Newport Theater

Nice to read that a theatre made way for......a new Burger King! If I lived in Youngstown, I wouldn't patronize THAT Burger King...besides I prefer McDonalds!

Anyone have some photos of this former art deco theatre?

Prior to Peter Wellman buying the Newport, the folks operating it advertised a “conventional dress policy.” As was explained to me, a “conventional dress policy” meant that women were expected to attend wearing a dress or skirt, while men should, at least, wear a sport coat. While it was not unusual in pre-60’s era for people to dress up a bit for many/any reason including going to a movie, I am not aware of any other theatre that DEMANDED that patrons dress to a code set by the theatre management.

Peter Wellman was a pretty flamboyant showman. Definitely “old-school.” He operated the Wellman and New Mock theatres in Girard, Ohio, designed Y-town’s Home Theatre. He designed and built the areas truly suburban theatre, The Belmont, on Belmont Avenue. Unfortunately for the Belmont, the concept of a first-run suburban theatre was a few years before it’s time. The Belmont quickly closed and was converted to the Atlantic Mills discount outlet.

Allegedly Wellman lost a great deal, but managed to keep the Newport running as a classy and successful venue. He would eventually re-claim the two Girard theatres for a short while prior to his death.

The outer lobby was mirrored, leading to the large, by new theatre standards, main lobby. The auditorium walls featured unusual, back-lit white tree sculptures. The ceiling was a very avant design decorated with red neon. A bit garish; but then, that’s show biz.

Bob Vargo was Peter Wellman’s able assistant. Bob loved theatre and show business and brought a lot of sparkle and professionalism to the Wellman operated theatres while completing his college career at Youngstown University. A true professional showman, I have often wondered what became of him.

I remember my dad taking my brothers and I to the midnight mattenne to see "The Warriors". I believe it was the late 70's or early 80's. I also vagley remember the walls were all a deep red cloth material or carpet. Does this sound correct?

Cinematour has a Newport Theater on Midlothian in Boardman, OH. This site has some 1984 photos of a Newport in Boardman:
http://tinyurl.com/ndqwup
http://tinyurl.com/mqug4j
http://tinyurl.com/m6qmkl

Are those photos of this theater?

They may be. You can't map Midlothian Blvd in Boardman, keeps coming up Youngstown.

The Newport Theater is listed in 1950 with 900 seats. The location given is Midlothian Blvd in Boardman, Ohio. They probably are photos of this theater.

This is it! Thanks to Ken MC for posting links to the actual photos of the Newport Theater in Youngstown, Ohio. This was an amazing cinema. Beautiful interior, concession, balcony, large screen and amazing auditorium. I went here quite often in my childhood. It is a sad sight that it is no longer there. A sign of the times.

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