Once the heart of entertainment for the twin Tonawandas, the Riviera Theater is once again enjoying a rebirth. Constructed in 1826, the theater was built in the Italian Renaissance style, replete with murals painted by famed Rochester artist, Ferdinand Kebely. Visitors were welcomed into the theater’s lobby with beautiful stained-glass windows and a magnificent French chandelier lighting the ceiling. Originally known as the “Rivera,” new owners changed the name by adding the missing “i” to become Shea’s Riviera in 1928.

Once inside the theater, guests were made comfortable in one of 1,400 richly upholstered seats overlooking the stage. A Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, Opus 1524, Model 235 Special, was built across town and delivered to the Riviera where it was played to accompany the early silent movies. The pipe organ was used extensively for the first several years. Later, with the advent of talking motion pictures, the beautiful pipe organ fell into disuse and was relegated to second class citizenship. The theater changed hands several times and through lack of maintenance, declined further and further until the Riviera’s future seemed to include an appointment with the wrecking ball. That fate was averted in 1988 through the saving grace of the Niagara Frontier Theatre Organ Society who purchased the theater and organ.

Today, the Riviera Theater and Organ Preservation Society, with its dedicated group of volunteers and small staff, have worked to painstakingly restore the Riviera to pristine condition. Many improvements in lighting, sound and air conditioning have been added to allow 21st century patrons to enjoy all the creature comforts of a modern theater while retaining the beauty and splendor of a Grand Dame of entertainment from a bygone era.

Douglas Farley, Director
Erie Canal Discover Center
24 Church St.
Lockport NY 14094
716.439.0431
CanalDiscovery@aol.com
www.NiagaraHistory.org