Producer J. Ralph Shows His Secret Studio Inside the Old Clinton Star Theatre [PHOTOS]
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Photo: Vanity Fair
Inside that unassuming brick box on Attorney Street is an underground recording studio, rehearsal den, and event location called “The Space.” We toured the spot a couple years ago and noted its history as part of the Vaudeville-era Clinton Star Theatre (built in 1914). Periodically, it’s used as a location for private parties for the likes of Airwalk, Vans and other “hip” brands.
But there’s way more happening behind the curtains of this old relic.
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Photo: Vanity Fair
In short, the Space is essentially the backstage area (i.e. rear auditorium) to something even more grand. Second fiddle, if you will. We had heard tales about producer and composer J. Ralph owning a cool studio in the same building via his Rumor Mill company, but accessing the 10,000 square-foot theater was a near impossiblity. Through the years, the word on the street was always that the joint was impenetrable. Well, he broke the seal and invited Vanity Fair for a look.
Entrance to the exclusive music room is through the unassuming frontage of 80 Clinton Street.
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Photo: Vanity Fair
Head to Vanity Fair to see the complete gallery of images. Below is an image of the Space on the Attorney Street side.
Cinema Treasures notes that the Clinton Star Theatre was erected for the Islloderman & Cohen Amusement Company, and also boasted a fully-equipped stage house. The entertainment hub remained operational until 1950.