A Grand Comeback: The Historic Re-Opening of The Lido Theatre in Newport Beach
In a celebration of Newport Beach’s history and cinematic charm, the historic Lido Theatre reopened in October 2024, inviting locals and visitors to experience a blend of past and present in one iconic venue. Located in Via Lido, this gem of a theater has been a cultural staple since it opened in 1938. Today, it re-emerges with a dazzling restoration that captures its original Art Deco beauty, thanks to the dedication of owner Fritz Duda Company.
Preserving an Icon with Art Deco Grandeur
The theater's restoration was undertaken with meticulous care to honor its 1930s design, showcasing elements like the iconic neon marquee, elegant lobby, and a celestial auditorium ceiling. The Fritz Duda Company’s commitment to preserving these details provides a cinematic experience rare in today’s world—a place where classic films and modern blockbusters alike can be enjoyed in a setting that feels like a journey through time.
Adding to the excitement, Joseph McGinty Nichol, better known as McG, has been named the new operator of The Lido Theatre through his company, River Jetty Restaurant Group. Known for his work in film and television as well as his success with A Restaurant, McG brings a fresh, creative vision to this Newport Beach treasure. Under his leadership, the theater is set to host a unique lineup, including curated film events, special screenings, and community gatherings, breathing new life into a venue with an already storied past.
A Cultural Revival for Newport Beach
With its Art Deco charm meticulously preserved and McG’s modern flair guiding operations, Lido Theatre is more than just a cinema; it’s a destination. Its return as a social and cultural hub is anticipated to bring Newport Beach residents together in a setting that honors tradition while embracing contemporary entertainment. Future programming will include film festivals, themed nights, and events that underscore the theater’s standing as a beacon of local culture.
Now equipped with enhanced projection and sound, Lido Theatre promises an immersive experience, making each screening memorable. McG’s influence from River Jetty Restaurant Group’s success ensures the theater’s new chapter will cater to varied tastes, hosting a mix of modern films, classics and even performances that draw audiences seeking unique entertainment in an unforgettable setting.
This reimagined Lido Theatre stands ready to inspire generations to come, inviting everyone to rediscover the joy of the big screen in an iconic Newport Beach setting. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, the new Lido Theatre experience is poised to enchant—and to bring the magic of movies back to Newport Beach with an added touch of Hollywood glamor and local heart.
Interesting Facts:
+ Amount spent to build Lido Theatre in 1939 - $110,000
+ 500 square feet of original tile from 1939 that was uncovered and restored in the original restrooms
+ It took 4 1/2 years for plans, permits, and restoration to be completed in 2024, including pandemic delays
+ 93 Goddesses adorning the seat aisle panels – these were on the original seats, which were removed in a previous remodel. The same design was found at the Howard Hughes Aero Theater in Santa Monica and Fritz Duda Company had them recreated for the new seats.
+ A time capsule that the original owners and city dignitaries ceremoniously buried in the portico terrazzo between the box office and the theater entrance at the grand opening. The lobby was expanded in the recent restoration, so the decorative boating anchors that hold the time capsule are now inside the lobby terrazzo.
+ On October 27, 1939, The Lido celebrated its grand opening by showing Hollywood Cavalcade starring
Alice Faye and Don Amece. The weekend's first regular showing was an adaptation of the Pulitzer
