Thursday, September 16, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section B·Page 5
Entertainment
Liberty Hall's blend of history decor makes a unique atmosphere
By Jennifer Hall
Special to the Kansan
It is a place that does not boast The Blair Witch Project show times. The Sixth Sense isn't showing here either. There's no 16-year-old kid dressed in a neon uniform and bow tie ready to rip your ticket.
There's certainly no clever jingle begging you to buy popcorn and a coke during previews, but that's what makes Liberty Hall work.
Liberty Hall, 642 Massachusetts Street, is a cinema and a concert hall sandwiched between downtown shops and restaurants. It has been providing a venue for entertainment, social and political events since 1912.
In the late 1850s, three different opera houses stood where Liberty Hall does now. Shortly after their construction, however, the structures burned down.
In 1912, the building was restored with concrete and was used for vaudeville shows and
community events such as high school graduations, said Tim Griffith, Liberty Hall manager.
In the 1920s, Dickinson Theaters bought Liberty Hall and used the building as a public cinema, but in the 1960s it turned into a warehouse used only for storage. However, the building did not stay empty for long. Soon after, the warehouse was converted into the Red Dog Inn, which played host to celebrities including Dwight Eisenhower and Tina Turner for the bargain price of only $4 a night. Griffith said.
In 1985, Liberty Hall was restored to its previous glamour and function as an entertainment complex.
"There's not too many places in the country like this," Griffith said. "We're not a chain. We offer the fine arts of Kansas City."
Liberty Hall's unique and storied past comes alive in its decorations. Unlike most megaplex theaters in the suburbs, part of Liberty Hall's charm lies in its decorations.
which include a wooden ticket booth, carpeted steps, mirrored walls and fringed curtains.
"My experience at the Liberty Hall was unique," said Sara Deshong, Overland Park freshman. "It differed from the monotony of the usual theater experience."
One of Liberty Hall's main functions is that of a movie theater, but rather than showing first-run movies the marquee advertises independent films including SLC Punk and Red Violin. Tickets cost $3.50 for matinees and $5.50 for evening shows.
Griffith said the large stage at the hall was ideal for concerts and other performing arts events, and the smaller rooms and stages were often used for private parties, fund-raisers and conventions.
"The theater is beautiful inside," said Kate Hackett, Minneapolis freshman. "The painted figures on the walls and colorful artwork kept my attention even before the picture began."
- Edited by Mike Loader
Club lets students slay Dragons and play with Magic
By Carrie Johnson Special to the Kansan
Members of KU Gamers and Role Players act out desires to kill monsters and gather magic for fun and adventure through role-playing and card games.
Games played by the group include Champions, Heroes Unlimited, Mage, Vampire, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, a collectible card game.
"In role-playing, you can do a lot of things," said Melanie Leatherman, Lawrence senior and president of Gamers and Role Players. "You can play something that's completely and totally not you. You can play something that's a lot like you. Or, you can play something that's kind of a combination. It doesn't matter. To me, it's exploration."
In role-playing games, players create characters which they control as they explore the imaginary or alternate world that the characters inhabit. Play requires a small group of people, including someone to control different aspects of the imaginary world and help guide
what happens.
Each game presents players with different rules and types of situations. For example, Dungeons & Dragons players may battle a monster in a forest cave, while Vampire players may launch a psychic attack against another.
Collectible card games such as Magic: The Gathering have been increasing in popularity. Players must purchase and collect cards to build a stronger deck, making it easier to win more battles.
"It's a game of strategy, using your mind against other people," said Buffy McKinely, Winfield sophomore. "I like playing against my friends."
In addition to having intellectual appeal, cards used in games such as Magic: The Gathering attract players aesthetically as well.
"I was drawn to the artwork on each of the cards, that's how I got into it," said John Aldridge, Leavenworth freshman and newcomer to Magic: The Gathering. "I like the fact that you have to use your brain."
- Edited by Ronnie Wachter