Reg Lenna Civic Center
116 East Third StreetJamestown14701USA
Tel: (716) 484-7070 (Box Office)Fax:

The Reg Lenna Civic Center was first opened on February 5, 1923 as the Palace Theatre, a "High Class Vaudville" house. Films, usually a short comedy plus a feature, were shown before and after the twice-a-day vaudeville performances. Three years later Nikitas Dipson bought the facility and continued with film and vaudeville shows. In 1930 Dipson leased the Palace to Warner Brothers for 20 years. For a short time the format of films and vaudeville was continued, but live performances were slowly downplayed to emphasize the cinema. By 1934 films were the only entertainment available on a regular basis. In 1950 Warner terminated their lease and Dipson Theatres, still the owners, once again took over management. The Palace was remodeled by installing new heating and cooling systems, carpeting, wall coverings and new seats. At the reopening Dipson reaffirmed his intention to feature not only first run films of the best quality, but also stage shows, orchestras and vaudeville. In 1956, Forever Darling, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, had it's world premiere at The Palace. With the passing years fewer and fewer people attended the theater, equipment was wearing out, and the building needed repairs. On September 10, 1981, the last movie was shown. Renovation, which began in 1989, included taking out all the seats for reupholster, reconstruction of the orchestra pit, new stage lighting andequipment, new curtains, new house lights, handicapped seating created, new floor coverings, original artwork repaired and cleaned, new stage entrance, new heating and cooling systems, and a new stage floor. The grand reopening was held October 12, 1990.The beautifully restored 1,269 seat Reg Lenna Civic Center received an award from the League of Historic American Theatres for the quality and workmanship of its restoration. It boasts a 35' movie screen, state of the art projection and sound equipment.


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