Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center
Performing arts center in New Jersey, US
About
The Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center, also known as The Ritz Theatre or Castro's Ritz, is a historic performing arts venue in Elizabeth, New Jersey, located at 1148 East Jersey Street. Built in 1926 on the site of the 1865 Drake Opera House, the theatre was originally opened as a vaudeville and silent-film house. Designed by architect Fred Wesley Wentworth, it featured an ornate Art Deco interior and originally seated 2,791 patrons. During the mid-20th century, it continued as a movie palace until it was closed by RKO in 1979. Threatened with demolition by 1980, it was rescued by local preservationists in 1989, though funding fell short.
In 1994, the Ritz was purchased by real estate executive George A. Castro II, who led a major renovation to restore its 1920s grandeur. Today, it has a seating capacity of 2,800 and operates as a fully restored performing arts venue.
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More to see within walking distance
Elizabeth, New Jersey
City in New Jersey, United States
0.1 mi away
Liberty Hall (New Jersey)
United States historic place
1.2 mi away
Elizabeth Public Library
United States historic place
0.2 mi awayMid-Town Historic District (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Historic district in Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
0.2 mi away
St. John's Episcopal Church (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Historic church
330 ft away
American Airlines Flight 6780
1952 aviation accident
0.5 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
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