Not a month goes by that I don’t receive inquiries about the old Oriental Theater in Rochester. So many people have fond memories of attending shows at the palatial theater. I recently received a fine photocopy of the dedication program, which was handed out at the grand opening on Sept. 4, 1931.
The Oriental Theater was a product of Majestic Amusement Co. and its owners, Emil Winograd, Meyer Winograd and Samuel Oklin. The theater had a seating capacity of 1,500, making it the largest in the county. It was equipped with a Western Electric sound system, at the time the best quality available.
The opening night program included a live dedication of the new theater by Rochester officials. It was followed by several acts, which were chosen to highlight the theater’s ability to handle motion pictures and live stage performances.
The premiere of “Merely Mary Anne” starring Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor led the festivities. This 74-minute film was followed by a live performance by “Al Steel’s Broadway Revue,” which featured live singing, dancing and comedy. The final performance was by renowned Stanley Theatre organist Freddie Rose, who wowed the sellout crowd on the house organ. Intermission entertainment was performed by comedian Andy Clyde and vaudeville actors Burns and Allan.
The Oriental Theater served the public for 41 years before the final movies were shown on April 23, 1972. On that date, moviegoers came to see a twin bill feature of “Cisco Pike” starring Kris Kristofferson and “See No Evil” starring Mia Farrow. Located at 121 Hinds St., the theater was gutted of its extravagant features at public auction in April 1974. Between 1977 and 1980, the first floor housed the Infinity Dance Club.
The Oriental was finally torn down in August 2001 after vagrants had wrecked any remaining historical value.
Jeffrey Snedden is a local writer, researcher and historian. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for future Histories & Mysteries columns, contact Snedden at . Each week, he will choose a few new topics and update past ones with readers' notes and questions.
http://www.timesonline.com/columnists/jeffrey_snedden/histories-and-mysteries-mailbag-football-gardening-the-oriental-theater-and/article_2f6cc4f0-34ab-11e6-9a41-2764be6d4f33.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter_bctimes
beaver county times, june 21, 2016
By Jeffrey Snedden For The Times
The Oriental Theater
Not a month goes by that I don’t receive inquiries about the old Oriental Theater in Rochester. So many people have fond memories of attending shows at the palatial theater. I recently received a fine photocopy of the dedication program, which was handed out at the grand opening on Sept. 4, 1931.
The Oriental Theater was a product of Majestic Amusement Co. and its owners, Emil Winograd, Meyer Winograd and Samuel Oklin. The theater had a seating capacity of 1,500, making it the largest in the county. It was equipped with a Western Electric sound system, at the time the best quality available.
The opening night program included a live dedication of the new theater by Rochester officials. It was followed by several acts, which were chosen to highlight the theater’s ability to handle motion pictures and live stage performances.
The premiere of “Merely Mary Anne” starring Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor led the festivities. This 74-minute film was followed by a live performance by “Al Steel’s Broadway Revue,” which featured live singing, dancing and comedy. The final performance was by renowned Stanley Theatre organist Freddie Rose, who wowed the sellout crowd on the house organ. Intermission entertainment was performed by comedian Andy Clyde and vaudeville actors Burns and Allan.
The Oriental Theater served the public for 41 years before the final movies were shown on April 23, 1972. On that date, moviegoers came to see a twin bill feature of “Cisco Pike” starring Kris Kristofferson and “See No Evil” starring Mia Farrow. Located at 121 Hinds St., the theater was gutted of its extravagant features at public auction in April 1974. Between 1977 and 1980, the first floor housed the Infinity Dance Club.
The Oriental was finally torn down in August 2001 after vagrants had wrecked any remaining historical value.
Jeffrey Snedden is a local writer, researcher and historian. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for future Histories & Mysteries columns, contact Snedden at . Each week, he will choose a few new topics and update past ones with readers' notes and questions.