User:KristenCronin/Ritz Theater, Newburgh

New article name is Ritz Theater (Newburgh)

The Ritz Theater is the last remaining historic theater in the City of Newburgh, New York. The theater is located at 111 Broadway, between Liberty and Johnston Streets and is adjacent to The Cornerstone Residence.

Cohen's Opera House, State Theater, and Cohen's Theatre (1913-1933)
The theater was originally constructed in 1913 as Cohen's Opera House. Many legends of the Vaudeville era played on its stage. In 1926, the name changed to the State Theater, and showed Vaudeville and films. In 1931, the name changed to Cohen's Theatre.

Ritz Theater (1933-1969)
In 1933, the theater was renamed the Ritz Theater, and hosted performances by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra, and many more. On December 17, 1941, Lucille Ball made her stage debut at the Ritz Theater alongside her husband, Desi Arnaz.

Cinemas I & II
In 1969, the Ritz Theater closed, the stage was walled off from the house, and Cinemas I & II were carved into the house. It closed in 1982 and sat dormant for the next 18 years.

Ritz Theater (1999)
In 1999, the theater was carved into four movie theaters and reopened as the Ritz Theater. The theater closed again just a few months later.

Last Days (2004)
In 2004, scenes for the film Last Days by Gus Van Sant were filmed inside the then-dormant Ritz Theater. The interior of the old stage space was used as well as the rear entrance to the theater.

Today
In 2002, the then-dormant Ritz Theater was purchased by Safe Harbors of the Hudson, a nonprofit organization based in The Cornerstone Residence, a supportive housing project adjacent to the theater. In 2009, the nonprofit organization, Ritz Theater-Newburgh, Inc., was formed by Safe Harbors of the Hudson. Together, the sister organizations are raising awareness and funds to restore the theater and create an 825-seat venue for the performing arts, a home for arts and performance groups, and education and employment opportunities.

The original Ritz Theater Lobby has recently been restored and serves as a community meeting and special event space, as well as the current primary Ritz Theater venue, as the actual theater awaits restoration. In partnership with the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie, New York, and Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston, New York, initial programming for the new era of the Ritz Theater has already begun, with the annual Tom Humphrey Guitar Series and talent show for community school children.

Initial funding for the theater restoration will be provided by state and local government, Historic and New Market Tax Credits, private foundations and individual donors.