York Theatre
639 Commercial Drive,
Vancouver,
BC
V5L 3W3
639 Commercial Drive,
Vancouver,
BC
V5L 3W3
2 people
favorited this theater
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York Theatre (Official)
Additional Info
Architects: John McCarter
Functions: Live Theatre
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: Alcazar Theatre, Raja Cinema Commercial
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
604.251.1363
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News About This Theater
- Dec 19, 2006 — Vancouver, BC - The Heart Of The World
Opened in 1913 as the Alcazar Theatre it was built with full stage facilities and was designed by architect John McCarter.
On February 12, 1940 it was re-named York Theatre and became the home of the Vancouver Little Theatre for 54 years. In the 1940’s the facade was given a streamline Art Moderne' style remodel.
In later more recent years it became a cinema, known as the Raja Cinema Commercial. It was operated by Raja Cinemas and showed Indian movies. This has now closed and by 2008, the building is threatened with demolition.
It was reopened as the York Theatre in December 2013 as a live theatre.
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Lost Memory
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Recent comments (view all 7 comments)
I found this… Looks like it is in danger of being torn down
Also known as the york. I would like to see interior pictures.
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I am watching the third season of The 4400 on DVD and the Raja is shown in it, including interiors. Very pretty theatre on the inside; could use some work on the outside.
Finally some happy news to report!
This theatre is to be preserved and will reopen as a performing arts centre.
info is here. View link
Brian
A great article with the buildings history is here.
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Here’s the 1985 photo of the York.
The history of the York theatre can now be seen here: https://thecultch.com/the-york-the-little-theatre-that-could/
The York recently celebrated its 2 year anniversary as a new theatrical venue, and they were canvasing for memories of the space:
https://thecultch.com/its-the-york-theatres-two-year-anniversary-share-your-york-story/
Watch this space for more:
https://thecultch.com/category/york-theatre/
This opened as York on February 12th, 1940. Grand opening ad posted.