Park Theatre
848 Park Avenue,
Cranston,
RI
02910
848 Park Avenue,
Cranston,
RI
02910
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The former Park Cinema in Cranston was a triplex that closed in 2002. In 2004 it was being renovated and the triplexing was being undone, to be one theatre auditorium again. The plan was to have a live dinner-theatre with a cafe. The Park Theatre was expected to open in Summer 2004, but that didn’t happen until the Fall of 2009. It now presents live performances.
Contributed by
Roger Katz
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Recent comments (view all 45 comments)
Today’s Providence Journal suggests an early- to mid-October opening.
It’s not quite finished, but the theater is opening its doors for a sneak peek tonight!
It’s baaaaaaaaaaccccccccckkkkkkkkkkk!!!
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October 15 Cranston Herald article says film screenings are a possibility.
October 28 Cranston Herald article about the reopening.
The official name is now “Rhode Island Center for Performing Arts” but the “PARK” sign has been removed, refurbished, and reinstalled atop the building.
Licenses may be revoked in three months if the Park and adjacent 848 Martini Lounge fail to control violence and noise:
Providence Journal
Item in Boxoffice magazine, August 22, 1953.
“Peter R. Nelson, one of the best-known and well-loved showmen in the state, recently died at the age of 76. Nelson was at various times owner of the old Auburn Theatre and the Park in Cranston. At one time he also was associated in the operation of the old Bijou in Providence and the Royal in Olneyville. Entering the theatre business in 1920, he operated the Auburn for three years before selling his interests to the Park Theatre Corp., of which he remained a partner until 1936 During the period from 1933 to 1936 he operated the Park. For more than 30 years he also operated a store in the Park Theatre building, retiring in 1951 because of his health.”
From Boxoffice magazine, February 4, 1956:
“In the most extensive cooperation promotion ever seen in this area, 14 Providence and nearby houses used record-breaking newspaper advertising space in heralding the joint premiere of "The Day the World Ended” and “Phantom from 10,000 Leagues.” Virtually taking over the amusement pages of the local press for several days, the following houses united in the ad: Elmwood, Hope, Uptown, Liberty, Castle, all in this city; Community, Centredale; Strand, Pawtucket; Union, Attleboro; Hollywood, East Providence; Palace, Cranston; Community, Wakefield; Park, Auburn; Palace, Arctic and Stadium, Woonsocket. A brief checkup of local houses indicated that opening days were solid."
Their new webpage at: http://www.parktheatreri.com/ has a nice photo gallery of interior and exterior shots. The auditorium is all modern in style, but the layout is fairly traditional. And the priscenium arch is a nice classical touch, all varnished wood in a simple but traditional style.
Their new webpage at: http://www.parktheatreri.com/ has a nice photo gallery of interior and exterior shots. The auditorium is all modern in style, but the layout is fairly traditional. And the priscenium arch is a nice classical touch, all varnished wood in a simple but traditional style.
In September 1926, this theatre was part of the eleven-theatre Celebrate Paramount Week.
Newspaper ad.