Dattola Theatre
1021 5th Avenue,
New Kensington,
PA
15068
1021 5th Avenue,
New Kensington,
PA
15068
2 people
favorited this theater
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A little history and a shot of the x-rated marquee here:
http://thenewk724.blogspot.com/2009/08/dattola-shall-rise-again.html
First run theater, then once the decline of the New Kensington business district was in full swing, turned to X-rated shows for years before closing. It reopened years later as the Kensington Theater showing very old 2nd run movies. Opening week was the Karate Kid. I was there on the sold out opening night, but the Kensington did not last long as I recall.
The 2 round windows above the marquee and ticket kios are distinctive DeAngelis design features.
Wish I could remember the theatre buff I corresponded with years ago re: the Dattola. This theatre is definitely art moderne with its art deco exterior design.
The September 2018 street view shows “Building is Available Call 724-337-3525” on posters flanking the entrance, with painted theatre curtains on the doors featuring an outer space theme.
From the photos it looks like the designer might have been Michael DeAngelis.
Found a 2009 article that mentions developer, Steve Kubrick by googling the words .. Dattola Theatre. He didn’t purchase the theatre though was willing to get involved in getting the theatre up and running again.
What is the current status of this theatre?
Underside of the Dattola marquee in a 1946 then & now photo added courtesy Matt Suzon.
Patsy, the theatre in the street view that your mentioning was the Circle Theatre at 1010 5th Avenue.
Looks boarded up by the time the Googlemobile passed it by.
Patsy, Check out the Circle link.
Was it the Liberty at 801 5th Avenue? Research tells me it may have been.
In the street view photo there looks to be another former theatre on 5th across the street and down. Anyone know?
This theater was built and opened by, Bartolomeo (Bart) Dattola. His in-laws were also in the theater industry, and owned the Eastwood (Rudolph Navarri) in Penn Hills, PA, the Miami (Elmer Dattola, my grandfather) in Springdale, PA and the Aurora (Alfred and Aurora Panza…my parents) in Russellton, PA. Elmer Dattola also had a silent picture theater in Springdale, PA called the Happy Hour Theater. Toward the end of the 1940’s most of the family sold their theaters as TV was becoming popular. Elmer Dattola then built the Ches-A-Rena Roller Rink in Cheswick, PA.
An interesting fact about the Dattola Theater is that when the family sold the business, they stipulated that the name be maintained. When it eventually became an adult theater, they were mortified!
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!
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.