Paul Poag Theatre for the Performing Arts

746 S. Main Street,
Del Rio, TX 78840

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Related Websites

Paul Poag Theatre for the Performing Arts (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Robb & Rowley-United Inc., Rowley United Theatres Inc.

Architects: Jack M. Corgan

Functions: Live Performances, Live Theater

Styles: Streamline Moderne

Previous Names: Rita Theatre

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 830.774.3277
Manager: 830.774.3277

Nearby Theaters

Rita Theater (Paul Poag Theatre) ... Del Rio Texas

The Rita Theatre was built on the site of the Strand Theatre/Rita Theatre which had been destroyed by fire February 26, 1943 (It has its own page on Cinema Treasures). The new Rita Theatre was designed to the plans of architect Jack Corgan and opened September 20, 1943 with “Fight for Freedom”. It was built by the Robb & Rowley-United Inc. chain. By 1957 it was operated by Rowley United Theatres Inc. It was closed in 1978 when it was listed with 879 seats.

On December 16, 1983 it reopened as the Paul Poag Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

Recent comments (view all 4 comments)

millsbranch
millsbranch on June 9, 2009 at 1:03 pm

This was originally the Rita Theater at 746 Main which was built in 1947 by Robb & Rowley Circuit
Billy Holcomb—Don Lewis—Billy Smith

Don Lewis
Don Lewis on July 11, 2009 at 10:52 pm

Downtown Del Rio with the Rita Theater visible behind the super dollar store sign.

Neubauer
Neubauer on July 21, 2013 at 8:20 pm

Grew up in the Rita, Texas, Flamingo Drive In, and Gay 90 Drive In theaters in Del Rio. My Dad was manager from 1959 to 1965 and I was a projectionist at all four. Rowley was a partner with the Poags in the theaters, called Val Verde Theaters, Inc. Rita was 1st. run, Gay 90 Drive In ran english. Texas and Flamingo Drive In ran Spanish.

dallasmovietheaters
dallasmovietheaters on February 21, 2018 at 3:21 pm

he Rita Theatre’s grand opening was September 20, 1943 with the patriotic film, “Fight for Freedom.” The theatre operated for 35 years continuously closing in 1978. Despite the closure, locals raised funds for years to renovate the showplace. The Rita re-launched on December 16, 1983 named after the theatre’s creator Paul Poag as the Paul Poag Theatre for the Perofroming Arts.

The previous Rita and former Strand Theatre which had opened in December of 1931 was destroyed by fire in February of 1943. This venue was built in the same spot.

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