Rivoli Theater
904 Chester Street,
Myrtle Beach,
SC
29577
904 Chester Street,
Myrtle Beach,
SC
29577
1 person
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: ABC Southeastern Theatres, Plitt Theatres, Stewart and Everett , Wilby-Kincey
Architects: Howard J. Riddle
Functions: Youth Center
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The Rivoli Theater opened in 1958 and was operated by Wilby-Kincey. It was designed by Howard J. Riddle and constructed by J.A. Baldwin. The outside façade features two sculptures by Gerard Tempest that hold up two columns. It was taken over by ABC Southeastern Theatres in 1975. Later tasken over by Plitt Southern Theatre. It was last operated by Stewart & Everett from August 3, 1979 and was twinned on March 21, 1980. It was closed in 1985.
There have been several attempts by the city of Myrtle Beach to convert the space into a performing arts center since the city purchased it in 1999 - as of yet nothing has come of that. In the meantime it has become a Christian youth facility. The auditorium has been de-twinned.
Contributed by
Jim McDonnell
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
Does anyone have a picture (past or present)? I wish to see the theater if I go to MB for a vacation.
This was a great place to see a movie. In the 60’s & 70’s I visited the Rivoli during my families annual vacations and remember how big the place seemed. The theater is near the recently closed Pavilion – a local arcade/ dance hall that sits right on the ocean in the heart of Myrtle Beach.
I was in Myrtle Beach just once, in 1975. One rainy day my family went to a theatre to see The Apple Dumpling Gang, which had, as I recall, dolphins in the waves or some marine scene on the inside auditorium walls. Would this have been the Rivoli or another theatre?
Google streetview of the Rivioli as it appears now:
http://tinyurl.com/yghz4ro
Was this an ABC THEATRE at one time? Because a friend and myself were in Myrtle Beach and since both of us worked for ABC SOUTHEASTERN Theatres we noticed I think 2 theatres. One we went to and saw “THE END” with Burt Reynolds about 1978. Oh, we got in free.
The Rivoil Theatre opened in 1958 with a seating capacity of 1,078.
It was owned the operated by Wilby-Kincey Corporation until 1975 when it was acquired by ABC Southeastern Theatres and later on by Plitt Southern Theatres. Stewart and Everett Theatres last operated the Rivoil until its closing in 1980.
From 1959 a movie calendar from the Rivoli Theater in Myrtle Beach.
The Rivoli is currently being renovated by a Christian youth ministry called Ground Zero. They have been leasing the building from the city for $1 since June 2011, and as of April, 2013, have invested $1.3 million into the renovations.
Reopened under Stewart & Everett management on August 3rd, 1979 and reopened as a twin cinema on March 21st, 1980 and closed in 1985. Grand opening ads posted.