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Newberry, South Carolina’s Historic Theaters
The Newberry Opera House, at 1201 McKibben Street, is one of the city’s most recognizable buildings. It was built in 1881 in the French Gothic style. The 130 foot clock tower is the building’s most distinctive feature. The Opera House was a gathering place for the community, and the second floor auditorium was used for a variety of programs. Residents were entertained by lectures, musical programs, variety shows, and touring theater companies from New York. By the beginning of the 20th century, the community enjoyed silent films which were shown at the Opera House. During the 1920s the Opera House was remodeled as a movie theater, and films were shown until the theater closed in 1952. The city used parts of the building in the following years and eventually considered tearing it down. Public outcry saved the Opera House from destruction, and the historical society began raising money for its restoration. Today the elegant Opera House is once again drawing people to Newberry. More than 200 events each year are scheduled at the venue. Audiences enjoy all types of musical programs, dance, and traveling Broadway shows. The Newberry Opera House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Ritz Theater, at 1511 Main Street, opened in 1936. The Art Deco style building was constructed as a single screen movie theater seating 800. At the theater’s grand opening, the film showing was Piccadilly Jim, starring Robert Montgomery. The Ritz Theater was completely fireproof with six emergency exits. Theater fires were a serious concern in the 1930s, as the nitrate films of that time period were flammable. The projection room has heavy metal plated doors, and no wood or flammable materials were used in the theater’s construction. The Ritz had air conditioning and a new type of sound system. The local newspaper at the time described the Ritz as “the first theater south of Washington to have the new system called Microphonic Sound.” Today the Ritz Theater is the home of the New Community Players. The group purchased the building in 1974 and uses it for community theater productions. Their season runs from October to May. The productions at the Newberry Opera House and the Ritz Theater draw thousands of visitors to Newberry each year. Many of the programs appeal to children as well as adults. These restored entertainment venues help Newberry’s historic downtown remain the center of community life. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Ambria Lanteigne is the Director of Sales and Operations at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newberry SC Hotel. They are conveniently located at exit 76 off of I-26, about 30 minutes north of Columbia and less than an hour south of Greenville, SC. This Newberry SC hotel has outstanding amenities, including an indoor pool, whirlpool and Fitness Center. For more information visit: www.NEWBERRYSOUTHCAROLINAHOTEL.COM |
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