Riviera Theatre (North Tonawanda, New York) facts for kids
Riviera Theatre Auditorium
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| Address | 67 Webster St. North Tonawanda, New York United States |
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| Parking | Street/Lot |
| Owner | Rivera Theatre and Organ Preservation Society, Inc. |
| Type | Movie Palace |
| Capacity | 1,140 |
| Screens | 1 |
| Current use | Performing Arts Center |
| Construction | |
| Opened | December 30, 1926 |
| Years active | 90 |
| Architect | Leon H. Lempart and Son |
| Builder | Yellen Family |
| Website | |
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Riviera Theatre
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Lambert, Leon H.,& Sons |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002731 |
| Added to NRHP | March 20, 1980 |
The Riviera Theatre is a cool, old entertainment spot in North Tonawanda, New York. It has 1140 seats! People go there to see live concerts, plays, dance shows, and movies.
The theatre is famous for its "Mighty Wurlitzer" organ. This special organ was one of only two that Wurlitzer used to show off their amazing instruments. They used them during the time of silent movies to impress buyers. The Riviera Theatre is so important that it's listed on the National and New York State Register of Historic Places.
Contents
The Riviera's Story: How it Began
The Riviera Theatre was built in 1926. It was a big deal when it first opened! Back then, it was called "The New Riviera." The very first movies shown there were Upstage with Norma Shearer and The Mona Lisa.
A special Theatre organ was installed in the theatre. It was called Opus 1524. This organ came from the nearby Wurlitzer Organ Factory. It was shipped on November 19, 1926. The organ's look was even painted to match the theatre's inside design.
The theatre was also a popular place for vaudeville shows. Vaudeville was a type of entertainment with many different acts.
Changes Over the Years
During the Great Depression, the theatre was bought by the Shea's Theater company. When silent movies stopped being popular in the 1930s, the Wurlitzer organ wasn't used much. It fell into disrepair. But it was fixed up and played again in 1944!
The Riviera was sold to different companies many times after that.
In the early 1970s, a group called The Niagara Frontier Theater Organ Society (NFTOS) wanted to buy the Wurlitzer organ. They made a deal that the organ had to stay in the theatre. This group ended up owning the organ and made sure it would be taken care of.
The NFTOS also added cool things to the theatre. They bought a huge crystal chandelier that used to be in another theatre in Buffalo. This chandelier was 10 feet wide and 14 feet tall! It had 15,000 French crystals and 105 light bulbs. It was put in the Riviera's main dome in January 1974. A smaller chandelier was also added to the lobby.
The theatre building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in April 1980. Even though the theatre faced tough times, it is now a source of pride for the people of North Tonawanda.
Saving the Theatre
In 1988, the NFTOS bought the theatre itself! They changed their name to the Riviera Theatre and Organ Preservation Society, Inc. (RTOPS). This group is a non-profit organization run by volunteers.
Volunteers worked hard to restore the theatre. RTOPS has been running the theatre ever since.
The Riviera is most famous for its Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre organ. This organ was made right in North Tonawanda! In 2008, the organ was fixed up to sound almost like it did when it was new. It now provides amazing music for concerts and events. The Riviera's Mighty Wurlitzer has been used for entertainment longer than most other theatre organs in the country.
What's Happening Now and Next
In 2014, the theatre's outdoor sign, called the marquee, was fully restored. It got its original paint colors, neon lights, and flashing lights back. Instead of old-fashioned letters, it now has two LED video screens. These screens show upcoming events and look like the original metal letter board.
In 2015, the Riviera had to get a new Digital Cinema system. This was because old 35mm films were no longer being made. Grants and donations from the community helped make this upgrade possible.
Future Plans for the Riviera
There are big plans for the theatre's future! They are planning a project called "Set The Stage." This project will add 23,000 square feet to the theatre.
The expansion will include:
- New spaces for shows and for visitors.
- Bigger and better bathrooms.
- An elevator to reach the balcony.
- A larger lobby, bar, and concession areas.
This $6.1 million expansion will also have a meeting space. There will be a rehearsal area and a small "black box" theatre. These new spaces will help local arts groups practice and perform.
Who Runs the Riviera Theatre?
The Riviera Theatre is owned and run by the Riviera Theatre & Organ Preservation Society. This is a non-profit group. It is led by a Board of Directors. These are local community leaders and theatre volunteers.
The theatre also has a team of professional staff:
- David Fillenwarth - Executive Director
- Lindsay Pasquantino - Artist Relations & House Manager
- Christopher Mahiques - Controller & Human Resources
- Chuck Antolina - Technical Director
- Derek Heckler - Design Specialist (Marketing/Graphics/Lighting)
- Neal Brodfuehrer - Production Manager
Gallery
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One of the two organ chambers for the Riviera's Mighty Wurlitzer.
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A shot of the Riviera's chandelier from underneath.
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The Riviera's Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ console. Original to the theatre and built in 1926.
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Fully restored and updated marquee.
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The Riviera's painted fire curtain.
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A detail view of one of the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe chambers.
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Looking down the loge level of the balcony.
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A view of the Riviera's house from the stage.
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Exterior, September 2012
See also
- Shea's Buffalo
- North Park Theatre
