"MCH" is for the The Michigan Cinema History series of caches which are a Dedication to the local Creation or Viewing and Enjoyment of Cinema over the years in the area. It's a companion to the "DCH" or Detroit Cinema History series of Caches.
Welcome to the first multi-cache of the MCH/DCH series. This cache will take you on a circle-tour around the historic Royal Oak Theater District. The total distance of the tour is approximately ONE MILE. You may wish to hike, bike, or drive the tour, but be aware that parking may be a challenge at any or all of the stages for this cache. The final *is* nearby the beginning of the tour, so you may wish to park nearby the starting-coordinates, for convenience and a quick return to your cache-mobile after the tour.
As always, a signed log is the only proof that you completed the tour.
All online logs must have an accompanying signature on the paper log in the final container.
Please enjoy the tour and as always, enjoy the hunt.
Coordinates for each stage should be good to 25' accuracy.
Stop #1: The Washington / Baldwin Theatre
Original Front entrance, 1980's
(Was a block east of Stage 1 on S. Washington Ave)
Opened in 1922 as the Washington, this theater could seat over 1000 and contained a theater organ. It was designed by Frederick D. Madison. The Washington remained a second-run theater into the early 1980s, when the "front entrance" was removed for some re-development of the area and only the "theater portion" remained. It would be acquired by a local theater group and renamed the Baldwin.
Seating was reduced to 391 and the old movie house renovated as a venue for live theater that continued from that time.
The Baldwin contains a main stage, a smaller second stage, and in addition to plays and musicals, presents children's theater and also hosts occasional organ concerts and other special events.
Stop #2: The Royal Theatre
The front of the Royal Theatre, 1930's.
This theatre was here from the 1910's through the 1940's and is now the home of a Mexican Cantina.
Stop #3: The Main Theatre & Emagine Theatre/Complex
The Main Theatre (showing the 1941 film "Caught in the Draft")
The theatre was originally built in the early 1940s as a single-screen theatre. As the face of Royal Oak changed, so did that of the Main Art, embracing an eclectic mix of sophistication and fun. In the early 1990's, the theater went through a restoration process and was closed for a short time. The restoration was completed and the theater re-opened in October 1993 as an "Art Theatre". It had been described as a beautiful, charming theatre that many folks have had an attachment to for many years.
Stop #3 is also near one of the newest additions to the Theater District, the Emagine Theatre. They are the first theatre chain in the world to convert to 100% digital projection. This 10 screen megaplex also hosts a bowling alley and a restaurant.
Stop #4: The Royal Oak Theatre
The front of the Royal Oak Theatre, 1930's
Originally owned by Detroit area businessman and film house entrepreneur John H. Kunsky, the Royal Oak Theatre opened its doors in 1928. It quickly made its mark as one of Detroit's finest suburban theatres. In 1978, the name was modified and programming moved toward hosting live music and comedy. Worldwide Entertainment, LLC took over the venue in 2004, adding off-Broadway theatre, musicals, and dance productions to the mix.
The long list of eclectic and unforgettable performances here has included The White Stripes, *NSYNC, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Duran Duran, George Clinton & The Parliament Funkadelic, Hank Williams Jr., Iggy Pop, Run D.M.C., Violent Femmes, Bauhaus, Donovan, Mike Epps, John Heffron, Charlie Murphy, Donnell Rawlings & Bill Burr, Was (not Was), Ben Folds, the Romantics, Will Downing, John Legend, Modest Mouse, Violent Femmes, Our Lady Peace, Cake, The Ten Tenors, "Tap Dogs Rebooted," "Bellydance Superstars," and "Forever Tango."
From movie house to concert venue, the theatre has undergone many changes throughout its 80-year history and evolved along with an ever-changing entertainment industry.
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND
ALL VEHICLE TRAFFIC.
USE LEGAL CROSSWALKS WHEN CROSSING THE BUSY DOWNTOWN ROYAL OAK STREETS.
The final is located in a very busy area and
is constantly filled with muggles.
Enjoy the tour and the hunt!