Dattola Theatre
1021 5th Avenue,
New Kensington,
PA
15068
1021 5th Avenue,
New Kensington,
PA
15068
2 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Architects: Michael J. DeAngelis
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: New Dattola Theatre, Kensington Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The New Dattola Theatre was opened in 1942. It was still open in 1952 (listed as the New Dattola Theatre), but had closed by 1955. It later reopened as the Dattola Theatre and by the 1970’s it went over to screening X-Rated adult movies. Closed again it briefly reopened as the Kensington Theatre screening old movies in double bill programs.
Contributed by
Rick Aubrey
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Recent comments (view all 65 comments)
Patsy, the theatre in the street view that your mentioning was the Circle Theatre at 1010 5th Avenue.
Underside of the Dattola marquee in a 1946 then & now photo added courtesy Matt Suzon.
What is the current status of this theatre?
Found a 2009 article that mentions developer, Steve Kubrick by googling the words .. Dattola Theatre. He didn’t purchase the theatre though was willing to get involved in getting the theatre up and running again.
From the photos it looks like the designer might have been Michael DeAngelis.
The September 2018 street view shows “Building is Available Call 724-337-3525” on posters flanking the entrance, with painted theatre curtains on the doors featuring an outer space theme.
Wish I could remember the theatre buff I corresponded with years ago re: the Dattola. This theatre is definitely art moderne with its art deco exterior design.
The 2 round windows above the marquee and ticket kios are distinctive DeAngelis design features.
First run theater, then once the decline of the New Kensington business district was in full swing, turned to X-rated shows for years before closing. It reopened years later as the Kensington Theater showing very old 2nd run movies. Opening week was the Karate Kid. I was there on the sold out opening night, but the Kensington did not last long as I recall.
A little history and a shot of the x-rated marquee here:
http://thenewk724.blogspot.com/2009/08/dattola-shall-rise-again.html