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Home » Theater Guide » Location » United States » New York » Niagara Falls » Rapids Theatre
Also known as Shea's Bellevue Theatre, Dome Theatre

Rapids Theatre

Niagara Falls, NY
1711 Main Street
, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 United States
(map)
716.284.5100
Status: Open
Screens: Single Screen
Style: Unknown
Function: Concerts
Seats: 1535
Chain: Unknown
Architect: Leon H. Lempert, Jr.
Firm: Unknown
Add a photo for this theater!
Originally known as Shea's Bellevue Theatre when it opened in 1921. In the 1940's it was operated by Paramount Pictures Inc. through their subsidiary Vincent McFaul.

In the early-1960's, it was acquired by the Cataract Theatre Corporation and renamed the Rapids Theatre. As Main Street declined, so did the Rapids Theatre, and it closed as a movie theatre in 1974.

It reopened as a discotheque named Masquerades, and was then used for concerts as the Dome Theatre. Seats have been removed and the floor was leveled. Tables have been placed in the balcony where food can be served. In 2009, it was re-named Rapids Theatre again.
Contributed by LOUB

YOUR COMMENTS

 
Isn't this building now the Dome theater at 1713 Main Street?

http://www.thedometheater.com/index.html

posted by Lost Memory on Sep 15, 2006 at 3:37am
That is the current name,although the sign on the front still lists it as 1711 Main.
posted by LOUB on Sep 16, 2006 at 9:22am
http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=23602

The website above refers to this theatre.
posted by LOUB on Mar 20, 2007 at 6:13am
The "Belleview" opened Sept.1,1921 with 1,600 seats and was designed by Leon H. Lempert,Jr. Interior Designer was Willard M.Lusk. It became the "Rapids" in July of 1961 and closed June 25,1974. It was turned into a Disco Nov.8,1979.
posted by RJT on May 20, 2007 at 6:25pm
Building will be auctioned off on June 27th for failure to pay back taxes.
posted by LOUB on Jun 19, 2007 at 5:40am
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/101970.html

This article deals with the fate of the former Shea's Bellevue
posted by LOUB on Jun 19, 2007 at 11:39am
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/108460.html

The above article refers to the sale of this theatre.
posted by LOUB on Jun 28, 2007 at 8:37am
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/108460.html

The above article refers to the sale of this theatre.
posted by LOUB on Jun 28, 2007 at 8:37am
I've read that this theatre once housed a Wurlitzer organ.
posted by LOUB on Feb 2, 2008 at 8:44pm
http://select.nytimes.com/mem/archive/pdf?res=FB0F10FB3D5F177A93C6A8178AD95F4D8285F9

This article deals with Sheas leasing the Bellevue Theatre
posted by LOUB on Apr 15, 2008 at 9:12pm
http://www.buffaloniagararealestatehomesales.com/wnyrealtor/2008/04/18/niagara-falls-entertainment-update-rapids-music-theatre/

The article above deals with the upcoming renovation of the theatre for use as the Rapids Music Theatre.
posted by LOUB on Jun 2, 2008 at 9:44pm
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c0_vz5gvnIA/SKy3n9kq8II/AAAAAAAAAUM/4AzO9Nxfcxk/s1600-h/img404.jpghttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c0_vz5gvnIA/SKy3n9kq8II/AAAAAAAAAUM/4AzO9Nxfcxk/s1600-h/img404.jpghttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c0_vz5gvnIA/SKy3n9kq8II/AAAAAAAAAUM/4AzO9Nxfcxk/s1600-h/img404.jpg

Pictures of the theatre can be found on the above sites.



posted by LOUB on Oct 8, 2008 at 9:21pm
http://iwitnessniagara.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Bellevue%20Theatre

This site has pictures of the theatre from past to present.
posted by LOUB on Oct 9, 2008 at 1:09pm
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/niagaracounty/story/513129.html

Here is the latest update on this theatre.
posted by LOUB on Dec 7, 2008 at 12:44pm
This theatre seems to have 9 lives. I remember seeing movies there as a youth and happened to be in town one day years later when it was being converted into a disco - based on the photos I took at that time, it still had a fair amount of its historic decor intact. Hope this plan works.
posted by Padawg on Mar 9, 2009 at 3:23pm
Lots of work going on at this theatre. A new 3 sided marquee is being installed.
posted by LOUB on Sep 17, 2009 at 2:14pm
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3816400&id=184354421517

There is an updated picture at the website above.
posted by LOUB on Nov 7, 2009 at 11:36am
The current name of this theatre is the Rapids.
posted by LOUB on Nov 11, 2009 at 1:46pm
The Bellevue Theater did have a Wurlitzer organ opus 442 style 185 installed in 1921. Last known location of the Wurlitzer organ was at Castle Gould in Sand Point, Long Island.

posted by Lost Memory on Nov 11, 2009 at 1:59pm
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