Ritz Theatre
313 Pendleton Street,
Waycross,
GA
313 Pendleton Street,
Waycross,
GA
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Opened June 1913, as a vaudeville, opera and live performance theater under the management of Fred Brewer.
In 1917, its name was changed to the Orpheum Theatre, and continued to be used for vaudeville and live performance.
In 1935, extensive interior and exterior renovations were made by noted Jacksonville, Florida Art Deco architect Roy A. Benjamin. The theater was renamed the Ritz Theatre and and is noted as “South Georgia’s finest theatre” and pledges to run first run films only. It continued as a movie theater until 1977.
In 1986, the Ritz again returned to the performance arts when Waycross Area Community Theatre purchased the building for live community theater productions.
Contributed by
Erica J. Taylor
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
Photos here (note cross reference back to CT!):
View link
New website for Waycross Area Community Theater.
ritzdowntown.com
This is a recent photo of the Ritz theater.
Here is a newer photo from the same photographer.
According to Bowers' “Encyclopedia” pg. 551, there was a “Palace” theatre in Waycross that had a Reproduco organ made by the Operators Piano Co. I could not find the page for the Palace so I am putting this here for the time being.
Website. Address: 309 Pendleton Street Phone: 283.2161
two photos of the Ritz Theatre.
View link
View link
The Ritz Theatre on April 26 1970 is playing “GAILY,GAILY” rated GP. on April 30 1970 “MIDNIGHT COWBOY” plays with an R rating,but on the ad “NO ONE UNDER 18 ADMITTED” oh well, Local standards.
This opened on May 10th, 1935.
grand opening ad is at View link
“LIKE A CROW ON A JUNE BUG”,filmed in Valdosta,Ga.almost the next town over,opens at the RITZ. Rated R with Mercedes McCambridge starring with a bunch of no names.