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Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center facts for kids
Marquee of the Ritz Theatre
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| Location | 1148 East Jersey Street Elizabeth, New Jersey |
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| Coordinates | 40°39′53″N 74°12′48″W / 40.664707°N 74.213402°W |
| Owner | George A. Castro II |
| Operator | Ritz Theatre and Performing Arts Center |
| Type | Performing arts center |
| Seating type | Fixed |
| Capacity | 2,800 |
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Ritz Theatre
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Location | 1148 East Jersey Street Elizabeth, New Jersey |
| Built | 1925–1926 |
| Architect | Fred Wesley Wentworth |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Part of | Mid-Town Historic District (ID95001143) |
| Significant dates | |
| Designated CP | October 5, 1995 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | March 9, 1926 |
| Renovated | 1994 |
The Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center, also known as The Ritz Theatre, is a famous place for shows in Elizabeth, New Jersey. You can find it at 1148 East Jersey Street. This historic building opened in 1926. It was built where an older opera house, the Drake Opera House, once stood.
When it first opened, the Ritz showed vaudeville acts and silent movies. It was designed by architect Fred Wesley Wentworth in a beautiful Art Deco style. The theater originally had seats for almost 2,800 people. For many years, it was a popular movie theater. However, it closed in 1979. By 1980, there was a risk it would be torn down. Luckily, people who cared about history saved it in 1989, but they didn't have enough money to fix it up completely.
In 1994, a business leader named George A. Castro II bought the Ritz. He led a big project to make it look grand again, just like it did in the 1920s. Today, the Ritz Theatre has 2,800 seats. It is a fully restored place for all kinds of performances.
The Ritz Theatre is easy to get to. It is close to Newark Liberty International Airport and the Elizabeth NJ Transit train station. This means people from all over the Tri-State Area can visit. Many visitors come from nearby states. There's also a city parking garage right next to the theater. The venue has won many awards for its amazing sound quality. It uses a special Clair Brothers sound system.
The theater's design helps it have great sound. It is wider than it is deep. The main hall is wide, and the floor slopes gently. This design makes sure almost everyone has a clear view of the stage. Today, the Ritz is one of the most well-known concert venues in New Jersey. It is also part of the Mid-Town Historic District in Elizabeth. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
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History of the Ritz Theatre
The land where the Ritz Theatre stands has been a place for entertainment for a long time. The first building there was the Drake Opera House, which opened in 1865. Over the years, it had different names, like People's Theatre and Star Theatre. It was torn down in the 1920s.
In 1925, Jacob Fabian bought the property. He asked architect Fred Wesley Wentworth to build a new theater. The Ritz Theatre opened on March 9, 1926. It was first called "Fabian's Ritz." It had 2,791 seats and a very fancy Art Deco style inside.
By 1941, the Ritz was part of the Warner Bros. movie theater chain. It kept showing movies into the 1960s. However, fewer people came in the 1970s, and it closed in 1979. In 1989, a group of people who wanted to save old buildings stepped in. They saved the theater, but they ran out of money for repairs. Then, George A. Castro II bought the theater in 1994. He led a huge project to fix it up. The theater reopened as a performing arts center.
Architecture and Design
The Ritz Theatre was built in the Art Deco style. This style uses geometric shapes and fancy decorations. The outside of the theater still has its original designs. Inside, the restored building has beautiful old details. You can see chandeliers, detailed plaster work, and a grand stage.
With 2,800 seats, the Ritz is one of the biggest and oldest theaters still open in New Jersey. The architect, Fred W. Wentworth, was famous for designing many early movie theaters in the state.
Famous Performers and Events
In its early days, many famous artists performed at the Ritz. These included Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and Johnny Cash. Even members of the Rat Pack, like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin, performed there. Other well-known performers include Maya Angelou, George Burns, Jack Benny, Miles Davis, and Rodney Dangerfield.
The theater is also often used for filming. Big companies like NBC, HBO, Netflix, and Fox have filmed shows there. In 2024, a movie about Bob Dylan called A Complete Unknown filmed some scenes at the Ritz. The theater also hosts public viewings for big sports events and cultural celebrations.
Community and Cultural Role
The Ritz Theatre is very important to the cultural life of Elizabeth. It works with city leaders and local groups. Together, they offer free events and cultural celebrations. These events show off the many different cultures in the city.
Recognition and Media
The Ritz Theatre has been featured in city tourism guides and local news. NJArts.net wrote about its ongoing cultural impact and its growing list of shows. The New York Times published an article in 2005. It talked about how the building was restored and its new role in the community. People who work to save historic buildings also praise the theater. It has appeared in documentaries and movies. The Ritz is often called a great example of New Jersey's early 20th-century theater architecture.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Union County, New Jersey
- List of Art Deco architecture in New Jersey