Ritz Theatre
1148 E. Jersey Street,
Elizabeth,
NJ
07201
1148 E. Jersey Street,
Elizabeth,
NJ
07201
2 people
favorited this theater
Originally built in 1865 as the Drake Opera House, the theatre was purchased in 1925 by Jacob Fabian, who hired architect Fred Wesley Wentworth to turn the opera house into an entertainment showcase. The Ritz Theatre opened on March 9, 1926 with 2,791 seats.
Entered a period of decline from the 1960’s onward. By 1980 it was threatened with demolition to build a parking lot. Rescued by local philanthropists who set out to restore the theater. They ran out of money in 1989. In 1994 purchased by George Castro, who has restored it to its 1920’s grandeur. Currently a performing arts center.
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Recent comments (view all 29 comments)
Any news on the sale? I may be going there in 2 weeks, to check on things. In the meantime if anyone knows anything about the impending sale, please post. Thank You
Another year gone by, and this grand palace continues to sit empty, except for the occasional spanish show. Maybe 2009 will see it reborn, with classic film programs, traveling broadway road shows, synphonys, and other great family entertainment. One can only hope and pray…
This site has a 1981 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/df9c8w
Here is a 1982 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/cpsuc8
I didn’t post the above comment.
1973 Photo
1983 Photo
Here is an updated link for LoopNet. The price is $3,800,000.
Hope it gets sold soon, so perhaps then it can take off with shows and classic films.
2009 photo of the Ritz Theatre courtesy Patsy.
View link
The theatre is open (their website shows upcoming entertainment & movies). Here’s a photo I took this past weekend:
http://agilitynut.com/11/3/ritz.jpg