Muvico theaters offer ways - for a price, of course - for moviegoers to escape the crying babies, giggling teenagers, rude patrons, cellphones and inferior food that keep many people from venturing to the theater.

In a Parisian version of the free birthday meal at Denny's, the Lido de Paris cabaret is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year by offering patrons who visit on their 50th birthdays a free show and dinner.

Currently, for example, the city has no power to regulate several establishments licensed as bar and grills that offer patrons paid dances with women, he said.

The evening offered other patrons.

The owner of P. J. Clarke's saloon for more than half a century who offered patrons from ironworkers to movie stars the comfort of a dark refuge and juicy hamburgers, he was 83.

But he was best remembered for the help and cheer he offered patrons at the I.G.A. Westside Supermarket, where he worked for nearly 30 years.

Garth Drabinsky, chairman of Livent, said the special service would offer patrons "an evening at the theater that was complete, from the moment they walked in to the moment they left."

By day restaurants offer patrons a quiet place to enjoy local cuisine, board and card games, and free cable television.

It offers patrons a retro feel with casual dining.

Jim Henson cameos as one of the Dubonnet Club patrons to whom Gonzo offers a souvenir photo with Amy van Gilder.