By Liza Cooper

As a love and dating coach, I tend to see all things through a romantic lens. With that perspective, I have long viewed the abandoned Metro Theater at 2626 Broadway as a storied woman of a certain age, seeking new and lasting love. Over the years, “Lady Metro” has had a series of relationships — big and small — and plenty of heartache.

First Love – 1930’s-1950’s 

Opening as the Midtown theater in 1933, she sparkled. Designed by the well-known architectural firm of Boak & Paris, she welcomed thousands of adults and children for first-run films. Lee Ochs, one of the early proprietors of the theater, fell for her at first sight — it was easy with her red-velvet attire. With Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and the Marx Brothers as frequent “visitors,” she was the most glamorous hostess on the Upper West Side. Costs after World War II were going up, however, and the popularity of television made staying home appealing. When business began to falter, so did she and Ochs. After twenty years, they split.

Dating after Divorce – 1960’s-1970’s

After the split, she fell for partners who brought something different. Her first lover, a bohemian artist, featured art-house films from directors like Roman Polanski and Jean-Luc Godard. Her next suitor came on seductively, but treated her poorly. The combination of an unkempt interior and the porn films on her screen made her feel disrespected. It was time to move on.

Business Types – 1980’s-2000’s

In survival mode, she did what it took to keep the lights on, dating a series of “company” men, from the legendary Dan Talbot of Lincoln Plaza Cinemas, to Cineplex Odeon and Clearview Cinemas. She had cameos in “Seinfeld,” “Hannah and Her Sisters,” and a Janet Jackson music video. In 1986, she was renamed the Metro and, in 1989, her exterior was awarded landmark status.

But her interior was not landmarked and demolished in 2006. She felt gutted, quite literally. Now she needed much more than a coat of paint and a new gown. But, with her rose pink façade and unique medallion, she held her head up high. 

For years, members of the community tried to help her, advocate for her, and serve as matchmakers. The possibility of turning her into a gym, pharmacy, and grocery stores frightened her and all who recalled her heyday. Those suitors came and went.

Then, Tim League and Alamo Drafthouse entered. Tim brought a vision and creativity she had never known, and a promise of something glittering and different — film served up with elegant meals and drinks. But even big loves can fall apart and theirs did too. Although they would find each other again in 2022, after two more years of planning and hope, they again parted ways. Reunion love is hard to sustain. 

A Spate of Suitors

With the ending of the Alamo dream, Lady Metro has been getting renewed attention. Suitors have come to tour and seen beauty, even in her stripped walls. They talk of possibilities. After 90 years on this quest, she knows to be cautious, for disappointment always looms.

But among these suitors has been Ira Deutchman, the longtime producer and filmmaker, who has stayed resolute in his pursuit of Lady Metro. He wants to create a five-screen theater featuring independent, classic, and foreign films, and has advisory backing from Martin Scorsese, Ethan Hawke, and others. Recognizing how special Lady Metro is and how much this type of theater is desired, Ira has a comprehensive plan, and seeks the funding to make it a reality. 

Lady Metro understands it takes time to know someone, but she’s quite moved that Ira has stuck around — and by the senior docent program he envisions for men and women of a certain age like her. How could she not approve? He loves film as much as she does, and even comes with references – support from a local community group that remains dedicated to her renaissance. She and Ira are on the same page about what they want: a long-term relationship. 

Lady Metro is more than hopeful, and so are we.  

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Liza Cooper is President of NEW Friends of Metro Theater, a community group whose mission is to restore, reopen, and revitalize the Metro Theater. She is a love and dating coach, an Upper West Side mom, and works in healthcare. For more information, you can reach her at liza.g.cooper@gmail.com or visit  www.NEWFriendsofMetroTheater.org

To learn more about Ira Deutchman’s vision for the Metro, click here.

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