Chance Theater
6 Crannell Street,
Poughkeepsie,
NY
12601
6 Crannell Street,
Poughkeepsie,
NY
12601
1 person
favorited this theater
Located on Crannell Street, just off Main Street. The Dutchess Theatre opened in July 1912, and was operated as a vaudeville/movie(photoplays) theatre. It was closed in 1945 and used for storage until 1970. Operated by Peter J. Tennis and his brothers, who also operated the Colonia Theatre in Norwich, NY.
Contributed by
RobertR, Roger Tennis
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Recent comments (view all 16 comments)
I researched the place – Mike Chiriati and Larry Plover, the owners of Frivolous Sal’s Last Chance Saloon (The Last Chance), used to tell me that I spent more time there than they did. We believed it was haunted so I set out to prove it. Never found a death only an attempted murder. But I have volumes of stuff on this place including a still photo from 1912 of it from a film that I learned that the FDR Museum had. I loved this place but have not been back except once since it changed over to The Chance. Too young for me now – but it’s still a great building!
Should be listed as the Chance Theater, 845-471-1966, http://www.thechancetheater.com/
for Heidi DD from two posts above:
How can we contact you?? I am the producer of a show that has been filming episodes at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie.
On Saturday 09/18/2010 a full crew of paranormal investigators spent 7 hours exploring The Chance. They found some incredible proof of “haunted” spirits. I’m talking A LOT of proof!!
We would love to speak with you and possibly include you as part of this… you have volumes of stuff? … perhaps you can help piece together the past with what the investigators found?
also anybody else here with any information or that would want to take part please email to
any help is welcome
thank you!!
To: IconGate – I emailed you today, if you don’t get it, please let me know. Heidi DD
To: Heidi DD – yes, received your email and did reply.
Hi Heidi DD, I am writing a book about Hudson Valley Legends and plan on including a chapter about the Old Dutchess Theatre. I would love to hear from you if you would like to share some of the information you have on its history. My email is listed below.
If anyone has any information about the Old Dutchess Theatre, or any other legends within the Hudson Valley, please contact me at
Shouldn’t this be listed as the Chance Theatre since that is its current name?
http://www.thechancetheater.com
from old website: * The Dutchess Theatre – Opened: July 1912 * Carroll Players Play House re-opened on Monday, September 27, 1926, with “The Girl from Childs.” * Changed hands & name to The Playhouse Theatre on December 1928 – Vaudeville and Films * Opened as “The Community Theater” to entertain throughout the 1930s – Live Theater * Entertained as the “New Playhouse Theatre” on July 6, 1933 * Entertained as the “Astor Theater” during 1935 – Film * Entertained as “The Starlight Theater” during 1940 – Live Theater * Closed from 1945 through 1970 * Frivolous Sal’s Last Chance Saloon reopened in 1970 and entertained through 1980 – Food, Film and Live Entertainment including early tryout of Bill C. Davis' “Mass Appeal.” * “The Chance” takes the area by storm in 1980 through present – Live Shows
What a great theatre…I was there for a second time yesterday for Insane Clown Posse and covered in Faygo diet Root Beer.I had a feeling it was a movie theatre at some point.
September 27th, 1926 grand opening ad as Playhouse in photo section.