My neighbor is from Akron Ohio and told me that this theatre is a MUST-SEE when in Akron Ohio! And the above site that TC posted says that the first atmospheric was in Houston Texas!
I just attended the Lucy Festival in Jamestown NY and heard Lucie Arnaz speak. She mentioned having performed with her daughter, Kate at the Majestic Theatre in NYC so perhaps it was this one.
I certainly hope that the community of Lombard votes to restore this theatre as it was a theatre associated with the famous names of Rapp and Rapp and it is atmospheric!
Mystery Solved! The Shea’s was originally the Majestic Theatre and as mentioned above… a photo of such is on www.cinematour.com A postcard of this theatre is also for sale on eBay!
Don K: What a beautiful story about the Fox and about your dying father and your last conversation with him. A very uplifting and bright post that was so nice of you to share with all of us.
Brian: Thank you for your supportive post in regards to Mr. Paul W. I have been working with him since this past winter and find him to be a very interesting and dedicated theatre businessman.
Went back and looked at the interior photo on the offical site and it sure does look atmospheric!?! The exterior needs some TLC, but maybe it has rec’d it by now…hope so as it’s a big college town, too!
Now have been told there were many more than 69 Warner related theatres, but still haven’t been able to find out if, in fact, there was a Warner coat of arms….in brass?
Robert R: In the first agilitynut photo the exterior of the theatre with the front doors and marquee is shown. Above is a logo or coat of arms design made of plaster. Do you know if this is a Warner Coat of Arms as I’m trying to find out if a Warner coat of arms actually existed? Not sure if the Riviera had any Warner connection as the architect was Lempert from Rochester NY. I am told by a NYS theatre owner that the brass coat of arms in his theatre is, in fact, a Warner coat of arms. I’m not questioning what he told me, but would like to research this more. The Warner Brothers were originally from Youngstown OH and a Warner Film Festival is held each year in the New Castle/Slippery Rock PA area. The first silent movie theatre ever built was in New Castle and it is being restored which is great news!
Chris Major: My name is Pat and I would like to contact you asap concerning a theatre in Western New York State/Jamestown NY. Please email me at and I can give you my phone number at that time.
When was the Camelot built and when was it changed from one large auditorium into 7 screens? Also, I just checked the map location and see that the theatre isn’t downtown, correct?
CantonPalaceTech: I will certainly let you know when my husband and I will be coming to Canton to see the Palace! You can find my email address on my profile page if you wish to contact me that way to set up a time and day. Thanks so much as we look forward to getting a full tour!
TC: I just visited scenichawaii.org and will look to see if I can find out any Hawaiian theatre history. I’ve been studying all of the Dickey Hawaiian theatres and am so sad that the Waikiki is now committed to the history books….and all for a Foot Locker and a California Pizza restaurant!
I don’t really know why I clicked on Demolitions (46), but did and after reading about the Waikiki theatre on another link found these photos which were so very disturbing! What were the circumstances surrounding this beautiful theatre on a beautiful island that it couldn’t be saved? At least the story reads: “The organ has been removed and portions will be reinstalled in the local Hawaii and Palace theatres.”
Monika: My thoughts exactly! This was not my day….I had hoped to speak with a former theatre manager today and recall his memories, but was told by his wife that “it was only a job to him.” My reply? Have a nice summer.
My neighbor is from Akron Ohio and told me that this theatre is a MUST-SEE when in Akron Ohio! And the above site that TC posted says that the first atmospheric was in Houston Texas!
I just attended the Lucy Festival in Jamestown NY and heard Lucie Arnaz speak. She mentioned having performed with her daughter, Kate at the Majestic Theatre in NYC so perhaps it was this one.
I certainly hope that the community of Lombard votes to restore this theatre as it was a theatre associated with the famous names of Rapp and Rapp and it is atmospheric!
Bryan: Great article. Thanks.
Mystery Solved! The Shea’s was originally the Majestic Theatre and as mentioned above… a photo of such is on www.cinematour.com A postcard of this theatre is also for sale on eBay!
Don K: What a beautiful story about the Fox and about your dying father and your last conversation with him. A very uplifting and bright post that was so nice of you to share with all of us.
Brian: Thank you for your supportive post in regards to Mr. Paul W. I have been working with him since this past winter and find him to be a very interesting and dedicated theatre businessman.
Can anyone tell us if the theatre is under a restoration project at this time or any time in the future?
Went back and looked at the interior photo on the offical site and it sure does look atmospheric!?! The exterior needs some TLC, but maybe it has rec’d it by now…hope so as it’s a big college town, too!
Now have been told there were many more than 69 Warner related theatres, but still haven’t been able to find out if, in fact, there was a Warner coat of arms….in brass?
Charles: Fabulous photo of the fabulous Fox!
Crone: Okay, thanks.
Robert R: In the first agilitynut photo the exterior of the theatre with the front doors and marquee is shown. Above is a logo or coat of arms design made of plaster. Do you know if this is a Warner Coat of Arms as I’m trying to find out if a Warner coat of arms actually existed? Not sure if the Riviera had any Warner connection as the architect was Lempert from Rochester NY. I am told by a NYS theatre owner that the brass coat of arms in his theatre is, in fact, a Warner coat of arms. I’m not questioning what he told me, but would like to research this more. The Warner Brothers were originally from Youngstown OH and a Warner Film Festival is held each year in the New Castle/Slippery Rock PA area. The first silent movie theatre ever built was in New Castle and it is being restored which is great news!
Chris Major: My name is Pat and I would like to contact you asap concerning a theatre in Western New York State/Jamestown NY. Please email me at and I can give you my phone number at that time.
sam_e: My husband and I will be at the Riviera Theatre this evening, 5/18/05 so would be fun to meet. I’ll be wearing a red top with beige slacks.
Is this theatre on the main street through downtown Columbus? I recall during a visit to that city that the main drag was very wide.
I believe the Riviera is just closed and not demolished?
KenRoe: Can you find out anything concerning a theatre in Binghamton by the name of the Riviera at 33 Chenango Street?
I plan to attend the Hollywood Happening the first weekend in June so will report back on what I see and hear!
When was the Camelot built and when was it changed from one large auditorium into 7 screens? Also, I just checked the map location and see that the theatre isn’t downtown, correct?
CantonPalaceTech: I will certainly let you know when my husband and I will be coming to Canton to see the Palace! You can find my email address on my profile page if you wish to contact me that way to set up a time and day. Thanks so much as we look forward to getting a full tour!
TC: I just visited scenichawaii.org and will look to see if I can find out any Hawaiian theatre history. I’ve been studying all of the Dickey Hawaiian theatres and am so sad that the Waikiki is now committed to the history books….and all for a Foot Locker and a California Pizza restaurant!
I don’t really know why I clicked on Demolitions (46), but did and after reading about the Waikiki theatre on another link found these photos which were so very disturbing! What were the circumstances surrounding this beautiful theatre on a beautiful island that it couldn’t be saved? At least the story reads: “The organ has been removed and portions will be reinstalled in the local Hawaii and Palace theatres.”
Does Waikiki have any existing old restored movie theatres?
Monika: My thoughts exactly! This was not my day….I had hoped to speak with a former theatre manager today and recall his memories, but was told by his wife that “it was only a job to him.” My reply? Have a nice summer.