Paul Poag Theatre for the Performing Arts
746 S. Main Street,
Del Rio,
TX
78840
746 S. Main Street,
Del Rio,
TX
78840
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he Rita Theatre’s grand opening was September 20, 1943 with the patriotic film, “Fight for Freedom.” The theatre operated for 35 years continuously closing in 1978. Despite the closure, locals raised funds for years to renovate the showplace. The Rita re-launched on December 16, 1983 named after the theatre’s creator Paul Poag as the Paul Poag Theatre for the Perofroming Arts.
The previous Rita and former Strand Theatre which had opened in December of 1931 was destroyed by fire in February of 1943. This venue was built in the same spot.
Grew up in the Rita, Texas, Flamingo Drive In, and Gay 90 Drive In theaters in Del Rio. My Dad was manager from 1959 to 1965 and I was a projectionist at all four. Rowley was a partner with the Poags in the theaters, called Val Verde Theaters, Inc. Rita was 1st. run, Gay 90 Drive In ran english. Texas and Flamingo Drive In ran Spanish.
Downtown Del Rio with the Rita Theater visible behind the super dollar store sign.
This was originally the Rita Theater at 746 Main which was built in 1947 by Robb & Rowley Circuit
Billy Holcomb—Don Lewis—Billy Smith