especially now that it’s been restored and is more beautiful than ever.”
“We are fortunate to have McG and his team operating The Lido. He’s a lifelong Newporter who shares our vision for this special landmark,” said Duda. “Live performances will broaden the appeal and programming for the theatre, and with Lido House next door, we have created an entertainment and hospitality district that will serve Newport Beach and Orange County well.”
The iconic Lido Theatre was one of Orange County’s earliest movie houses when it opened in 1939. The beautiful single-screen theatre brought the Golden Age of Hollywood to Newport Beach with its Art Deco design that showcased the splendor of how movies were made to be enjoyed.
The renovation of the landmark theatre, which closed for the project in Fall of 2019, was prolonged due to the pandemic and the meticulous work required to add air conditioning and heating without affecting the structure and interior of the building. The Lido also has a new, state-of-the-art digital projection and sound system, a new exterior color palette, new seating, lighting, and carpet reminiscent of Hollywood’s Golden era, as well as a larger stage framed by a new red velvet waterfall curtain. The exterior color palette was uncovered as the original shade of the stucco when the theater was built.
The original box office, marquee, movie poster cases, lobby, concession stand, and restrooms have been restored, and new men’s and family/ADA restrooms were built. Real brass and copper finishes were also added, as well as cream-colored paint with subtle silver sparkles that can be seen in the lobby and staircase.
The Catalina-style tile, revered at the time for its colorful hand-painted beauty, has been restored and can be seen in the lobby and restrooms. The Lido’s auditorium walls were also refreshed, with its murals depicting underwater ocean scenes that appear to glow from black lights illuminating the walls when the house lights dim. The classic balcony also remains a unique feature not found in modern theatres.
In addition to the renovations Fritz Duda Company has made to the theatre, McG noted he will also bring in 35mm film projectors to show classic movies and will occasionally show double features.
“My career started in Newport Beach as a music producer and video director, and while I now focus on producing movies, operating The Lido is the perfect intersection of my passions – movies, music, and hospitality,” said McG. “The Lido is now an elevated entertainment venue that will be the heartbeat of the community.”
“As a teenager, I saw Midnight Run at The Lido five times in one week and it helped light the fuse of my love for entertainment. This theatre is a unique entertainment venue and close to my heart, so I’m excited to reopen it with a mix of live music and movies. We want to provide something for everyone.”
The Lido Theatre and Via Lido Plaza were originally owned and developed by The Griffith Company, a firm that made significant contributions to the development of Newport Beach. Designed by architect Clifford A. Balch, known for his Art Deco theatre design, The Lido Theatre was constructed in 1939 for $110,000.
The theatre opened on Friday, October 27, 1939, with the movie Hollywood Cavalcade starring Don Ameche and Alice Faye. The first regular showing that weekend was the Pulitzer Prize-winning adaptation of The Old Maid, starring Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins, at Davis’ request.
A Corona del Mar resident at the time, Davis is said to have traveled by the site daily while the theatre was under construction. She also requested a sitting parlor in the ladies' room which was built and remains today. Restored to its original splendor, the lounge now bears the name of the Oscar-winning actress.
Via Lido Plaza, including The Lido Theatre, was purchased by Fritz Duda Company in 1986 and the company has continued the stewardship of the legendary entertainment venue.
The Lido Theatre www.thelidotheater.com