Watching Peter Pan at the Lido Theatre

When I was a kid classic Disney films were continually re-released in the theatre and that’s how I was introduced to Lady and the Tramp, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and more. With the rise of home video such events died out and big screen showings of classic Disney films became a rare treat. During the recent Newport Beach Film Festival a special screening of Peter Pan was held at the Lido Theatre. Since, it’s my favorite Disney classic I knew I had to attend.

Actually, my reason for going was two-fold. Not only do I love Peter Pan but the Lido Theatre has long been on my list of must-visit venues. This beautiful Art Deco gem serves as a gateway to Lido Island – an upscale neighborhood in Newport Beach. Built in 1938, it opened with a screening of Jezebel because, at the time, Bette Davis, lived nearby. Today it’s beautifully restored and still has much of it’s original features including the colorfully tiled ticket booth.

Inside is a single screen theatre with a small balcony and walls decorated with a nautical mural celebrating its seaside locale.

One of my favorite aspects of historic buildings are their various unique features and the Lido has plenty – from the stainless steel refreshment counter…

to the detailed neon ceilings…

to the fun terrazzo floor.

Of course, I was also there to see a film and it was the perfect venue for 1953’s Peter Pan. Seeing it on the big screen was a true delight. The color popped from the screen, the songs rang out and the detailed animation was beautiful.

It took me some time to finally get to the Lido Theatre but it was well worth the wait. I don’t think it will take me as long to make a return visit.