Draft:The United Theatre
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The United Theater, commonly known as The United, is a historic center for performing arts as well as a cinema on High Street in Westerly, Rhode Island. Originally opened on January 18, 1926, it features elements characteristic of the Art Deco style, with a vibrant façade and ornate interior details that reflect the glamour of the era. The theater has undergone various renovations over the years, and efforts have been made to preserve its historic charm while adapting it for modern use. The United Theatre serves as a cultural hub for the community, hosting films, live performances, and special events, maintaining its role as a central entertainment venue in Westerly
 | |
| Address | 5 Canal Street Westerly, RI United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°22′48″N 71°49′47″W / 41.379922°N 71.829721°W |
| Owner | UNITED THEATRE LLC |
| Capacity | 700 People, 76-seat main cinema, a 24-seat micro-cinema, a 100-seat balcony cinema, and a multi-purpose event and gallery space |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1901 |
| Opened | 1926 |
| Closed | 1986 |
| Reopened | 2021 |
| Architect | Aaron Montgomery Ward; Montgomery Ward Company |
| Website | |
| https://unitedtheatre.org/ | |
History
[edit]The United Theater is apart of Westerly Downtown Historic District and was originally a popular vaudeville venue opened on January 18, 1926.[1][2] The opening night featured the Seven Rainbow Girls, Eddie Cooke and the Shaw Sisters, Bernard and Ferris, Exposition Jubilee, and the Jean Jackson Troupe.[3]
However, due to increasing competition from newer multiplexes and alternative entertainment options, which ultimately led to its closure in 1986. Despite this setback, the building remained an important historical landmark.[4][5][6]
In recent years, efforts have been made to restore and revitalize the United Theater, aiming to bring it back to life as a vibrant cultural venue. The restoration project seeks to honor its historical significance while providing modern amenities for performances and community events.[2]
The United also works closely with The Public’s Radio, Rhode Island’s NPR station, as well as with the Newport Folk Festival and Jazz Festival with the goal of bringing in larger acts to Westerly.[4]
Architecture
[edit]The main brick building was completed in 1928.
The United Theater's second building is recognizable by the Montgomery Ward "Spirit of Progress" design at the top of the wall, the building was originally built as a Montgomery Ward retail store in 1900.[3][7]
Restoration
[edit]The Westerly Land Trust bought the building in 2003, with the theater declaring itself as a non-profit in 2015.[4][8][9]
Trivia
[edit]The United can be seen briefly in Lolita. A shot of Westerly is used to represent Ramsdale. The camera shows a taxi driving down Railroad Avenue, then turning left onto Canal Street. The camera shot follows the taxi, and the United is seen on the left side of the picture. The scene is at the 12 minute 30 second mark.
References
[edit]- ^ Writer, Staff. "Vaudeville coming to Westerly's United Theatre". The Providence Journal. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ a b writer, Nancy Burns-Fusaro Sun staff (2018-12-29). "Westerly 'a hub' of the arts: Music, theater, literature and painting have all thrived through the years". Westerly Sun. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ a b "RI Foundation | A cultural icon of the arts comes back to life". web.archive.org. 2021-06-22. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ a b c seewesterly (2019-04-09). "The Revival of the United Theater - A Brief History and the Latest Updates". WESTERLY RI. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "Visit & Learn – United Theatre". unitedtheatre.org. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ Burns-Fusaro, Nancy (2018-07-14). "Academy Award nominee Richard Jenkins to take the stage at the United Theatre". Westerly Sun. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ "The Spirit of Progress Story". chicagology.com. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ writer, Nancy Burns-Fusaro Sun staff (2019-01-30). "Business expo builds momentum for United Theatre project". Westerly Sun. Retrieved 2024-09-16.
- ^ Spotlight, Jim Hummel The Rhode Island. "Starring role". The Providence Journal. Retrieved 2024-09-16.