Lafayette Theatre

4 Broadway,
Buffalo, NY 14203

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Showing 1 - 25 of 42 comments

TivFan
TivFan on January 15, 2013 at 11:33 am

The Google map for the Lafayette is incorrect. The same for the Olympic Theatre. The map on the Lyric page is the correct map for the location of these three theaters.

larryfenner
larryfenner on September 1, 2012 at 1:10 pm

Dear Tinseltoes – THANK YOU very much for posting the links to the “Exhibitors Herald” and “Boxoffice” articles showing pictures of the Lafayette. I really appreciate it. The WurliTzer trade ad from “Exhibitors Herald” included the best picture of the WurliTzer organ(which I currently own) while still in the theatre that I’ve ever seen. Larry Fenner.

Patsy
Patsy on February 1, 2009 at 9:35 am

I have tried clicking on the Bob Schley name in 2 different locations and neither one seem to be deliverable email addresses and Chuck LaChiusa was of no help to me.

LouB
LouB on February 1, 2009 at 8:47 am

http://ah.bfn.org/h/movie/oral

Patsy,
The above site has some information on the Lafayette.

Patsy
Patsy on February 1, 2009 at 8:22 am

Don’t see the Lafayette Theatre on the above site though. I would think that Mr. Sandhu would have photos, if anyone!

Patsy
Patsy on February 1, 2009 at 8:16 am

How does one contact Mr. Sandhu?

LouB
LouB on January 31, 2009 at 11:30 pm

Patsy,
I don’t think the Erie County Library has a copy of John Basil’s book,but in the Special Collections Department of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library there is a manuscript by Ranjit Sandhu,who is an authority on Buffalo theatres. It is said to document every known theatre built before 1939 in the city of Buffalo. It cannot be used outside of the department.

Patsy
Patsy on January 31, 2009 at 9:42 pm

LOUB: Are there pictures of the auditorium showing the Opus 501 and the lobby, etc. And are they good clear photos? Don’t mean to be picky, but many of us are really wanting to see some good interior photos of this once great theatre! Would the Erie County Library be of any help to us?

LouB
LouB on January 31, 2009 at 9:17 pm

John Basil,who is the author of “True Theatre History During the 20th Century”, has a phone number posted above(716-834-0348). In his book there are a number of pictures of the Lafayette.

Patsy
Patsy on January 31, 2009 at 7:51 pm

If anyone has interior photos of this theatre, please contact or myself. Thank you!

Patsy
Patsy on January 31, 2009 at 7:12 pm

I have found the current owners through their wonderful website www.opus501.com This organ has quite a history and road traveled among its many owners over the years.

Patsy
Patsy on January 30, 2009 at 3:51 pm

LOUB: I also recall emailing the current owners of the Lafayette Theatre organ who live in Lebanon PA. Do you happen to have an email for that owner? If so, send it to me at

LouB
LouB on January 30, 2009 at 2:59 pm

Patsy,
The only 2 libraries I know of, in which the book “True Theatre History During the 20th Century” is available,are the Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda Public Libraries.

Patsy
Patsy on January 30, 2009 at 2:35 pm

At 3000 seats the Lafayette was a huge theatre for Buffalo NY and perhaps compares to the seating at Sheas on Main Street. Thank goodness Bufflao has the Sheas if not the Lafayette nor the Paramount!

Patsy
Patsy on January 30, 2009 at 2:33 pm

Don Borden: I just read your Feb. 9, 2005 post and mention of Dennis Unks. I’ve spoken to him, but not lately about the organ that used to be in the Paramount/Buffalo NY and is now, as far as I know, in Erie PA. A fellow CT member, LAF, would like photos of the Lafayette organ, etc. so I hope you contact him at the email given in his Jan. 29, 2009 post.

Patsy
Patsy on January 30, 2009 at 2:22 pm

LAF: Sorry…I see there is much info posted earlier on this link about the Lafayette organ, but any additional would be fine, too.

Patsy
Patsy on January 30, 2009 at 2:20 pm

LAF: Can you give us some background information about the organ that was in the Lafayette?

Patsy
Patsy on January 30, 2009 at 2:17 pm

LOUB: Would the book “True Theatre History During the 20th Century” by John Basil be available in Chautauqua County or just in the Buffalo/Erie County area?

Patsy
Patsy on January 29, 2009 at 4:43 pm

Perhaps this will help CT member, LAF.

Patsy
Patsy on January 29, 2009 at 3:36 pm

LAF: I would like to see interior photos of this once great theatre. Such a shame it is gone along with the Paramount and so many others in the Buffalo area.

larryfenner
larryfenner on January 29, 2009 at 10:38 am

I am very interested in obtaining photos of the Lafayette Theatre, particularly interior shots that show the organ. Of course I’m willing to reimburse costs. Please contact me at Thanks!