2014 CONCLAVE THEATRE TOUR CONCLAVE COMMITTEE TABLE of David Newell, Honorary Chair

Home , Adolphe Menjou, At the Supper Club, Benedum Center, Garden Theater, New Granada Theater, Syria Mosque

2014 CONCLAVE THEATRE TOUR CONCLAVE COMMITTEE TABLE OF David Newell, Honorary Chair

CONTENTS Richard L. Fosbrink, Diane Fritz, Mike Hauser, James W. Kastner, Donna McCoy, Janine M. Pixley, Welcome To Pittsburgh! 4 About Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania 6 Tom Rathburn, Patrick Seymour, Amanda Wick, Megan Wozniak Daily Tour Schedule 8 Oaks Theater 11 Casino Theatre 12 The Palace Theatre 13 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Geyer Performing Arts Center 14 Craig Morrison, President Edwin S. Porter Theater 15 Donald Bohatka, Vice-President State Theatre Center For The Arts 16 Lowell Angell, Secretary Carnegie Library Music Hall Of Homestead 17 Ed Kelsey, Treasurer Strand Theater 18 Guthrie Theatre 19 Academy Theatre 20 Ken Bloom, Curtis Cooper, Lisa M. DiChiera, Warner Theatre 21 Jon Flynn, Dulcie Gilmore, Suzanne Leworthy, Warner Cascade Theatre 22 Joe Masher, Ward Miller, Dave Syfczak, Mark Wretschko Kelly Strayhorn Theater 23 McGonigle Theater 24 Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall 25 Charity Randall Theatre, Stephen Foster Memorial 26 Carnegie Music Hall Of Oakland 27 Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall 28 Roxian Theatre 29 Hollywood Theater 30 New Granada Theatre 31 The Pittsburgh Cultural District 32 Byham Theater 33 Heinz Hall For The Performing Arts 34 Benedum Center For The Performing Arts 35 O’Reilly Theater 36 Harris Theater 37 Warner Centre 38 Garden Theatre 39

2 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 3 Welcome THS neighbors!

or those of you who have never would always take me to theaters down- One day in 1967, I found myself be- been to Pittsburgh, I predict that town. One weekend, it was a Roy Rogers ing interviewed by Fred Rogers for a posi- Fyou are going to be pleasantly double feature at the Barry Theater. The tion on the new children’s program, Mis- surprised. Once known as the “Smokey next, we would go and see a lavish M-G- ter Rogers’ Neighborhood. He hired me City,” for its industrial past, Pittsburgh M picture such as Annie Get Your Gun or to be his production assistant and to play today, is that no longer. The cultural re- Showboat at the Loew’s Penn (now Heinz the part of the Speedy Delivery man, Mr. naissance of Pittsburgh began in the mid- Hall for the Performing Arts.) I remember McFeely. That was 47 years ago and I am 1950s and continues to this day through another weekend we went to the Fulton, still delivering in Mister Rogers’ Neigh- the activities of organizations like the (now Byham) to see the latest Betty Gra- borhood! Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. ble musical, needless to say, my grand- As we all gather here in Pittsburgh this Some of the theaters you will be visit- father liked Betty Grable. We even saw year, I want to thank you, my fellow THS ing are located in the downtown Cultural Jerry Lewis, in person at the Stanley (now members, for all you do to support the District. Thanks to the leadership activi- Benedum Center for the Performing Arts) work of the Theatre Historical Society of ties of the Cultural Trust, led by President, before the showing of his first film without America. Together, we need to share the Kevin McMahon, the area has been trans- Dean Martin! legacy of America’s historic theatres with formed with theaters, cabarets, art galler- However, it was the experience at age the next generation and you are an integral ies, restaurants and other complimentary seven, that changed my life—I saw my part of that. venues that have transformed downtown first play. It was a touring version of Har- Although I won’t be able to attend Pittsburgh into a local and tourism desti- vey starring Joe E. Brown that played at every function this week, I will be at sev- nation for entertainment. the old Nixon Theater (which sadly was eral and I hope I can meet all of my fel- Not just a cultural mecca, Pittsburgh torn down to make way for the ALCOA low members. Please say hello to me and is also home to the Steelers, Pirates and building.) share your theater stories—I’d love to Penguins, along with the major corpora- I remember a sea of red velvet, pol- hear them. tions, H. J. Heinz Company, ALCOA, ished brass and crystal chandeliers. It was PNC Bank, Bayer Pharmaceuticals and said that the Old Nixon was the most opu- United States Steel. lent theater ever built in Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh has been called home by Nixon’s stage was so large that it could WELCOME the following entertainers over the years, accommodate a treadmill that helped pro- AND SPEEDY DELIVERY! Gene Kelly, Shirley Jones, Michael Ke- vide the illusion of a chariot race in the aton, Zachary Quinto, Adolphe Menjou, stage production of Ben-Hur! Della Reese, Perry Como and Bobby Vin- After the matinee of Harvey, I came ton, (from nearby Canonsburg) and golfer home and immediately created my own Arnold Palmer, (from nearby Latrobe.) version of Harvey in our basement. I as- -DAVID NEWELL Likewise, Andy Warhol, George S. sembled makeshift scenery and played (AKA MR. MCFEELY) Kauman and August Wilson called the all the parts. I knew then that I wanted to ‘burg home. Pittsburgh is also the filming work in some form of theater. Many years location of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. later, I followed that dream and attended (P.S. I will have photos of Mister Rogers and Mr. I grew up in Pittsburgh, and since I the Pittsburgh Playhouse School of the McFeely if you would like to have some to take back was an only grandchild, my grandfather Theater and the University of Pittsburgh. home to your neighborhood!)

4 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Pictured: Nickelodeon Marker on Smithfield Street. Image courtesy James W. Kastner. W. James courtesy Image Street. Smithfield on Marker Nickelodeon Pictured:

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 5 he region that is now southwestern Pennsylvania has drawn mankind Tfrom its earliest explorations. First About settled over 16,000 years ago (as documented at Meadowcroft Rockshelter), the area was attractive to Native American tribes who led Pittsburgh, hunter-gatherer and agricultural lives. The coming of Europeans likely wiped out Pitts- burgh’s original natives; however, Iroquois and Algonquian tribes from the east moved Pennsylvania in, along with traders and settlers. Both Brit- ish and French realized the strategic value Each city in America has their own tale to tell, and Pittsburgh’s rise in our of the wilderness location at the forks of the industrial history is no different. Its story of fortune and economic opportunity Ohio, a meeting place to trade for furs with the Indians. After much contention (much shine light on the history of the boom days of construction and the ongoing of it involving young George Washington), legacy that philanthropy plays today. the British established Fort Pitt at the Point. A small village known as “Pittsborough” sprouted around it.

6 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City The region’s economy was largely steel to the area—a revolution that contin- agricultural through most of the 1700s, ues to shape heritage and culture. Carn- and its people fiercely independent. egie partnered with Henry Clay Frick, a When the federal government attempted self-made millionaire in processing indus- to tax local whiskey production, the new trial coke, an essential steel-making ingre- United States faced its first Constitution- dient. Their partnership soured after the al challenge from Pennsylvania farmers infamous Homestead Steel Strike, a lock- during the Whiskey Rebellion. Because out that ended in 10 deaths and many in- travel was difficult over the Allegheny juries. Still, the Carnegie and Frick names Mountains, Pittsburghers learned to pro- are synonymous with philanthropic causes duce goods themselves. The largest in- in Pittsburgh. Equally important were dustry emerging in the 1800s was boat employers such as Westinghouse, Alcoa, building, followed by glass manufactur- Gulf, and Heinz. ing. In the late 1800s, Pittsburgh also be- Pittsburgh became known as the came a banking center to keep up with “Gateway to the West.” Westward travel the booming economy. Most people con- was even easier after 1811, when Rob- tinued to live, shop, and worship in the ert Fulton launched his steamboat, the self-sufficient communities where they Pittsburgh-built New Orleans. The worked, and the region retains distinc- Pennsylvania Mainline Canal reached tive neighborhoods, many still reflect- its terminus in Pittsburgh in 1830 and ing varied ethnic roots. A boom in social Renaissance II through the 1980s the Pennsylvania Railroad arrived in programs in the late 19th and early 20th brought the city many of its signature the 1850s, further facilitating migra- centuries launched many hospitals and at- skyline buildings such as Mellon Bank tion. Pittsburgh was surrounded with tempts to clean the city, but was hindered Center, One Oxford Center, and PPG reserves of coal, oil, clay, limestone, and by a devastating flood in 1936, the Great Plaza. Pittsburgh today stands at the fore- natural gas. To supply iron for the War Depression, and World Wars I and II. front of medical research and computer of 1812, foundries, rolling mills, and After World War II, Pittsburgh con- and robotics technologies, as well as a forges sprang up, and with their growth, centrated on giving itself a make-over, center for arts and culture, while retain- Pittsburgh expanded and incorporated as including river cleanup and air pollution ing a sense of pride in its coal, steel, and a city in 1816. controls, and new building projects under ethnic heritage. § Pittsburgh earned the nickname the umbrella of Renaissance I. In 1970, the “Smoky City” due to manufacturing, last baseball game was played at Forbes History of Pittsburgh steamboats, and household heating, all Field, while Three Rivers Stadium, along courtesy the Heinz History fueled with coal. Other factories flour- with the U.S. Steel Building, were com- Center, heinzhistorycenter.org. ished as well, including textile mills. In pleted. By the late 1970s, Pittsburgh’s the 1860s, Pittsburgh was the world’s reign as the Steel City neared its end. largest refiner of petroleum products and Unemployment soared as the city leaders supplied much of the armament for the scrambled to reinvent the economy on a Civil War. new base of service, health, education In 1875, industrialist Andrew Carne- fields, high-tech, riverfront development; gie brought inexpensive, mass-produced and tourism.

Pictured: (opposite page) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1902, from the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, [reproduction number, LC-DIG-pga-03733] (above) Andrew Carnegie, Industrialist and Philanthropist, image from the Library Congress, [reproduction number, LC-USZC2-6261]

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 7 PREGLOW | MONDAY JUNE 23 Coaches depart the Omni William Penn at 8 am. Attendees will split into two smaller groups and visit Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob in alternating groups.

9:30am Arrive at Fallingwater or Kentuck Knob 11:30am Depart Fallingwater or Kentuck Knob 11:45am Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania and Lunch Enjoy lunch on your own and explore the picturesque town of Ohiopyle. 1:15pm Depart Ohiopyle 2:00pm Arrive at Kentuck Knob or Fallingwater Tour 3:30pm Depart for Pittsburgh 5:00pm Arrive at William Penn Hotel

TUESDAY JUNE 24 Registration & Welcome in the lobby of the Omni William Penn Hotel from 1 - 6:30 pm.

2:00pm Downtown Walking Tour Explore downtown Pittsburgh on this docent led tour. 6:00pm New attendees reception Meet & mingle with other first-time attendees. Bob & Dolores Hope Room, Omni William Penn 7:00pm Reception & Silent Auction Kick off Conclave with new and old friends at this opening night reception. Place a bid or two on items in the Silent Auction. Bob & Dolores Hope Room, Omni William Penn.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 25 Coaches depart the Omni William Penn at 8 am.

8:30am Arrive Oaks Theater, Oakmont 9:00am Depart 9:45am Arrive Casino Theatre, Vandergrift 10:45am Depart 11:30am Arrive Palace Theatre, Greensburg 12:10pm Depart 12:15pm Intermission Lunch at the Supper Club, Greensburg 1:05pm Depart 1:25pm Arrive Geyer Performing Arts Center, Scottdale 1:55pm Depart 2:15pm Arrive Edwin S. Porter Theater, Connellsville 2:15pm Annual Membership Meeting at the Edwin S. Porter Theater 3:05pm Depart 3:30pm Arrive State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown

DAILY TOUR SCHEDULE TOUR DAILY 4:15pm Depart 5:00pm Arrive Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead, Homestead 5:45pm Depart for Omni William Penn 6:05pm Arrive at Omni William Penn 8:00pm Gateway Clipper Riverboat Tour (À la carte) Group departs from Omni William Penn, Grant Street Lobby at 6:30pm for dinner on your own in Station Square, or transit map included in your welcome kit. Gateway Clipper boards at 7:45pm on the dot.

8 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City THURSDAY JUNE 26 SATURDAY JUNE 28 Coaches depart the Omni William Penn at 8:30 am. Coaches depart the Omni William Penn at 8:30 am.

9:10am Arrive Strand Theater, Zelienople 8:45am Arrive Kelly Strayhorn Theater, East Liberty 9:40am Depart 9:15am Depart 10:20am Arrive Guthrie Theatre, Grove City 9:20am Arrive McGonigle Theater at Central Catholic 11:00am Depart High School, Oakland 11:40am Arrive Academy Theatre, Meadville 10:00am Depart 12:10pm Depart 10:15am Arrive Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, 12:30pm Intermission Oakland Lunch at the Riverside Inn, Cambridge Springs 10:45am Depart 1:15pm Depart 10:55am Arrive Charity Randall Theatre, Stephen Foster 2:00pm Arrive Warner Theatre, Erie Memorial, Oakland 2:45pm Depart 11:25am Depart 4:15pm Arrive Warner Cascade Theatre, New Castle 11:30am Arrive Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland, 5:00pm Depart for Omni William Penn Oakland 6:00pm Arrive back at Omni William Penn 12:10pm Depart 8:00pm Pittsburgh CLO’s Footloose (À la carte) 1:00pm Arrive Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Group departs from Omni William Penn at Hall, Carnegie 7:15pm, or walking map included in your 12:30pm Intermission welcome kit. Lunch at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall FRIDAY JUNE 27 1:00pm Depart Walking tour of downtown Pittsburgh. Tour leaves the Omni William 1:35pm Arrive Hollywood Theater, Dormont Penn at 9 am. 2:05pm Depart 2:25pm Arrive Roxian Theatre, McKees Rocks 9:05am Arrive Nickelodeon Marker, Smithfield Street 3:00pm Depart Photo opportunity only. 3:15pm Arrive Garden Theater, Pittsburgh 9:15am Depart Photo opportunity only. 9:30am Arrive Byham Theater 3:30pm Depart 10:30am Depart 3:45pm Arrive Granada Theater, Pittsburgh 10:35am Arrive Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts 4:15pm Depart for Omni William Penn Annual group photo taken at Heinz Hall 4:30pm Arrive at Omni William Penn 11:35am Depart 7:00pm Closing Banquet 11:40am Arrive Benedum Center for the Performing Arts Join us for the last official activity of the week 12:40am Depart as we present our Annual Awards and recap the 12:45pm Intermission week. Bob & Dolores Hope Room, Omni Lunch & Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presentation William Penn. at CLO Cabaret Theater. 1:45pm Depart AFTERGLOW | SUNDAY JUNE 29 (À la carte) 1:50pm Arrive O’Reilly Theater Coaches depart the Omni William Penn at 9:15 am. 2:30pm Depart 2:35pm Arrive Harris Theater 10:00am Arrive at Pennsylvania Trolley Museum 3:05pm Depart 12:00pm Lunch at Pennsylvania Trolley Museum 3:15pm Arrive Warner Centre 12:45pm Depart 3:35pm Depart 1:00pm Visit to Sarris Candies Shop 3:45pm Arrive at Omni William Penn 1:30pm Depart 7:00pm Andy Warhol Museum (À la carte) 2:30pm Arrive at Kennywood Park Group departs from Omni William Penn at 6:00pm Early Departure Kennywood 6:30pm, or walking map included in your 9:00pm Late Departure Kennywood welcome kit.

Pictured: (left column, top to bottom) Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, Pittsburgh; Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, Oakland; Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, Pittsburgh. (right column, top to bottom): Warner Theatre, Erie; Academy Theatre, Meadville; Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland, Oakland. Images courtesy each tour venue.

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 9 Take the memories home with you!

Order 20”x 30” poster- sized photo prints of Pittsburgh theatres from the American Theatre Architecture Archive online at historictheatres.org/shop.

THS EXTENDS GRATITUDE TO:

Whole Foods Heinz History Center James W. Kastner The Curtis Collection Pittsburgh Cultural Trust David Newell Demi Marie Barrett Lloyd Huffman Conclave Planning Committee

and all the venue owners, operators and staff that assisted in making the 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour successful.

Thank you for sharing Pittsburgh’s theatre history with us.

10 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Oaks Theater

Oakmont, Pennsylvania

OAKS THEATER troduction starring Adolphe Menjou. The 310 Allegheny River Boulevard Oaks became the popular entertainment Oakmont, Pennsylvania spot in Oakmont, especially known for its OPENED: November 18, 1938 children matinees. ARCHITECT: Victor A. Rigaumont The first major overhaul to the theater CAPACITY: 700 (original) 430 (current) occurred in 1965, when Rodnenok updated the marquee to a more current look. He also he Oaks Theater opened on Novem- moved the ticket booth inside the lobby, ber 18th, 1938. At the time, it was from its original location, outside the entry Tone of two movie theaters in Oak- way of the theater. The theater stayed in the mont, Pennsylvania, both owned by Steven Rodnenok family for many years, passing Rodnenok. Rodnenok had moved to Oak- from father to son, until the family sold the mont some years before, and had taken over theater to the Mohatra family in 1985, when the Lehigh Theater, Oakmont’s first theater, it became a second run theater. from its owner. He was constantly making The Mohatra family owned the theater upgrades and changes to that theater, but until 2002, when the current owners pur- could never reach the point where he was chased it. They lived in the Oakmont area, entirely happy with it. and had gone to the theater as kids. When Out of this frustration, the idea to build they heard that there was a chance that the the Oaks was born. He wanted to build a the- theater could be turned into something else, ater from the ground up, so he could make they purchased it to keep the Oaks tradi- it just the way that he had wanted, instead tion alive. They renovated the lobby, and of having to retrofit an already operational restored it to a closer approximation to what theater, like the Lehigh. The Oaks was de- the lobby had originally looked like, along signed to be the most current, and up to date with some audio and visual upgrades, and theater in the area, with one of its biggest other cosmetic tweaks. features being that it had air conditioning. Today, the theater is again a first run the- It was billed as a “truly modern theater.” ater, showcasing new and current releases, The architect of the theater was Victor A. as well as classics, cult classics, and retro Rigaumont, who had designed several other audience favorites. theaters in the Pittsburgh area. Material was For 75 years, the Oaks Theater has been purchased from local services, including a mainstay of the Oakmont community. It bricks used for the building purchased from holds a special place in the hearts of many, Kittanning Brick, in Kittanning, Pennsylva- and is fondly remembered. At a time when nia. The theater’s seating capacity was close so many small theaters are closing, and the to 700 at the time of the opening, and now ones that are opening are cold and imper- seats 430. sonal experiences, the Oaks strives to keep The opening of the theater was a big the idea and experience of the neighborhood event in Oakmont. There was a whole night theater alive. § of ceremonies planned for its opening, kick- ing off with a parade on the main street of History and images courtesy town that the theater sits on. The opening Oaks Theater, theoakstheater.com. night feature was a film called Letter of In-

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 11 Casino Theatre

Vandergrift, Pennsylvania

CASINO THEATRE Biblical spectacular. Many generations of In 1992, the group formalized as Ca- 145 Lincoln Avenue local residents now reminisce about en- sino Theatre Restoration and Manage- Vandergrift, Pennsylvania joying popcorn and movies at the Casino ment, Inc. (CTRM), a non-profit corpo- OPENED: June 8, 1900 with friends, school groups, or that special ration, and began restoration work. The ARCHITECT: James Allison someone. More than a few couples credit nationally recognized architectural firm of CAPACITY: 100 (original) 483 (current) holding hands in the balcony of the Casino McLachlan, Cornelius and Filoni, who re- as the beginning of their long-lasting mar- stored Heinz Hall and the Benedum Cen- he Casino Theatre was built in riages. ter in Pittsburgh, were commissioned by 1900 in the Greek Revival Style. In 1981, with the introduction of mod- CTRM to draw plans for the restoration. TThe theatre’s most distinctive and ern multiplexes to the area, the Casino Today, the Casino Theatre is once again historic feature is its temple front with could no longer attract sufficient audi- enjoying the reputation and popularity of four Greek Ionic columns. From its open- ences, and the theater closed its doors. her heyday. Audiences from throughout ing until 1927, the Casino hosted live en- A performing arts company briefly pre- the Alle-Kiski valley and beyond have tertainment and was a popular stop along sented stage plays in the mid-1980s, but filled the auditorium and enjoyed the won- the vaudeville circuit. Among its historic could not find financial success, and the derful entertainment and the unique atmo- visitors during the past century are Presi- auditorium’s seats were removed and sphere of a “real theatre” since the doors dent William H. Taft, world boxing cham- the theater was used for storage space. of the theatre reopened in 1995. § pion Bob Fitsimmons, composer Hoagy When the building was threatened with Carmichael, the Lone Ranger, Tex Ritter demolition in the late 1980s a community History and images courtesy and the Three Stooges. group spearheaded by high school Eng- Casino Theatre, casinotheater.org. In 1927 the Casino was remodeled lish teacher Eugene Iagnemma organized as the area’s largest movie theater. In the and volunteered to restore the theater to a 1950s, the theater was converted to show showplace for future generations, and also wide-screen movies to compete with tele- secured it a place on the National Register vision. The first show was The Robe, a of Historic Buildings.

12 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Palace Theatre

Greensburg, Pennsylvania

PALACE THEATRE today’s roller rinks. would save the theatre. Before arrange- 21 West Otterman Street In 1927, the film industry exploded ments were made, Mr. Marinelli passed Greensburg, Pennsylvania and “talking pictures” became the rage. In away. Mayor Fajt and City Council, with OPENED: September 2, 1926 1930 Warner Bros. Theatres, Inc. of New the assistance of the Greensburg Area Cul- ARCHITECT: Leon H. Lempert & Son York bought the Theatre from Manos En- tural Council and other community lead- CAPACITY: 2,136 (original) 1,369 (current) terprises, though the latter maintained a ers, worked with Mr. Marinelli’s heirs to management role for decades to come. spare the Theatre from the wrecking ball. he Palace Theatre opened on Septem- In 1973, the Manos Theatre was sold City Council authorized the formation ber 2, 1926, as the Manos Theatre, the to Cinemette Theatres, Inc. of Pittsburgh. of the non-profit Greensburg Garden and Tcrown jewel in a string of the Manos The theatre closed briefly as the company Civic Center Inc. to complete the sale of family’s vaudeville-movie houses in the reopened then-Cinemas IV at Westmoreland the Theatre in 1990. The organization was gion. Built at the then-extravagant sum of Mall, and Cinemette sold the Manos in renamed The Westmoreland Trust in 1992, $750 thousand, the Manos was considered the 1977 to local businessman Carl V. Mari- then Westmoreland Cultural Trust in 2005. area’s finest theatre. nelli and his business partner Adelaide Its task was to turn The Palace Theatre into In the 1920s, as well as today, Greensburg DelVitto. They changed its name to The a self-supporting performing arts center. was Westmoreland County’s center of busi- Palace Theatre, and a year later, Mrs. Del- Westmoreland Cultural Trust spear- ness and cultural activity and supported many Vitto sold her interest in the theatre back headed more than $18 million in Palace theatres throughout the early 1900s. Original- to Mr. Marinelli. renovations since 1990. ly seating 2,136, the Manos Theatre provided In the late 1980s Mr. Marinelli consid- Renovations included restoration of the community with daily doses of vaude- ered selling the theatre to an out-of-state two of the Palace Theatre’s three original ville, silent motion pictures and road shows, businessman who wanted to raze it for fu- murals based on French fairy tales and accompanied by a magnificent Wurlitzer ture development on the site. Then-Mayor painted by artist Louis Grell from United organ. A dome of red, blue, and green lights Dan Fajt and Greensburg City Councilmen Studios in Chicago. § high in the theatre’s ceiling would blink and John Finfrock and Emil Peterinelli met flash to the music, similar to effects seen in with Mr. Marinelli to suggest a deal that History and images courtesy Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.org.

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 13 Geyer Performing Arts Center

Scottdale, Pennsylvania

GEYER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER and the building was recognized as The sat dark and quiet. 111 Pittsburgh Street Scottdale Theater. In April 1987 a group of citizens Scottdale, Pennsylvania In February 1926 the name was purchased the theater and began renova- OPENED: March 1, 1900 changed to Strand and John Bixler was tion. With the help of the traveling the- ARCHITECT: Andrew Geyer appointed manager. The Strand was one ater group Actors And Artists Of Fayette CAPACITY: 375 of the first in the area to be equipped with County, theater in Scottdale was reborn. a Vitaphone system for the new “talking In 2006 Scottdale Showtime Inc un- he Geyer Theater was originally de- pictures” of the era. But despite the pur- derwent another reorganization and the signed and built by Andrew Geyer, chase of 310 new seats to keep up with au- theater’s board drew upon their history to Tson of Henry Geyer (owner of the dience demand, the theater had fallen on call the theater The Geyer Performing Arts Geyer Hotel) in 1900. It had a seating capac- hard times. Center and also started producing shows ity of 375 persons. Andrew operated as The In 1936 there was a reorganization to supplement the annual schedule of the Geyer Opera House from 1900-1912. of the Scottdale Theater Company and resident theatrical company, Actors And After a little more than a decade as turn- a new Board of Directors was elected. Artists Of Fayette County. of-the-century opera house, on August 20, Times were tough, however, and on Au- The Geyer Performing Arts Center re- 1912 the building was sold to the recently in- gust 31, 1942 the theater changed hands mains the owner of the building today and corporated Scottdale Theater Company. The once again. Current manager John Bixler continues the tradition of hosting theatri- main stockholders of the Scottdale Theater purchased the theater and successfully op- cal talent as it once did in its hey-day. § Company were Lee Godenson, J. Marks, F.W. erated it until 1969, when he closed the Bynres, J.R. Byrnes, James Byrnes, and E.J. theater and leased it out sporadically until History and images courtesy Buttermore. The operation of the theater re- 1971 when the lights turned off for quite Geyer Performing Arts Center, mained in their control until February 2, 1926 some time. For over a decade the theater geyerpac.com.

14 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Edwin S. Porter Theater

Connellsville, Pennsylvania

EDWIN S. PORTER THEATER been host to many events including gradu- Porter, who was born in Connellsville on 201 East Fairview Avenue ation ceremonies, senior class plays, cho- April 21, 1870, directed and photographed Connellsville, Pennsylvania rus concerts, award ceremonies, dance re- one of the milestones in film history with OPENED: 1916 views. The high school was closed in 1970 the first narrative film, The Great Train ARCHITECT: George W. Eckles to make way for the new Connellsville Robbery in 1903. He was a Thomas Edi- CAPACITY: 600 (original) 800 (current) Joint High School and was doomed for son cameraman. demolition. In 1971 the building reopened Since the renovation was completed, he Edwin S. Porter Theater which as the Greater Connellsville Area Com- the theater has been used for concerts, is located on the second floor of munity Center. The theater was still in use musicals, graduation ceremonies, beauty Tthe Greater Connellsville Area from 1971 on but use was very limited and pageants, hosted a wedding ceremony in Community Center at 201 East Fairview as time passed the theater had become run 2011, hosted free family movie nights, and Avenue in Connellsville was originally down and was in much need of a face lift has been the home of Conn Area Catholic constructed in 1916 to serve as the newly and modernization of the heating system School’s many fundraising events. constructed Connellsville High School’s and the lighting and sound systems. We see many events coming to the auditorium. In 2010 with a grant through the Con- newly renovated theater. The future is def- The building which is quite substantial nellsville Redevelopment Authority, the initely a bright one for the Edwin S. Porter in size and structure was avant-garde in theater was renovated. The theater current- Theater. § design for the time. The theater was built ly has state of the art lighting and sound with a 600-seat capacity. Acoustically the system and an updated heating system. Air History and images courtesy theater was better than any theater in the conditioning was also an added feature to Edwin S. Porter Theater, surrounding area. the renovation. At that time the theater connellsvillecommunitycenter.net. From 1916 to 1970 the theater had was renamed the Edwin S. Porter Theater.

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 15 State Theatre Center for the Arts

Uniontown, Pennsylvania

STATE THEATRE CENTER beautiful playhouse in Western Pennsyl- closed in June of 1973. FOR THE ARTS vania” the State Theatre opened to many After a number of years the theatre re- 27 East Main Street accolades on October 30, 1922 showing opened as the State Music Hall, featuring Uniontown, Pennsylvania silent movies, road shows, and presenting country and western legends like Johnny OPENED: October 30, 1922 vaudeville’s finest acts from the B.F. Keith Cash, Slim Whitman, Waylon Jennings ARCHITECT: Thomas W. Lamb Circuit. and the Statler Brothers. The State Music CAPACITY: 1,900 (original) 1,404 (current) The State Symphony Orchestra held Hall concept, though popular for a time, court in the pit with a $40,000 Peloubet did not work out and the theatre closed he Penn Amusement Company com- master organ accompanying the silent again. missioned Thomas W. Lamb, the pre- films to fit the mood. As the big band In 1988 the Greater Uniontown Heri- Teminent theatre architect of the day, to sound emerged, the State hosted some of tage Consortium purchased the Grand Old design a “picture palace” for Uniontown. He the country’s greatest musical attractions Lady of Main Street and began presenting is best known for his work in the 18th Cen- including Paul Whitman, Glen Gray and a series of professional, nationally tour- tury Robert Adam’s style of architecture and the Dorsey Brothers. ing productions ranging from Broadway also for his fine acoustical planning. Construc- The popularity of “talkies” signaled musicals to big bands, symphonies, dance tion began in 1921 with art designers from the the end for in-house musicians and the and dramatic performances and classic Ingstrip-Burke Company of Chicago, decorat- end of vaudeville entertainment. Although films. § ing the interior of the Modern structure in the the greatest names in Hollywood flickered Adam’s style. The theme was that of “refine- across the screen, and epics such as Gone History and images courtesy ment of line and chasteness of ornamentation.” With the Wind drew packed houses, the State Theatre Center for the Arts, The artist in charge, Michael Tomlin, educated State’s days as a movie palace were num- statetheatre.info. at the School of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, bered. Television’s growing popularity Russia pronounced himself well satisfied, “It and the movie theatre trend was turning to is better than I hoped, it is what I dreamed.” smaller auditoriums and multiple screens. Hailed as “the largest, finest and most Sadly, after 50 years, the State Theatre

16 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Carnegie Library Music Hall of Homestead

Homestead, Pennsylvania

CARNEGIE LIBRARY MUSIC Groundbreaking for the $300,000 proj- USX Corporation, the successor to HALL OF HOMESTEAD ect took place in April 1896. The French U.S. Steel, continued to provide major 510 East 10th Avenue Renaissance design was the work of Pitts- support until 1988, when the corporation Munhall, Pennsylvania 15120 burgh architects Frank Alden and Alfred terminated its regular donations and the OPENED: 1898 Harlow. Renovations and modifications Borough of Munhall assumed responsi- ARCHITECTS: Frank Alden have not altered the original physical ar- bility for the library. Despite the closing & Alfred Harlow rangement of the building, that of three of the Homestead Steel Works two years CAPACITY: 1,000 separate facilities—library, music hall and earlier and the precipitous decline in em- athletic club—under one roof. ployment and tax revenue, the library re- he Carnegie Library, Music Hall and While Carnegie required communi- mained open and operational with grants Athletic Club of Homestead is a public ties to use public funds to subsidize the secured by community volunteers and the Tlibrary founded by Andrew Carnegie operation of his libraries, Homestead was investment income from Carnegie’s en- in 1896. It is one of 2,509 Carnegie libraries one of the few exceptions. Operation of dowment. The library’s operating budget worldwide and the third of 1,689 built in the the libraries in Braddock, Homestead is $850,000, not including capital expen- United States. Completed in November 1898, and Duquesne were originally funded by ditures — of which only $650,000 came it is the oldest Carnegie library in continuous Carnegie’s plants in those towns. After the from government funding. Fundraising operation in its original structure in the U.S. sale of his business to U.S. Steel in 1901, efforts, revenue from athletic club mem- The building houses a library holding over Carnegie established a $1 million trust to berships, music hall rentals, and conces- 34,000 volumes, a 1,000-seat music hall, and support the three facilities. In the 1960s, sion sales have maintained the library’s an athletic club with a heated indoor pool. The the Braddock and Duquesne libraries were viability. § Carnegie Library of Homestead is an inde- turned over to the school districts in those pendent entity; it is not a branch of the Carn- communities by the Board of the Endow- History and images courtesy egie Library of Pittsburgh, which operates one ment for the Monongahela Valley. The Carnegie Library Music Hall of main facility and 19 branches within the city Homestead library is now the sole benefi- Homestead, carnegieofhomestead.com. of Pittsburgh. ciary of Carnegie’s gift.

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 17 Strand Theater

Zelienople, Pennsylvania

THE STRAND THEATER leave their kids for an afternoon matinee. 119 North Main Street But with increased pressure from the Zelienople, Pennsylvania onset of the multi-plex and VCR era, the OPENED: 1914 Strand could no longer compete. One ARCHITECT: Unknown night in the early 1980s, the Strand closed CAPACITY: 300 its doors.

he Strand Theater was constructed THE STRAND THEATER INITIATIVE and managed by Gioachino and The Strand Theater Initiative was cre- TRosalia Sapienza in 1914. Gioachi- ated in 2001 as a nonprofit corporation to no and Rosalia were Italian immigrants save the venerable old theater from the seeking a new life and new opportunity in wrecking ball, with the goal of reviving America and Zelienople. In order to blend the Strand as a cultural, education and in with their adopted community, they community outreach center. Through pri- became known to friends and neighbors vate and public financial support, The Ini- as Joseph and Rosalie. Joseph originally tiative purchased the Strand in 2002 and wanted to build a fruit market, but the lo- completed an exterior renovation in Janu- cal banker convinced him that the town re- ary, 2005. ally needed a theater. So two-thirds of the The Initiative raised $1.9 million to- structure was dedicated to the Strand, and ward its initial capital campaign and major the remaining third was Sapienza’s Fruit renovations to the decayed theater were Market. The Strand featured silent films completed in July, 2009. Phase One of the with live piano accompaniment as well as renovation is complete, and the theater vaudeville-style shows on its small stage. has been in operation since that time, pre- In 1939, the Strand underwent its first senting a variety of live programs as well major renovation and the structure was as golden and contemporary Hollywood dedicated entirely to the theater, albeit classic films. with a nearly exclusive focus on the mo- One hundred years later, two more tion picture medium. Joseph moved his phases of construction are planned to cre- fruit market across the street into what is ate a state-of-the-art facility, capable of now “The Silversmith Shoppe” and a tax presenting full-scale, theatrical programs, preparation office. But the “Sapienza” with added parking and a multi-purpose name is still emblazoned across the top of center. § the building’s façade. The Strand thrived as a social center History courtesy the Strand for Zelienople and Harmony for decades, Theater, thestrandtheater.org. providing a destination for families to es- Images courtesy Elliott Cramer. cape the drudgery and routine of rural life and to meet and enjoy a night’s entertainment. But the Strand began to struggle when multiplex cinemas began dotting the suburban landscape. The theater became more of a drop-off point for parents to

18 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Guthrie Theatre

Grove City, Pennsylvania

GUTHRIE THEATRE 232 S. Broad Street Grove City, Pennsylvania OPENED: August 1, 1927 ARCHITECT: Unknown CAPACITY: 326

he Guthrie Theater was built in 1926 by John Guthrie as a vaude- Tville theatre and included an orchestra pit and a pipe organ. When it was built in 1926, it seated 326 people. Reportedly, the interior décor was unique combining a number of design styles. The ceiling of the auditorium was “tented” with curtains, the walls featured a coat of arms and were hung with tapes- tries. The lobby featured a stone fireplace with an American eagle decoration, heavy furniture and curtains in the jazz age style. Later a large square white plaster screen was placed on the back of the stage to run silent films between the live shows. From there it grew into a movie theater. From 1950-1955 the Guthrie was owned by Co-Operative Theater Service. In September 1956, Guthrie-Lee Theaters was incorporated by H. M. Carruthers and John Carruthers II, et al. From 1975 to 1980, Cinemette Corporation of America owned the business. William DeMarsh owned the theater for a number of years, it was then acquired by James Ahonen. In 2001, it was being operated William DeMarsh’s daughter, Lavonne Gilliland. Ahonen sold the business to Eric Thomas in 2002. Thomas began the process of re- History from the Grove City Area Historical storing and updating the facility. Society, grovecityhistoricalsociety.org. Today, the theater programs live en- Text copyright Dr. Ralph C. Packard. tertainment as well as current motion pictures. § Images courtesy James W. Kastner.

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 19 Academy Theatre

Meadville, Pennsylvania

ACADEMY THEATRE to create a “new and beautiful Temple of chitectural gem die. It wasn’t long until 275 Chestnut Street Amusement—a credit to the city and an honor the Academy Theatre Foundation was Meadville, Pennsylvania to its proprietor.” formed—a group whose sole purpose was OPENED: October 1, 1885 The Academy Theatre was a popular op- to breathe life back into the venue. ARCHITECT: J.M. Wood era house during the late 1880s. The theatre In 1989 the Academy Theatre Founda- CAPACITY: 600 (original) 460 (current) debuted Lillian Mortimer’s No Mother To tion was established. A newly appointed Guide Her in 1901. Mortimer was a prolific board of directors began planning and eadville’s Academy Theatre playwright during the time period, not only solving the numerous challenges that the was built in 1885. The institu- because she was a woman playwright but be- physical structure presented. Mtion was the dream of Ernest cause her plays explored themes of violence, Though the structure had seen two oth- P. Hempstead, a news paperman by trade. sexuality, and evil. Promotional items from er major renovations over the years, one Born on December 15, 1851 in Dimock, this hit performance, the first of many for the in 1913 and one in 1957, it was not until Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, Academy Theatre, are now on display in the the major renovation in the early 1990s Hempstead attended schools in the Phila- Academy Theatre Gallery and Lounge. that the theater was returned to its original delphia area. The theatre continued to blossom and grow glory. Hempstead first came to the Meadville over the years, at one time hosting vaudeville With almost $1 million in restoration area in January 1873 when he took the shows and the first “talkies” in town. Through and improvement work completed, the helm of the Crawford Journal as editor. He the years as audiences expanded and changed, Academy Theatre once again shines like held several important offices during his the Academy did too. From the 1950s through the gem that it is. Now celebrating its time in Meadville, and was also a lover of the 1980s, the Academy Theatre was a movie 129th year, the Academy Theatre is hon- art. house. Many locals recall sitting in the back ored to continue to be a beacon of enter- Hempstead presented the Academy of row with their sweetheart or catching a mati- tainment in Northwest Pennsylvania. § Music to the people of Meadville in 1885 nee with friends. as a testament to the great music and opera After damage was done to the building History and images courtesy Academy he knew the city to be capable of present- due to a fire in the 1980s, the Academy The- Theatre, theacademytheatre.org. ing. The building was designed by archi- atre closed its doors. But, a dedicated group tect J. M. Wood. Wood stated he strove of Meadville citizens refused to let this ar-

20 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Warner Theatre

Erie, Pennsylvania

WARNER THEATRE Cagney. Excitement and wonder of the Cinemette operated the Warner until 811 State Street patrons about the palatial splendor of the 1976, when the late Erie Mayor Louis J. Erie, Pennsylvania breathtaking new showplace filled the at- Tullio heard the chain might want to sell OPENED: April 10, 1931 mosphere. the theatre. With assistance from the com- ARCHITECT: Rapp & Rapp In its early history, the theatre hosted monwealth of Pennsylvania, the mayor CAPACITY: 2,500 (original) 2,230 (current) various traveling shows. As well as pre- negotiated a successful purchase of the senting the pick of the major film releases, building from Cinemette. ince its grand opening, the Warner The- the theatre became an important link in the In 1977, the Erie Civic Center Author- atre has established itself as a major cul- vaudeville circuits of the 1930s. On No- ity was formed and given the physical and Stural center for the region. Millions have vember 8, 1931, the Warner formally initi- fiscal management of the Warner Theatre, passed by the freestanding ticket booth of solid ated a vaudeville season. also referred to as the “Center for the Per- bronze through the doors and stepped into the The “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ that forming Arts.” luxurious gold-gilded grand lobby. once rose out of the floor and into the cor- In 1981, the Broadway Theatre League Warner Bros., today one of the world’s ner of the orchestra pit, provided music began to bring in a series of top Broadway largest producers of film and television enter- for vaudeville shows and accompanied musicals performed by New York-based tainment, commissioned the building of the the early talking motion pictures. Warner touring companies. Additionally, the Erie Warner Theatre in 1929. Designed by the ar- Bros. eventually donated the organ to the Civic Ballet Company began performing chitectural firm, Rapp & Rapp, the theatre was Western Reserve Chapter of American on the Warner’s stage. That same year, the constructed at a cost of $1.5 million Depres- Theatre Organ Enthusiasts in 1969. The Warner was listed on the commonwealth sion-era dollars. Warner Bros. also appointed Cleveland Gray’s Armory Museum in of Pennsylvania’s Inventory of Museums the world-renowned Rambusch Studios in Cleveland, Ohio, now houses the organ. and Historical Places, and on April 13, New York City to decorate the interior. In 1971, Cinemette Corporation of 1982, it was placed on the National Regis- When the Warner Theatre opened its doors America bought the Warner Theatre from ter for Historic Places. § April 10, 1931, more than 8,000 colored lights the Stanley Warner Corporation. In 1974, illuminated the 10-ton marquee that announced the Erie Philharmonic had its first concert History and images courtesy Warner the feature film of the opening evening, The at the theatre. Since then, the philharmon- Theatre, erieevents.com. Millionaire starring George Arliss with James ic has continued to perform there.

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 21 Warner Cascade Theatre

New Castle, Pennsylvania

WARNER CASCADE THEATRE early film-making, as well as serv- 18 S Mill Street ing as a centerpiece for the rebirth of New Castle, Pennsylvania the downtown area of this once great OPENED: February 2, 1907 city. ARCHITECT: Eckles Architecture & Visitors to the restored Cascade Engineering auditoriums will see articulated man- CAPACITY: 99 (original) 30 (current) nequins in period attire, a Warner brother turning the crank on a primi- everal years ago, a group of civic- tive Kinetoscope projector, and even minded people, led by Jerry Kern little Jack Warner, who would some- Sof New Castle, formed a non-profit, times be called upon to sing O Sole corporation named The Warner Film Cen- Mio between reels in order to chase ter at the Cascade Theatre, Inc. The pur- people from the theater who may pose of this organization is to pay tribute have overstayed their welcome. to the four Warner Brothers, Sam, Harry, The Historic Warner Cascade Albert and Jack, who, in 1907 opened Theatre auditoriums One and Two their first business, The Cascade Picture will become loving restorations of Palace Theatre, and to the community, of the two original 100-seat Cascade New Castle, Pennsylvania, “Where It All auditoriums. Auditorium One will Began.” recreate the Nickelodeon, originally The Warner Brothers Cascade The- furnished with wooden chairs and a atre was the inaugural step on a path that sparse décor. Auditorium Two will would eventually lead to a theatre, film reflect what the brothers referred to distribution and motion picture production as the “Gentry Room.” Contempo- empire. The Warner Brothers opened the rary ladies and gentlemen would pay Duquesne Film Distribution Company in twenty-five cents for the posh experi- 1910 to supply the growing demand for ence of viewing films while seated in feature films. They ventured into movie plush parlor chairs amidst Victorian production by opening a movie studio in décor, vases of fresh flowers, and a Hollywood in 1923. In the 1930s the War- Warner sister playing accompani- ners merged with the giant First National ment on the family pump organ. Theatre Company to become the largest The original Historic Warner Cas- movie exhibitors in the world. In 1942, cade Theatre and adjacent Warner they produced what many consider their Vaudeville Theatre was designed by greatest film,Casablanca . the Eckles Architecture & Engineer- Our non-profit corporation is dedi- ing of New Castle. § cated to the history of these achievements and to the enrichment of the community, History courtesy Warner Cascade “Where It All Began.” The goal of the His- Theatre, warnercascade.org. toric Warner Cascade Theatre is to bring to life the Warner Cascade multi-plex the- Images of the Warner Cascade, atre, museum and gift shop as a lasting courtesy James W. Kastner. tribute to the Warner Brothers and their

22 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Kelly Strayhorn Theater

East Liberty, Pennsylvania

KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER and Forum theaters in Pittsburgh. At 5941 Penn Ave this point the Regent’s capacity was Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania reduced to 850 to provide increased OPENED: October 31, 1914 patron comfort for the first showing ARCHITECT: Harry S. Bair of In Harm’s Way, with Kirk Doug- CAPACITY: 1,100 (original) 350 (current) las, John Wayne, and Patricia Neal. In October 1979, the Regent o enter the theater is to be in the closed again. By the 1990s, the Re- presence of two creative and pas- gent was poised for renewal, as was Tsionate spirits who, with their tal- its East Liberty neighborhood. Pitts- ent, tenacity, and love of their craft, provide burgh’s downtown cultural district inspiration for us today: famed dancer and was underway, but Pittsburgh needed Hollywood movie legend Gene Kelly, born another mid-sized venue to welcome and raised in East Liberty, and Homewood- small arts groups and community bred jazz composer Billy Strayhorn. Their programs. The arts community gath- spirits abound in the young East End artists ered for a sneak peek fundraiser to of today. support the possibilities, including a As the last of nine theaters from the gallery of local stars provided by the 1950s heyday of East Liberty, the Kelly East Liberty Chamber of Commerce. Strayhorn Theater has become part of the In 2000, the Pittsburgh Post- transformation of East Liberty into an ex- Gazette reported that the Regent traordinary arts and entertainment destina- Theatre would have a new name tion. in honor of Pittsburgh greats Gene In 1914, the Regent Theatre, a state-of- Kelly and Billy Strayhorn. In 2003, the-art 1,100-seat photoplay house, began the New Pittsburgh Courier reported screening America’s favorite silent films. that audiences were again “lining up Designed by architect Harry S. Bair, The on Penn Avenue.” Regent featured a grand theater organ that By 2009–2010, the Kelly Stray- provided live accompaniment to silent horn was in use more than three- films. East End residents could catch Mary quarters of the possible performance Pickford or Douglas Fairbanks at the Re- and rehearsals days as young per- gent, and enjoy music, more films, and live formers, dancers, filmmakers, actors, performances at the many other theaters in musicians, community organiza- the neighborhood, including the Camera- tions, and audiences participate in Phone, Enright, Harris Family Theatre, Lib- the ongoing renaissance of East Lib- erty, Sheridan, and Triangle. erty’s performing arts center. § Over the decades, the Regent had its ups and downs, and was dark for long periods History and images courtesy of time. The first reopening was held on Kelly Strayhorn Theater, July 18, 1965 following a $175,000 reno- kelly-strayhorn.org. vation under Associated Theaters, a group led by Ernest Stern who also owned the Encore, Fulton (now the Byham), Gateway,

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 23 McGonigle Theater

Oakland, Pennsylvania

MCGONIGLE THEATRE Normandy Gothic exterior. It is perhaps Looking toward the front of the stage, 4720 Fifth Ave the architectural highlight of the school the proscenium arch is, like all the mason- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania itself. As you enter the rear of the audi- ry openings, pointed. A plaster decoration OPENED: 1927 torium, you immediately gaze through a of figures and foliage in the Gothic style ARCHITECT: Link, Weber & Bowers trio of pointed arches supporting the mas- forms a tympanum to bridge the prosce- CAPACITY: 898 (current) sive balcony. Under your feet continue nium arch. Seven muses in brilliant glass the flagstone pavers as used at the main mosaic follow the path of the arch. Four visitor to Central Catholic High entrance. large medieval chandeliers provide the School cannot help but notice the The perimeter walls of the auditorium ambient lighting for the main floor. Aimposing towers, the spire that are built of brick. The overall color is Stained glass windows filter the harsh- seems to touch the sky, the pointed arches dark red, with localized color variations. ness of the outer light. The 16 windows and the buttressed black-brick inlaid walls The plain brick walls are undisturbed by represent the various countries from that make it a building of distinction—a extraneous decoration. A herringbone which the Catholic people of Pittsburgh designated historic landmark. In a point pattern of glazed and unglazed, red and migrated. Each window features the coun- of style, Central Catholic is of Modified black brick are set in a bed of pigment- try’s patron saint, seal and two of its most Normandy design. While most of the ar- ed, lime based mortar. Decorative tiles famous Catholic citizens. The smaller chitectural features of the school carry produced by the Moravian Tile Works of windows under the balcony colorfully fea- this Normandy Gothic design—pointed Doylestown, Pennsylvania are placed at ture the various patron saints of the dio- archways, flagstone steps leading into the regular intervals. This simple device is ceses and of academia. § main entrance, side turrets—the interior is sufficient contrast to the ordinary stretcher appropriately designed for academic in- and header bond with its neutral cement History and images courtesy struction. mortar to add interest to expansive walls. Central Catholic High School, The auditorium makes up the entire Under the balcony, there are six plaster re- centralcatholichs.com. east wing of the school. However, it is the liefs representing the academic disciplines auditorium interior that truly embodies of commerce, art, agriculture, chemistry, and complements the characteristics of the manufacturing and mining.

24 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall

Oakland, Pennsylvania

SOLDIERS & SAILORS The powerful effect the Civil War had stands in honor to all veterans from each MEMORIAL HALL & MUSEUM upon our country is reflected throughout branch of the military that have served in 4141 Fifth Avenue the building. The names of 25,930 Civil peace and at war. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania War veterans from Allegheny County are In 1999, Soldiers & Sailors Memo- OPENED: October 10, 1910 cast in bronze on large plaques found lin- rial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. was es- ARCHITECT: Palmer & Hornbostel ing the inner hallways of the Memorial. A tablished to maintain the memorial, oper- CAPACITY: 2,364 (current) 70’ x 18’ painting of Lincoln’s Gettysburg ate the Museum, and create educational Address, the largest in the world, hangs programs. Soldiers & Sailors, a nonprofit n 1891, some thirty years after the Civ- above the Auditorium stage visible for corporation, has established itself as a il War began, a committee of Alleghe- all to absorb the impact of the immortal national landmark, offering a distinctive Iny County veterans organizations pro- speech. Museum, an intimate performance Audi- posed the erection of a memorial honoring Through the years Soldiers & Sailors torium, a breathtaking Grand Ballroom, soldiers, sailors and marines from Allegh- served as a gathering place for many Civil and engaging programs honoring our vet- eny County who had served in the Army War veteran organizations, the most well erans. § and Navy of the United States in the war known are the Grand Army of the Repub- “for the suppression of the rebellion.” A lic (GAR) and the Union Veteran Legion History and images courtesy referendum was passed by county voters (UVL). Small chapters, or “Posts,” held Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall in 1905 to fund the proposed $1.25 mil- their regular monthly meetings in the Get- & Museum, soldiersandsailorshall. lion dollar project. The architectural firm tysburg and Shiloh Rooms, and larger re- org. Images © Christopher Rolinson of Hornbostel and Palmer was selected unions and conventions in the 2,364 seat to design the Memorial, with Hornbostel Auditorium or Grand Ballroom. employing a neo classic design inspired As the days of the Civil War men by the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in an- passed, veterans of subsequent wars took cient Turkey. Construction began in 1908, their place using Soldiers & Sailors for and the Memorial opened to the public on meetings and gatherings where their sto- October 10, 1910. ries could be told. Today, the Memorial

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 25 Charity Randall Theatre

Oakland, Pennsylvania

THE CHARITY RANDALL THEATRE, Collection housed in the Memorial’s li- glass work in Heinz Chapel and the STEPHEN FOSTER MEMORIAL brary and museum wing, a 12-sided shrine windows in the Foster Memorial lobby 4301 Forbes Avenue commemorating the composer’s life and and museum. Images of Beethoven and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania works. Pitt’s Center for American Mu- Shakespeare are featured in the lobby and OPENED: June 2, 1937 sic Library is also a public museum that lyrics by Stephen Foster can be found in ARCHITECT: Charles Z. Klauder contains a broad cross-section of Ameri- the windows of the museum. CAPACITY: 600 (original) 477 (current) can popular culture from the 1840s to the Engraved above the auditorium are 1930s. Lilly, Andrew Mellon and other themes to Foster’s Old Folks at Home and n 1927, the concept for a memorial to leading Pittsburgh citizens gave signifi- My Old Kentucky Home. America’s first professional songwriter cant financial gifts to the building fund. The original “Foster Auditorium” had IStephen Collins Foster (1826-64), a The original cost of the construction 600 seats; today’s Charity Randall Theatre Pittsburgh native, was promoted to the Uni- and materials was $550,000 in 1935. The has 453 seats and 24 chairs (in the balco- versity of Pittsburgh by members of the total cost of the 2003 restoration and tech- ny boxes) for a total capacity of 478 plus Tuesday Musical Club, which spearheaded nical upgrade was assessed at $2.3 mil- spaces for wheelchair accessibility. The the initial fundraising efforts for the project. lion. original downstairs Social Room was re- The University provided a portion of the Architect Charles Z. Klauder designed designed as the Henry Heymann Theatre quadrangle to be devoted to the Cathedral of the structure in harmony with the Cathe- in 2000. The Heymann seats 151 patrons, Learning and Heinz Chapel for a structure dral of Learning with a steel frame and the in addition to handicap access. Thus, the commemorating Foster’s life and works. signature hand-cut Indiana limestone. total capacity of both theatres still exceeds Ground was broken on January 13, 1935, The ironwork on the Cathedral, Heinz the original auditorium capacity by 28 the 71th anniversary of the death of Stephen Chapel and the Foster Memorial is the seats. § Foster. The building was dedicated on June work of Samuel Yellin of Philadelphia. 2, 1937, the University’s 150th anniversary, He designed the building’s lobby and au- History and images courtesy and celebrated its 70th year in 2007. ditorium chandelier with the exception of Stephen Foster Memorial, Indianapolis pharmaceutical giant Jo- the center lobby fixture added in restora- play.pitt.edu. siah Lilly delivered the main groundbreak- tion. ing address. He founded the Stephen Foster Charles J. Connick created the stained

26 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland

Oakland, Pennsylvania

CARNEGIE MUSIC HALL OF OAKLAND withdrawn from the firm, and in 1907 was the restoration of the Lecture Hall and 4301 Forbes Avenue the newly expanded building was once the Music Hall. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania again feted and dedicated and opened to When the Music Hall was first opened, OPENED: 1895 the public. it was the center of musical activity in ARCHITECT: Longfellow, Alden & Harlow The twin towers of the Music Hall Pittsburgh and the home to the Pittsburgh CAPACITY: 1,950 were gone, and the curved exterior of Orchestra, now the Pittsburgh Symphony, the early building was now encased in until 1910. There were weekly free recit- his early building was designed by ar- an opulent foyer with an elaborately als on the grand concert hall pipe organ chitects Longfellow, Alden & Harlow, carved and gilded 45-foot ceiling and from the month the Institute opened un- Ta firm based in Boston and Pittsburgh, colossal columns of green Tinos marble til the 1960s, and then periodic but less whose plans were selected from the 102 draw- from Greece. The new building reflect- frequent recitals until the 1980s. With its ings entered in a competition held by the Board ed the spirit of affluence that prevailed nearly perfect acoustics and splendid rose of Trustees. in the early 20th century. It all seemed and gilt interior, the Music Hall still draws The 1895 building consisted of what is to- designed to overwhelm. performers in large numbers today. § day the Library and the Music Hall, and where Whatever the reason visitors come to the two joined, to the rear of the Millie Hall on The Carnegie, their first impression is of History courtesy either side of the stage, were two large towers. its physical presence. In 1988, when The Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland, The wings of the Library held the art gallery and Carnegie kicked off the Second Century carnegiemuseums.org. the museum. With its roof of red tile, the early Fund, many of the projects listed in the Carnegie Institute was inspired by the Italian campaign involved maintaining, restor- Images courtesy Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh. Renaissance, then a popular style for the grand ing, improving, or sometimes simply buildings of Europe and larger American cities. cleaning the jewel of the collection, the In 1903, at Andrew Carnegie’s suggestion building itself. When the project was and with an additional $5 million from him, work complete in the summer of 1990, peo- was begun on an addition which expanded the ple once again saw the elegance of the building’s acerage to nearly fourteen. Plans were building as it was intended to be. Anoth- drawn by Alden & Harlow, Longfellow having er project of the Second Century Fund

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 27 Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall

Carnegie, Pennsylvania

ANDREW CARNEGIE FREE non-profit dance and drama school, and LIBRARY & MUSIC HALL Stage 62, which performs four popular 300 Beechwood Avenue plays annually. Recent improvements to Carnegie, Pennsylvania the facility have raised the profile of the OPENED: May 10, 1901 Music Hall significantly, it is already well ARCHITECT: Struthers & Hannah on its way to serving as an outstanding re- CAPACITY: 780 (original) 450 (current) gional performance venue. In 1981, the ACFL was listed on the he Andrew Carnegie Free Library National Register of Historic Places, one & Music Hall has served its com- of only three buildings in the Chartiers Tmunity since 1901. The Library Valley to bear this distinction. was built with money provided by Andrew The very mass, design and site of the Carnegie. Although the famed industrial- Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music ist’s name is internationally associated Hall were intended to convey prominence with libraries and he ultimately went on and permanence. So too was the $93,000 to fund more than 2,000 of them, the An- with which it was endowed in 1901. Un- drew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall fortunately, the ACFL&MH’s income (ACFL&MH) is one of only four endowed long ago proved inadequate, the endow- libraries built by the philanthropist in the ment was spent down to meet operating United States. (The others are in Brad- needs. dock, Homestead and the sadly demol- In 1998 a coalition of business and ished Duquesne Carnegie library.) community leaders, many of them mem- The ACFL&MH is further distin- bers of the ACFL&MH’s Advisory Board, guished by the fact that the town it graces formed the Chartiers Valley Partnership was named for Mr. Carnegie. In 1894, the (CVP) and launched a capital campaign two boroughs of Mansfield and Chartiers to restore the Library & Music Hall’s his- consolidated to become one: Carnegie. In toric facility. $7.5 million has been raised return, the philanthropist funded a majes- to date. The building is structurally sound, tic building to house a library and perfor- accessible, weather-proof, and looks love- mance venue for the new community. lier than it has in decades. Interior im- The “Carnegie Carnegie” is a graceful, provements have begun as well, including Italianate structure, situated prominently comfortable seats in the Music Hall, air in a park-like setting in the center of Carn- conditioning in the Library, conversion egie. As with only a few other historic of the old gym into vibrant and versatile Carnegie institutions, library does not programming space, and of course, the adequately describe the facility. In addi- meticulous restoration of the Espy Post. tion to serving as a fine community library The Library & Music Hall is vibrant and the ACFL&MH houses a reception hall, a valued again. § gymnasium, a 450-seat music hall as well as well as its rare Civil War room. The History and images courtesy acoustically excellent Music Hall is home Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. to two resident performing arts compa- carnegiecarnegie.com. nies, Carnegie Performing Arts Center, a

28 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Roxian Theatre

McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania

ROXIAN THEATRE year, and is currently working to develop 425 Chartiers Avenue a comprehensive master plan. The goal for McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania this theatre is to redevelop the building OPENED: January 14, 1928 into a mid-size concert venue while pre- ARCHITECT: Marks & Kann serving the rich history that illustrates the CAPACITY: 1,500 (original) thriving days of McKees Rocks. §

Opening Monday Evening, History and images courtesy January 14 at 8:15 o’clock The McKees Rocks Community Roxian Theatre embodies all Development Corporation, “O mckeesrocks.com/blog. the current ideas in deluxe theater construction. It is of elegant beauty and unusual architecture. Equipment throughout is complete and modern. There are men’s and women’s lounges; a spacious and luxuriously furnished mezzanine floor, a large fully equipped stage and other accessories to service and comfort, such as a ventilation system which assures patrons of year-round comfort. The Roxian has a capacity of 1,500 and its policy calls for pictures and stage presentations at moderate admission prices, with frequent changes of program. The theater will fill a long-felt need in the amusement life of McKees Rocks and its thickly populated sur- roundings.”

(From Pittsburgh Press Sunday, January 13, 1928 Roxian Theatre (McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania) of the Imperial Chain D.J. Selznick, President and Manager.)

The Roxian Theatre closed in 1979. It was then converted to a concert venue known as the Emerald Room, which closed again in 2003. The theatre is currently owned by the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation who is working with the Palmer Westport Group to bring this historic landmark back to life. The team completed a feasibility study in the fall of 2013, a market assessment later that

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 29 Hollywood Theater

Dormont, Pennsylvania

HOLLYWOOD THEATER The marquee of that era, containing lit- and the original Twilight. It was later ru- 1449 Potomac Avenue erally thousands of bulbs and two glass at- mored that the theater was acquired by the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania traction panels, was removed in the 1980s city of Dormont for back taxes and later OPENED: 1932 when the city widened the street and the sold to a group of private investors. ARCHITECT: Victor A. Rigaumont (remodel) glass tile of the lower façade was replaced The Hollywood Theater remained CAPACITY: 285 (current) with stucco. closed from 1998 until 2007, when on Cinemette Theaters purchased all area April 6th a newly remodeled Hollywood he building now known as the Holly- RKO Stanley-Warner theaters, including was reopened by the Bradley Center (as a wood Theater was possibly first opened the Hollywood, on July 19, 1973, and was work project for at-risk youth). The Brad- Tin 1922 as Murray’s Bowling and Bil- later owned by Ernest and George Stern, ley venture closed in less than one year. A liards, became the Murray Theater in 1924, and whom owned and operated the theater company called Motion Picture Heritage was operated by the Murray family until 1926. until it closed on April 1987 with shows then reopened the theater in 2009 and it The theater was likely purchased in 1926 of Disney’s The Fox and the Hound and too closed in less than a year. or 1927 by Stanley Theatres, remodeled by Frantic. The Hollywood was then leased In 2010 a group of Dormont and South Charles R. Geisler, and renamed the Holly- from the Stern family to Neighborhood Hills residents banded together to discuss wood Theater. Cinemas and reopened on June 1, 1990 running the theater under a new nonprofit The Hollywood was purchased by War- with Steel Magnolias. After being oper- umbrella organization called Friends of ner Bros. in the late 1940s and gutted and ated as a dollar theater it again closed on the Hollywood Theater. On May 7th, 2011 rebuilt under direction of architect Victor A. April 2, 1995 with a showing of The Brady the theater reopened. § Rigaumont. The new Hollywood was a deluxe Bunch Movie. On June 1, 1995 Cinemagic second run venue, playing Warner, Universal, reopened the theater with Johnny Mne- History and images courtesy RKO, Disney and United Artists product, while monic and the Pebble and the Penguin. Hollywood Theater, the Harris South Hills, less than a mile away, On Sunday, March 29, 1998, Cinemag- thehollywooddormont.org. (capacity about 1,300) ran Fox, MGM, Colum- ic closed the Hollywood with a triple bill bia and Paramount films. of The Wedding Singer, The Borrowers,

30 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City New Granada Theatre

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

NEW GRANADA THEATRE verted into a basketball court, with a clear space and a community gathering space. 2007 Centre Ave 20-foot floor space of 6,000 square feet. Community input and the results of a mar- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Seating accommodations for 1,500 people ket study and cultural study will help to OPENED: March 25, 1928 have been arranged. The auditorium will shape the future of the New Granada The- ARCHITECT: Louis A.S. Bellinger be decorated in classical style, with myriad ater. § CAPACITY: 1,500 (original) lights, finished walls, box seats, hardwood floor and a new innovation in seating- ar History courtesy The Hill he New Granada Theatre was origi- rangement. Entrance to the gallery will be Community Development Corporation, nally built in 1927 as the Pythian through a fireproof foyer. Several modern hilldistrict.org. Temple, by Pittsburgh’s first African- office suites will complete this floor.” T Images: American architect, Louis A.S. Bellinger. On May 20, 1937, the Pythian Temple re- The Pythian Temple was constructed as opened as the New Granada Theater in the (top) Granda Theatre, from the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs a Grand Lodge for the Knights of Pythias, form of a movie theater and concert hall. It is Division, [reproduction number, a national fraternal organization dedicated to highly regarded as a historic African Ameri- 222978pu]. “friendship, charity and benevolence.” can cultural place in where music greats in- On March 12, 1927, the Pittsburgh Cou- cluding Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, (bottom) rier released the details of the project after an Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Granda Theatre, from the Library interview with Bellinger. “The second floor Billy Eckstein and Cab Calloway had graced of Congress, Prints & Photographs will furnish the city with a long-felt want. the stage both in person and on film. Division, [reproduction number, This floor will contain an auditorium with In 2010, a stabilization project was com- 222979pu]. a gallery, ladies and gentlemen’s lounging pleted on the New Granada Theatre. This rooms, miniature stage with modern foot- project involved masonry restoration, roof lights, suitable for amateur productions and replacement and marquee storage. Potential musical concerts. The auditorium has been reuse ideas include a performance area, a vi- so arranged that the floor can be easily con- sual arts center, a museum, retail and office

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 31 The Pittsburgh Cultural District

he Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has The District is one of the country’s largest economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s qual- overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most land masses “curated” by a single nonprof- ity of life. Thanks to the support of foun- Thistoric transformations: turning a it arts organization. A major catalytic force dations, corporations, government agen- seedy red-light district into a magnet des- in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is cies and thousands of private citizens, the tination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, a unique model of how public-private part- Cultural Trust stands as a national model and business owners. Founded in 1984, the nerships can reinvent a city with authen- of urban redevelopment through the arts. § Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit ticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts organization whose mission is the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh History and images courtesy cultural and economic revitalization of a Cultural Trust has holistically created a Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 14-block arts and entertainment/residential world-renowned Cultural District that is trustarts.org. neighborhood called the Cultural District. revitalizing the city, improving the regional

32 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Byham Theater

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

BYHAM THEATER Italian faux marble technique. The entry to address improvements in theater tech- 101 Sixth Street vestibule showcases the original mosaic nology. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania tile floor and the large original lighting In 1993, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust OPENED: October 31, 1904 fixtures are artifacts from the advent of selected the renowned American muralist ARCHITECT: Dodge & Morrison electrical lighting. Backstage, the theater Richard Haas as the designer of the Haas CAPACITY: 2,000 (original) 1,767 (current) was one of the remaining few to use sand- Mural, which pays homage to Pittsburgh’s bags and hemp ropes to work the scenery steel industry. Richard Haas is best known riginally built in 1903 as the Gayety rigging until 1999 when a modern rigging for architectural murals and his use of the Theater, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust system was installed. In the 1930s, the the- Trompe l’oeil style— an art technique Opurchased this 1,300-seat venue in ater was renamed the Fulton and became a involving extremely realistic imagery in 1988. Then called the Fulton Theater, The full time movie theater. order to create the optical illusion that Trust renovated and reopened the venue in Following the first of four planned the depicted objects appear in three-di- 1991. The theater was renamed the Byham phases of renovation, the Fulton was re- mensions, instead of actually being a two- Theater in 1995, in recognition of a gift from opened in May 1991 and the old lighted dimensional painting. The Haas Mural is William C. and Carolyn M. Byham. Today, Fulton marquee was restored by the State painted on the Fort Duquesne Boulevard the Byham Theater is home to a wide variety Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. façade of the Byham Theater. The mural of performing arts, including dance, music, The second phase of renovations brought integrates the Byham Theater’s doors and theater, film, and family-friendly events held new restrooms, box office, marquee, an windows to create a visual experience. In throughout the year. elevator, lobby improvements, and façade a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette interview, Mr. The Gayety ran for many years as one of changes. In 1997, the Cherub Lobby was Haas called the mural “one of the most the country’s foremost stage and vaudeville restored to its original splendor. The third complicated façades I’ve done.” § houses, with appearances from such stars as phase of renovation in 1999 updated the Ethel Barymore, Gertrude Lawrence, and theater rigging system, enlarged the or- History and images courtesy Helen Hayes. The venue boasted pressed chestra pit, and provided new HVAC for Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, copper cherubs painted with a bronze patina, the entire building. As funding becomes trustarts.org. Image © Kevin Cooke. imitation gold leaf, stained glass windows, available, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust plaster columns, and wainscot of scagolia, an continues to enhance the Byham Theater

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 33 Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

HEINZ HALL FOR THE and see that with proper restoration the PERFORMING ARTS hall could be a brilliant cultural center. 600 Penn Ave Along with Adolph W. Schmidt, Presi- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania dent of the A. W. Mellon Educational OPENED: September 6, 1927 and Charitable Trust, and Theodore L. ARCHITECT: C. W. & George L. Rapp Hazlett, Jr., representing the Allegheny CAPACITY: 2,669 (original) Conference and the Urban Redevelop- 2,740 (current) ment Authority of Pittsburgh, these men worked with the architectural firm or 45 years prior to the origin of Stotz, Hess, MacLachlan & Fosner of the Loew’s Penn Theater, the to begin the construction. Fbuilding that stood at this loca- The $10-million reconstruction tion was the Hotel Anderson. After 1900 took place over a three-year period, the Anderson developed a somewhat with much of the work completed by seedy reputation, lost much of its appeal local craftsmen and artisans. Much of and met its demise. the basic architecture of the building Built on the same location as the An- remained unchanged from the original derson, the Loew’s Penn Theater was French Court style. September 10, 1971 constructed in 1927. Motion picture was the Grand Opening of Heinz Hall magnate Marcus Loew hired the archi- for the Performing Arts. tectural firm of Rapp & Rapp to design During 1995, Heinz Hall underwent the opulent movie house. a four-month, $6.5-million renovation. With the advent of television, declin- The grand reopening of the newly refur- ing attendance and the rising costs of bished hall was September 15, Opening maintaining such landmarks, the Penn Night of the Pittsburgh Symphony’s Theater, in line with the nation’s other 1995-96 Centennial season. great movie palaces, was forced to shut Today Heinz Hall for the Perform- its doors in 1964. The building sat va- ing Arts is owned by and remains home cant for five years. Destined to be de- to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, molished to make way for a parking lot, which performs more than thirty weeks the building was nearly destroyed until of concerts in the Hall each season. § the Pittsburgh Symphony intervened. The Orchestra was searching for a new History and images courtesy home, having outgrown Carnegie Mu- Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, sic Hall and the Syria Mosque, and the heinzhall.org. Images © Joey Kennedy. economic advantages to recycling the well-constructed theater were clearly apparent. To explore the feasibility of using the building, Henry J. Heinz II and Charles Denby, President of the Pitts- burgh Symphony Society, toured the old movie palace. Together they had the vision to look past the rundown interior

34 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

BENEDUM CENTER FOR on the historic restoration of the Stan- THE PERFORMING ARTS ley Theater. This became the Pittsburgh 237 Seventh Street Cultural Trust’s first project after its Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania founding in 1984. The $43 million res- OPENED: February 27, 1928 toration faithfully restored this cultural ARCHITECT: Hoffman-Henon Co. treasure to its 1928 opening night glory. CAPACITY: 3,719 (original) By following the very strict restoration 2,800 (current) standards set by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Commonwealth he Benedum Center for the Bureau of Historic Preservation, and Performing Arts, a Pittsburgh the Historic Review Commission of TCultural Trust theater, is a focal Pennsylvania, the building is registered point of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. with the National Register of Historic The 2,800-seat theater is home to Pitts- Places. § burgh Cultural Trust presentations. The Trust provides priority programming History and images courtesy dates on the Benedum stage to Cultural Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, District resident companies, and the trustarts.org. venue is available on a rental basis to promoters and community groups. The facility opened as the Stanley Theater on February 27, 1928. James Bly Clark, an early theater tycoon who assisted in the founding of Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer, financed the $3 million project. The Stanley was billed as “Pittsburgh’s Palace of Amusement.” In attendance on opening night were Gov- ernor John S. Fisher, Mayor Charles H. Kline, and Adolph Zukor, president of Paramount Studios. Regular admission cost 65 cents—25 cents if you came before noon—and performances provided a welcome lift of spirits during the Great Depression. The theater was purchased and remodeled by the Cin- emette Corporation in 1976. In 1977, DiCesare Engler Productions bought the Stanley and presented rock and roll concerts through 1982. Following the renovation of the Loew’s Penn Theater to Heinz Hall, the late H.J. Heinz II focused his attention

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 35 O’Reilly Theater

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The O’Reilly Theater ue that features a thrust stage, surrounded 621 Penn Avenue by the audience on three sides. The theater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania features 650 seats and state-of-the-art the- OPENED: 1999 ater technology. ARCHITECT: Michael Graves The O’Reilly Theater was built at a cost CAPACITY: 650 (current) of $25 million. Major gifts to the O’Reilly Theater include a naming gift in honor of itting on the former site of the Lyce- Dr. Anthony J. O’Reilly from Mrs. Chryss um Theater, one of the city’s many O’Reilly and current and past senior exec- Svaudeville houses demolished af- utives of the H.J. Heinz Company, and the ter the 1936 St. Patrick’s Day flood, the Helen Wayne Rauh Rehearsal Hall, named O’Reilly Theater is the fourth theater proj- in memory of the Pittsburgh actress by her ect completed by the Pittsburgh Cultural son, Richard E. Rauh. Pittsburgh Public Trust. The O’Reilly was created with two Theater produces about 235 performances purposes: to create a downtown home for a year, making the O’Reilly Theater one of Public Theater and to create additional the city’s most utilized venues. § venues for theater, music, and other performances. History and images courtesy Designed by world-renowned architect Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Michael Graves, the O’Reilly Theater is trustarts.org. Images © Joey Kennedy. also the only downtown performance ven-

36 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Harris Theater

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

HARRIS THEATER purchased and restored the facility leading 809 Liberty Avenue to further conversions of run-down prop- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania erties along the Liberty Avenue corridor. OPENED: September 14, 1931 With 194 seats for movies and 178 seats ARCHITECT: Unknown for live performances, the Harris Theater CAPACITY: 194 (original) 194/178 (current) officially opened to the public on Novem- ber 9, 1995. he Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Harris The Harris was named through a gift Theater is one of the most active arts from the Buhl Foundation after John P. Tfacilities in the region showing art Harris, co-founder of the Nickelodeon— films programmed by Pittsburgh Filmmak- the first theater solely dedicated to the ers. Formerly known as the Avenue and the showing of motion pictures—and a Penn- Art Cinema, today, the Harris Theater rep- sylvania State Senator. The Harris Theater resents a milestone in the redevelopment of features contemporary, foreign, and clas- Liberty Avenue. The Art Cinema was the first sic films. § moving picture house in Pittsburgh to com- mercially show art movies until competition History and images courtesy from other city theaters led to its conversion Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, to an adult, pornographic movie house in the trustarts.org. 1960s. As part of its mission to transform the Cultural District, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 37 Warner Centre

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

WARNER THEATRE years. 332 Fifth Avenue Reborn in 1985 as Warner Centre, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania an urban shopping/entertainment com- OPENED: March 7, 1918 plex, only the façade and altered outer ARCHITECT: C. Howard Crane, lobby of the former theatre remain. Elmer George Keihler The heydays of the Warner Theatre CAPACITY: 1,980 (original) and Centre, are frankly gone with the wind. § hen fire destroyed the Grand Op- era House in the early morning History and images courtesy Whours of January 26, 1917, Pitts- James W. Kastner. burgh’s “Emperor of Entertainment,” Harry Davis announced that he would rebuild immediately. From the ashes rose the new Mil- lion Dollar Grand which opened on March 7, 1918 with Headin’ South and the comedy short, Her Husband’s Wife. Built on the spot where “pictures first moved” in Pittsburg(h) with Lumiere’s Ci- nématographe in 1896, Harry Davis merged his chain of theatres, which included the Million Dollar Grand, with the Clark and Stanley chain in 1927, forming the Stanley Company of America. In 1930 the Grand became the Warner Theatre and retained that name up until its partial demolition in 1983. Located just around the corner from where the Nickelodeon once stood, the Warner had its own list of other Pittsburgh firsts which included, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs–the first full-length animated film, the tri-state premiere ofGone With The Wind, and Bwana Devil–the first 3-D film. In 1953, the Warner’s flat screen was replaced with a curved screen and the Warner became Pittsburgh’s Cinerama showplace with This Is Cinerama. From the strains of the Million Dollar Grand’s symphony orchestra to the screams of Warner Theatre patrons being hit by fall- ing plaster during a Bruce Lee double-feature, this theatre of magnificence on Pitts- burgh’s Fifth Avenue lived for sixty-five

38 | 2014 Conclave Theatre Tour: Steel City Garden Theatre

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

GARDEN THEATER Text taken from Library of Congress, 12 West North Avenue Prints & Photographs Division, HABS, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Report number HABS PA-1278. Images from from the Library of Congress, Prints OPENED: October 12, 1914 & Photographs Division, [reproduction CLOSED: March 2007 numbers, 132848pu and 132846pu]. ARCHITECT: Thomas H. Scott CAPACITY: 770 (original) 1,000 (current)

uilt in 1915, the Garden Theater was one of a growing group of BNorth Side Pittburgh neighborhood movie houses. Its builder, and first owner was David E. Park, Vice President of the Peoples National Bank. Because of the similarity between “Park” and “Garden,” the latter was cho- sen as a name for the theatre, both as a pun on the name of the owner, and to avoid confusing it with the name of another of his properties, the Park Building, in downtown Pittsburgh. In 1917, soon after the opening of the theatre, David Park died, and the property was inherited by his son, Lewis A. Park. In 1924, Park gave the title to the theatre to Bennett Amdur (shortened from the original Amdursky) who soon commissioned the Libman-Spanjer Company of New York City, after he had seen their work in the Bellevue Theatre in Pittsburgh. Amdur ran the Garden for over 50 years until his death in 1970. After 30 days of mourning, the theatre reopened. After 1973 the Garden was faced with closing or showing adult films. It chose the later and remained in operation as an adult theatre until it closed in 2007. Today, the city is still trying to work with developers to revitalize this historic area including the Garden Theater. §

Theatre Historical Society of America | historictheatres.org | 39 A PUBLICATION OF Theatre Historical Society of America ONLINE AT HISTORICTHEATRES.ORG