Richmond Theatre

JohnJohn44 on January 22, 2014 at 7:39 pm

 Seats – 800 Opened – September 17, 1906 Closed – 1948 Owners – Moses & Johnson then Rosenblatt & Welt

The original structure was a small brewery operated by George Seltz, the founder of Constanz Brewery. 
                

In 1896 the building was acquired by a German-American gymnastic group known as The Turners, thus the name “Turn Hall”

On September 17, 1906 the Richmond became the first legitimate theater on Staten Island. 
                

It seated 800 patrons in its orchestra, balcony and box seats. It actually rivaled many a Manhattan stage. The first show was called “The Christian”. From 1906 to 1912 it hosted performances by stock companies. The best seats in the house could be had for just a dollar. This was such a hit that the Richmond Light and Railroad Company ran extra trolleys just to handle the overflow crowds.

For years the dramas in this theater thrived only to be replaced by the comic operas with works by many of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan being performed before the audience.  In 1916, the firm of Moses and Johnson took over the operations of the theater and started showing the latest rage, “The Motion Picture” Later owners, Rosenblatt and Welt attracted children with the showing of many western movies. In the mid 1930 the Richmond was shut down for a while for renovations, then in the1940s was closed forever. The insides of the building was scraped for the war efforts and then in 1948 a huge three alarm fire ended the life of that building for good.
                

Well selected plays that draw a full house at every performance, of which there were six nights a week and a matinée each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The theater was tastefully decorated and well ventilated. There was a new play each week. for photos of this and many more Staten Island Theaters go to my website http://www.statenislandhistory.com/staten-island-theaters.html

Garth on February 20, 2010 at 3:18 pm

The theatre closed in 1928. A photo and more info can be found at http://oldstatenisland.tripod.com/