Gateway Theatre Sterling Heights MI - WaterWinterWonderland.com

Info Updates:

11/21/2014 - Denise Slowik

My first job was at The Gateway in 1971-1973. I started at the candy counter and worked as a usherette then in the box office. There were matinees on Saturday and people would drop their kids off for us to babysit them. The ticket cost $. 50 and the movies would run for about 3 hours. We sold candy for $. 15 and popcorn was $. 35 for a small $. 60 for a medium and $1. 00 for the big bucket with butter. The popcorn was brought in in large bags. We did use Land O' Lakes butter. There was orange and grape Fanta type drinks that we mixed with water. I made $1. 05 an hour. And was able to bring my boyfriend in to see the show for free. I knew every line of the Omega Man and Fiddler on the Roof. We had some great times there!.

3/2/2014 - gary larson

i worked at the gateway theater in the 70s. i started as a ticket taker and usher, ended up being the person who put up the movie names on the marquee out by van dyke. there was a building there that stored the letters. i had to put up a ladder to climb to the 4 ft wide platform 12ft up, and drag another ladder up there to reach the marquee. it had 30 in high letters, could carry about 6 at a time. climbed the 10ft step ladder up there to hook the letters on. got paid about $6 to change the sign, but got to see all the movies for free anytime i wanted, and could bring friends to.

11/23/2009 - Tom Ahern

The projectors have been removed and the wall bricked up in the booth..You can no longer view the booth window, as there is now a drop ceiling installed throughout the entire theater area..The main theater floor was leveled out too, so it no longer feels like you're falling forward as you walk towards the old screen areas..But the exits to each side of the screens are still the original flooring, so you get a short run walking towards the back..The original restrooms are still in use towards the main entrance, but have been repainted to match rest of the interior..It's still a cool place to visit on occasion...

10/16/2008 - Tom Ahern

The Gateway is now home of Automated Benefit Systems, which is a customer for the company I work for. From what I understand from the current owner of the building, the original projection equipment is still in the booth. The auditorium is now filled with cubicles, but the floor still slopes towards the screen area. The original restrooms near the front entrance are still there, but are used for storage. I will try to take pictures on my next visit, and hopefully will be able to get into the old projection room.

4/28/2006 - David

I saw Sir Graves Ghastly there in 73 or so. His coffin was set up in the center of the stage; the crowd was hooting and hollering as fake "smoke" filled the theatre. The next thing you knew, the lid was opening and various "henchmen" (the werewolf, the mummy, etc) were running thru the audience. I still remember when one of the theatre "patrons" tripped the mummy and he went flying!! Sir Graves threatened to stop the performance...yeah right!!! This place was great, we used to ride our bikes up there in the summer to see movies. I remember it was mostly kids, and it was very loud. There was usually alot of candy flying thru the air, and pop cans/bottles rolling on the floor. What great childhood memories!!!

11/23/2004 - Randy Adam

The Premier Center had many great Vegas type acts (i.e. Joan Rivers, Wayne Newton) and believe it or not Kid Rock even DJed there a few times. It did have some legends there. Another showplace out of business.

11/21/2004 - Steve Barbish

Man, I saw the Blue Oyster Cult there in 1990. Very small crowd for such a well known band.

9/11/2004 - John M. Heyka

I saw Liberace's last Detroit performance here in early 1986. He mentioned to the audience at one point he was looking for either a new museum or a bigger venue to play. He paused, looked around the room and joked, "I wonder how much they want for this place?!" The audience broke out laughing!! God, what a priceless moment!

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Gateway Theatre - Sterling Heights MI