Warner Theatre (Torrington, Connecticut) facts for kids
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Warner Theatre
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 68-82 Main St., Torrington, Connecticut |
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| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1931 |
| Architect | Thomas W. Lamb |
| Architectural style | Art Deco, Modernistic |
| Website | www.warnertheatre.org |
| Part of | Downtown Torrington Historic District (ID88002978) |
| NRHP reference No. | 84001098 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 16, 1984 |
| Designated CP | December 22, 1988 |
The Warner Theatre is a beautiful old building in Torrington, Connecticut. It was built in the Art-Deco style, which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. This theater first opened its doors on August 19, 1931. It was part of the famous Warner Bros. chain of movie theaters.
Today, the Warner Theatre is a busy place. It hosts many different kinds of shows and performances. It is also a special landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. People say it's the "finest surviving Modernistic theatre in Connecticut."
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History of the Warner Theatre
The Warner Theatre was originally built to show the newest movies. It was a "first-run movie palace," meaning it showed films right after they were released. The famous architect Thomas W. Lamb designed this amazing Art Deco building.
When it first opened, it was a huge event for the whole state. The Governor of Connecticut, Wilbur Cross, and many other important people attended. The theater could seat 1,772 people. It was a stunning example of new technology and fancy design for its time.
Saving the Theater from Demolition
In the 1960s, Warner Brothers sold the theater to a private owner. Movies continued to be shown there until the late 1970s. However, by the early 1980s, the theater closed down. There were plans to tear it down completely.
But a group of local citizens decided to save it. They formed a group called the Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts. This non-profit group worked very hard to stop the demolition. They started a "grass-roots campaign," which means many people in the community helped. Thanks to their efforts, the association bought the theater. It reopened on May 22, 1983.
The Warner Theatre Today
The Warner Theatre is now open all year long. More than 80,000 people visit it every year. It has a great program that teaches young people about art. Thousands of students from the area have learned there.
The theater also has a community theater program. Over 400 volunteers help with this program. They do everything from acting to building sets and helping people find their seats. Many famous performers have appeared at the Warner Theatre. These include the Vienna Boys Choir, Anne Murray, and George Carlin.
Restoring the Theater's Beauty
The Warner Theatre has gone through a big restoration project. This project was paid for by many generous donations. Money came from the state and federal governments, the local community, and businesses.
In August 2002, the theater closed for the first part of its restoration. Workers removed the old seats and wall coverings. For two months, the auditorium was filled with tall scaffolding. This allowed them to restore the detailed ceiling. They also cleaned and shined the huge, star-shaped lights. The complex patterns on the walls were cleaned and gilded (covered in a thin layer of gold).
Bringing Back Original Details
The walls used to have a special "monkey fur" covering, which was actually crushed velvet. It had turned brown over the years. Now, it has been brought back to its original bright orange color. This special velvet came from a supplier in Germany.
New gold curtains from France now hang on the walls. They also replaced the main stage curtain. The lobby stairway landing also has these beautiful drapes. The floor in the auditorium was also fixed to make it easier for people with disabilities to move around. The carpets in the lobby and aisles were replaced. They now have the same Art Deco pattern that was there when the theater first opened in 1931. The lighting, sound, and fire alarm systems were also updated. This made the theater modern and safe again.
Damage from a Fire
In 1999, a fire broke out at the theater. A special light called a ghost light was left too close to the stage curtain. This light, nicknamed "Larry The Light," caused the curtain to catch fire. The flames spread quickly.
The fire caused about $300,000 in damage. The main stage curtain was destroyed. The stage floor was also damaged. Smoke also harmed the walls and ceiling of the auditorium.
See also
