Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
207 7th Street,
Pittsburgh,
PA
15222
207 7th Street,
Pittsburgh,
PA
15222
23 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust -- Benedum Center for the Performing Arts (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp.
Architects: Paul J. Henon, Jr., William H. Hoffman, Bernard J. Liff
Firms: Hoffman-Henon Co.
Functions: Concerts, Performing Arts
Previous Names: Stanley Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
412.456.6666
Manager:
412.456.2600
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News About This Theater
The Stanley Theater, opened on February 27, 1928 with Ruth Taylor in “Gentlemen Prefer Blonds” on the screen and Anatole Friedland’s “Revue” on the stage. Organist Alex F. Taylor played the ‘mighty’ Wurlitzer 3 manual 27 Ranks organ. The Stanley Theatre was designed by the firm of Hoffman-Henon Co. In 1936 the Wurlitzer organ was destroyed when the theatre was flooded. The Stanley Theatre was restored and renovated as the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in the late-1980’s.
In converting the theatre into a full performing arts center, a new stagehouse and supporting building at the rear of the theatre was erected. The interior of the theatre was maintained and restored to its original beauty.
Contributed by
Cinema Treasures
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Recent comments (view all 39 comments)
It’s a great theatre with $43 million going into the restoration!
Great list of movies that played at the Stanley posted by Ron3853.
Just saw the Decemberists here. Great concert!
To me it will always be The Stanley. I used to do the bargain matinees when I was a student at Point Park. I remember A Star Is Born with Barbra Streisand,and the huge billboard of her and Kris Kristofferson embracing high above the marquee.
I think I saw Goodbye Norma Jean with Misty Rowe as Marilyn here as well- I am not sure.
If I recall the theatre switched back and forth from film to live concerts. I saw An Evening with Diana Ross, great show,even though Miss Ross took a spill into the empty orchestra pit,(the band was onstage behind her). She wasnt hurt too badly, and after about 45 min returned to the stage and the show continued
Tinseltoes: Love the vintage theatre photos! Thanks!
I heard when “The Exorcist” came out in 1973, Cinemette was orignally going to book it at The Stanley. The decision was later made to hold it at the Warner instead. Since the Warner auditorium could not hold as many people as The Stanley, waiting crowds would form outside and would draw attention from people passing by. The Stanley would have been able to accommodate the crowds better, but would have not created the “blockbuster” effect that The Warner did with this feature.
All the Disney releases played the Stanley in the 1950’s. My father would take us in to Pittsburgh, where my older brothers and I would clamor for him to let us sit through the picture twice. (You could do that in those days.) So we saw “Lady and the Tramp” (1956) in its original release, not to mention all the other reissues, such as “Cinderella,” “Music Land,” and live-action films, like “Swiss Family Robinson.” Later, when I was older, I also went there to see more adult films, like “The Innocents,” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” That place holds a lot of memories for me. I’m glad it’s still being used as a theatre.
Grand opening ad of February 27th, 1928 in photo section.
1934 photo as the Stanley Theatre added.
The $500,000 1976 renovation of the Stanley Theater by Cinemette Circuit was credited to architect Bernard J. Liff