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 historic building in North Tonawanda, New York. It's a special place for entertainment. This theatre can hold 1,140 people. It hosts many different events. You can see live concerts, plays, dance shows, and movies here.
One of the most famous things about the Riviera is its "Mighty Wurlitzer" theatre organ. This amazing organ has been fixed up and is kept working by volunteers. It's known as one of only two original Wurlitzer organs. These organs were used to show off to customers during the time of silent movies. The Riviera Theatre is so important that it's listed on the National and New York State Register of Historic Places.
Contents
History of the Riviera Theatre
Building a New Movie Palace
The Riviera Theatre was built in 1926. It was a big event in the town. When it first opened, it was called "The New Riviera." The very first movies shown there were Upstage and The Mona Lisa.
The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Arrives
The special Theatre organ for the theatre, called Opus 1524, came from the nearby Wurlitzer Organ Factory. It arrived on November 19, 1926. This organ was a unique Model 235 Special. It had different pipes than other models. The organ's console was painted to match the theatre's inside look. The Riviera 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 was not used. It fell into disrepair. It wasn't played again until 1944, after it was fixed up. The Riviera was sold to different companies many times after that.
Saving the Wurlitzer and the Theatre
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 eventually bought the organ. They helped make sure it would be taken care of.
The NFTOS also added beautiful things to the theatre. They bought a huge crystal chandelier. It 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! A smaller chandelier was also added to the lobby. The theatre also got a special backdrop for the stage and a historic grand piano.
In April 1980, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historical site. Even though the theatre faced challenges, it has become a source of pride for the people of North Tonawanda.
A New Chapter for the Riviera
In 1988, the NFTOS bought the entire theatre. The group is now called the Riviera Theatre and Organ Preservation Society, Inc. (RTOPS). It's a non-profit group run by volunteers. Volunteers worked hard to fix up 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 again. It now sounds almost like it did when it was new. It provides amazing music for concerts and events. The Riviera's Mighty Wurlitzer has been used for entertainment in its original home more than most other theatre organs in the country.
What's Happening Now and in the Future
Marquee and Digital Upgrades
In 2014, the theatre's outdoor sign, called the marquee, was fully restored. It looks like it did originally, with its old paint colors, neon lights, and flashing lights. Instead of old-fashioned letters, it now has two LED video screens. These screens show upcoming events. The designs on the screens look like the old metal letters.
In 2015, the Riviera, like most movie theatres, had to get a new Digital Cinema system. This was because 35mm films were no longer being made. Grants and donations from the community helped make this upgrade possible.
Future Plans for Expansion
There are plans for a big expansion of the theatre. This project is called "Set The Stage." It will add 23,000 square feet to the building. The expansion will include new spaces for shows and for visitors. There will be larger bathrooms and an elevator to the balcony. The lobby, bar, and concession areas will also be bigger. This $6.1 million expansion will also have a meeting space. It will include a rehearsal area and a "black box" theatre. This will help new arts groups in the area.
Who Runs the Riviera Theatre
The Riviera Theatre is owned and run by the Riviera Theatre & Organ Preservation Society. This is a non-profit organization. It is led by a Board of Directors. These are local community leaders and theatre volunteers.
The people who work at the theatre include:
- 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
