THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The Liberty Theater is one of Astoria's best-known haunted landmarks. Performers and staff have reported apparitions, phantom footsteps, unexplained voices, and shadow figures backstage and in the auditorium. Several former actors are believed to remain connected to the historic theater.
The historic 1925 theater has played host to the likes of Jack Benny, Guy Lombardo, Duke Ellington and Al Capone. It’s home to a ghost nicknamed Handsome Paul, who appears suited up for a night out. The apparition of an elderly woman has been seen as well. The ghosts are known to turn on the soda fountains and popcorn machine in the night, and puzzled employees find them running in the morning. Other spooky phenomena have occurred here: Knobs rattle, doors knock, items move, etc.