Old Town Theater

ABC 7 is stating the theater will become a vaudeville type ‘live’ theater.

According to Howard’s posts on February 4, 2012 this theatre has reopened.

Theater website has disappeared but here was the history on it: The original permit to build, dated April 16, 1914, was for the purpose of “moving pictures, bowling alleys and billiards”, named the Richmond Theater, it was the first permanent theater constructed in Alexandria. The owners reportedly operated a vaudeville theater on the first floor and a dance hall on the second floor until around 1932. Around 1932, the theater closed for renovation, the second floor dance hall was removed, and a theater balcony constructed. The Richmond was used as a motion picture and vaudeville theater until sometime in the 1940s when vaudeville was phased out, and the theater was used exclusively for motion pictures. The Richmond operated as a motion picture theater until it closed in approximately 1972, when the city movie houses were failing to draw local residents. In 1976, the National Puppet Center applied for a special use permit to use for the performances and study of the puppet arts and it is not known how long the theater may have been used for this purpose. In 1980, the theater was renovated and re-opened as a double theater under a new name, the Old Town. The Old Town operated until October 1999 when it was again closed. On Valentines 2002, the Old Town was opened after renovations were completed bringing the bathrooms up to ADA approved code, bringing the balcony back, replacing the seats to a comfortable level and adding lighting and sound systems. The screen was removed opening the stage for live plays and a comedy venue. In December 2002, the theater was closed. The Old Town Theater has reopened as a multi entertainment center featuring all forms of the performing arts including film, theater, music and children shows.

Managing Partner
Roger Fons

This is another 1985 photo.

1983 Photo

1985 Photo

I love the Richmond Theater,original name of the Old Town. My first job was as an Usher there in 1964,.75 hr. My first paycheck was a great big $7.50 cash. I lied about my age, I was 15 said I was 17. I worked with a great guy named Robert Taylor who was about 25 years old then and we had a great time working there, free movies, spit ball fights back in the lobby during the movie, picking up girls, man what a great life it was then. I used to walk to the Richmond when I was 5 to see movies, I lived around the corner on Cameron Street(remember 1955’s “To Hell & Back” with Audie Murphy?)Man, I love that building and all the great memories!!!!

Here is a February 2008 photo of the Old Town exterior and here is a photo of the proscenium.

When the Old Town reopened after the renovations in June 07 a second screen was again in place.

According to the 1936 Film Annual Review, the Richmond at that time seated 750.

According to the theater website they are looking for extra volunteer help but it is anticipated that it will reopen by early May.

This is a more recent photo of the Old Town Theater.

Fri eve.,enjoyed the new Harry Potter.Sat in the balcony.Seats pretty comfy.If the Byrd seats were that good,I could die happy.Great eats,treats and beverages avail.The owner had a chat before the film.Audience voted on which film he should book next.That was cool.The help were just excellent.Very motivated and acted as if they were glad you were there.The place needs new HVAC and owner explained his problems.Place deserves supportNot a movie palace,but definitely a great time warp experience.It is a fine asset for OldeTowne.