Dattola Theatre
1021 Fifth Avenue,
New Kensington,
PA
15068
1021 Fifth Avenue,
New Kensington,
PA
15068
1 person
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 62 comments found
Thank you so much. Glad to hear the roof work is complete and that you will soon start on the front of the building. Was the Dattola designed by Michael DeAngelis as I see the familiar round circle designs on the exterior?
The Redevelopment Authority of the City of New Kensington owns the theater and currently there is no website. The Redevelopment Authority and the City of New Kensington are raising money for the rehabilitation of the theater. The environmental work and roof are completed. We will soon start on the front of the theater building.
tomfurey: The Dattola Theatre website doesn’t seem to work! Help!
Joe: Your boxoffice post on December of 2009 is not providing the information. Help and thanks!
What is the current status of the Dattola?
This is the theater that had the Pittsburgh area premiere of “I Am Curious (Yellow)” in November 1969 since it was over the county line and away from being raided and seized by the authorities.
I read on the Dattola website that the re-opening is projected for May 15, 2010. I hope to be there and that many others can keep that date open as well though it is a “projected” date. It would be a great way to meet…wear a Cinema Treasures name tag with your screen name on it!
Chuck: I agree…a great site with interesting history that I just read and digested..thank you Bart Dattola!
hivizguy, thanks for the link to the Dattola, there is a great history and photos on the site. Musch appreciated.
There is an article about the Dattola Theatre in Boxoffice, October 10, 1942. There are four photos, though the scans are a bit fuzzy.
Hello everyone, my name is Tom and i am currently involved in restoring the Dattola Theatre. Check out our progress at Dattolatheatre.com We will be hosting a community awareness fundraiser Sunday August 30th just across the street from the theatre featuring Johnny Angel and the Halos as well as New Ken’s own Barbary Wine. We are looking for volunteers to help us with our event as well as with the rennovations. I’ve posted up to date photos on the website. I am currently looking for a history of the theatre to post on the website. I look forward to hearing from you.
This is awesome information. RA, my offer to help still stands. You know that I was involved in a previous attempt, and I’d be happy to work with whomever to see something good happen in that area. Your comments on building pricing are spot-on, too. I’ve had a few ideas for things that I’d like to start downtown, but for the work that I’d have to do to the buildings to make them inhabitable, it quickly becomes cost-prohibitive.
My grandmother, Laura Biamonte, actually just moved out of NewKen about 3 years ago, as she could no longer live on her own. She is in assisted living.
However, my Aunt, Maria Biamonte Warhola, would be a great source, as she remebers from the 50’s and 60’s a a kid/teenager. I am trying to get her more involved, and hopefully will have her signed up on here soon.
Glad to hear that. Although my family has moved out of the area, we still feel very connected to New Kensington. Please keep me upadated, we would love to see the building be open again.
Oh my, small world. He would of graduated with my brother and I was 2 years behind them.
Where does he live now and what does he do?
Is your grandmother still around?
She would be a great resource.
Thats my Dad :)
To: Anthony Biamonte:
Thanks for the info regarding the Dattola Theater.
Are you related to a Bart Biamonte that attended St. Joseph High School in Natrona? I graduated from St. Joseph’s and I remember a Bart Biamonte and was wondering if there is any relation.
The RA did not purchase the theater. The theater was given to the RA by the previous owner. The only other building that the RA owns on that block is the former Tile City building. Unfortunately by the time people want to donate the buildings, the buildings are in such disrepair and the City can not fund the renovation as it would cost millions.
We are trying to get the Dattola cleaned out and raise some money to renovate with the City’s blessing, but not with City dollars.
I have a picture of the front of the Dattola from the late 1940’s, quite interesting.
The City and the RA are doing a lot of demolition in the downtown area. We have inventoried the buildings in the downtown area, however the asking prices of several buildings are so high that someone just starting a business, it is difficult to pay the high price for the building and then do extensive renovation. There are a few buildings that are lower prices, but most of interest are high prices. At least that is the way the inventory sheets come back.
The RA has done work to the roof, but the inside of the building really needs cleaned out and we should be starting on that soon.
Any info or pictures would be appreciated.
Thanks
Yes, as soon as I figure out my scanner.
There were several art decco style murals, both in the lobby and the auditorium. My dad told me he remebers they used black lights to give the murals are very cool, glowing vibe to them. I dont think they survived past the 70’s.
I also found this online, and have a very worn hard copy as well.
View link
Dattola Theater: I look forward to seeing the family photos and interior/exterior shots from the early 60’s!
…the theater we see here was unofficialy refferd to as the ‘New’ Dattola. My Grandparents held part control until the early 1970’s. After selling the building, the new operators showed adult films (I cant imagine my poor grandmothers reaction to this). Eventually, by the end of the 1980’s, most of downtown had become dilapidated and the RA began buying up whole blocks, including the theater.
I think it is long overdue for a complete renovation, but nothing can ever seem to get off the ground in that city. Anyhow, I have great family photos I hope to post soon. Interior and extiror shots from the early 60’s.
Anthony Biamonte: Nice to meet you. Please email me (address can be found on my profile page).
My Name is Anthony Biamonte. I am the Great-Grandson of Bart Dattola. Since I was only born in 1985, I have no real recollection of the theater in operation. I was last inside about 15 years ago, and like much of the downtown area, it was in pretty bad shape. Lots of water damage, etc.
Bart Dattola originally began running a Nickelodeon in the early teens, called the Alhambra (in Arnold, PA). Eventually he would build and/or acquire the Paramount, Liberty and Dattola Theaters throughout the 20’s and 30’s.
woytek: I think I may have gotten my theatres mixed up when I asked about a planned June grand opening. A June opening was to be at the Strand in Zelienople which has been moved to July according to a recent email I received from a Ron Carter.
Patsy: I’ve heard some rumors, but don’t have any real information. Some people are being really hush-hush about it. I always thought that was a good way to kill enthusiasm and alienate people who are actually interested in these sorts of things, but that’s just my opinion. :)
woytek: Do you know the status of the planned June grand opening for this theatre?