Majestic, Shuttered Uptown Theatre Stars In Regina Spektor's Haunting New Music Video

By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 3, 2017 5:32PM

Sadly, you're not likely to get inside the majestic, long-shuttered Uptown Theatre anytime soon—not even on an Open House Chicago weekend. But the new video from much-loved indie chanteuse Regina Spektor offers a pretty excellent substitute.

Spektor's latest music video, "Black and White," was filmed inside the iconic, Tudor-Revival venue and Chicago landmark, which has been closed to the public since 1981.

The clip, directed by Chicago-based filmmaker and photographer Daniel Ryan—whose past work includes clips for The Orwells and School of Seven Bells—makes particularly compelling of the theatre's ornate grand lobby. The clip also features the improvised dancing of Joffrey ballet dancer Victoria Jaiani, according to the Tribune.

The Uptown Theatre was built in 1925. It started as a movie house before eventually taking a second life as a concert venue, starting in the 1970s. The like of Bob Marley & The Wailers, Prince, Duke Ellington and Judy Garland all graced its stage back in the day. The 6,000-square-feet palace is currently owned by JAM Productions, which also hosts live shows at Riviera Theatre, Park West and The Vic. Hopefully Spektor's video inspires them to hop on a resuscitation.

"Black and White" appears on Spektor's latest album, Remember Us to Life, which was released in September.