Warner Theatre
811 State Street,
Erie,
PA
16501
811 State Street,
Erie,
PA
16501
18 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 138 comments
I wonder why the photo shows the back of the building and not the beautiful blade sign facing State?
The Warner theatre opened on April 10th, 1931. Grand opening ad posted.
List of Owners: 1935-1953 Warner Brothers Circuit 1953-1961 Stanley Warner 1961-1969 RKO Stanley Warner 1975 Cinemette Corporation of America
And the photo is of the back of the house.
The big news is they now have an organ.
During the 1970’s and 80’s the Warner had some rock and roll revival concerts. I attended several of them. Once that temporary signage is removed patrons will again be able to appreciate the curb appeal of this magnificent movie palace.
Yes. I’m the same person however I’m not working for the Warner anymore. The event on the 23rd is an Erie Philharmonic concert. I have no idea about whether tickets will be available at the door. Their website is https://eriephil.org/ You will have to contact them.
babahauck, Can tickets be purchased at the door on January 23? Would love to see you.
babahauck, Are you the lady I communicated with several years ago? If so, I recall you meeting Cass Warner through me and showing her the Warner. Please contact me at
It is going to have an organ in the orchestra pit. Although it isn’t the original organ, which is in the Cleveland’s Grays Armory Museum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grays_Armory), it will be the same make and model. The theatre has been closed for 18 months while the backstage work was being done. On January 23, 2022, the Erie Philharmonic will perform for the first time in the fully renovated and restored theatre. I was in the building on January 8, 2022. Front stage is fully restored and has stayed true to its original structure. It is stunning. There was a private preview on that evening with some performance. The acoustics are now incredible with a new orchestra shell. Also the stage lighting has been upgraded. We will have larger Broadway shows performed here in Erie now. If you can come to an event here, do it. You will not be disappointed.
This theatre has recently undergone a restoration that includes expanding the back of the house though I don’t think it included its original organ or any organ. Can anyone tell us more?
Also they still have the old ticket booth out front which is pretty cool!
The marquee out front is getting renovated and it should be finished by 2021, giving it a more modern look.
Luis, there is an auditorium picture on the website. Also many pictures on their Facebook page. No historical shots, though.
It’s unfortunate that there are no interior photos for this theater. Also, great to hear that the marquee is being restored. It’s spectauclar. Would also love to see a night shot of it after it is reinstalled.
The Marquee and vertical have been removed for restoration estimated to cost $700,000. They are expected to be reinstalled prior to the reopening of the Warner in the Spring of 2021 after the multi million dollar restoration of the venue.
FYI, there is a Facebook page called “History and Memorabilia | Erie Pennsylvania” that has an photo album titled “Warner Theater”. There are many exterior & interior shots, projectors, promos and an extensive history. It is an Open Group, so all the photos are visible.
You have to really look to find a better theater than the Warner in Erie. This theater had it all and still does. In it’s day,it was a first run theater. From time to time,on Saturday mornings,they had a 17- cartoon show. You know, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Woody Woodpecker and the beat goes on. The kids used to stand in line all the way to 9th and State Streets. I was there one of the few times they had a double feature,Patton and Mash. You were always sure of a good time at the Warner.
Wonderful photos and history,great looking theatre.
Paul Jones: It sounds like you are in Erie. I’m not far and always jump at the chance to visit the beautiful Warner which has never closed in its long history in Erie.
It’s worth noting that the Eerie Horror Film Festival has been held at the Warner for the past three years and has brought movies (albeit the scary ones) back to the huge Warner screen! The event is held each October and features celebrity guests and vendors. The next one takes place October 7 – 10, 2010. More information can be found on their website: http://www.eeriehorrorfilmfestival.com It’s a fun event and surprisingly family friendly. It’s definitely the only thing that drives us to Erie each year. Hopefully the city recognizes this. As noted above, the people who run the city don’t seem to have a clue when it comes to innovative ideas and the arts.
Thanks Patsy.
Go to www.wqln.com and click on “radio” then “Weekend All Things Erie” to hear a great interview by Kim Young with Barb Hauck who wrote a book about the Warner Theatre in Erie PA. The link below will take you to the book site and allow you to order.
View link
Don’t remember “PATTON” and “MASH” being on a double feature,guess you had to run the kids out when “MASH” started? Great pictures.
Chuck: Ditto! And please keep voting for the Rogers Theater each day @ www.refresheverything.com/rogerstheater in the $250K category!