The United Theatre

The United Theater

Address	5 Canal Street Westerly, RI United States
Coordinates	41°22′48″N71°49′47″W / 41.379922°N 71.829721°W / 41.379922; -71.829721
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;99 years ago (1926)
Closed	1986;39 years ago (1986)
Reopened	2021;4 years ago (2021) [1]
Architect	Aaron Montgomery Ward; Montgomery Ward Company
Website
https://unitedtheatre.org/

The United Theater, commonly known as The United, is a historic center for performing arts and a cinema on High Street in Westerly, Rhode Island, originally opened on January 18, 1926. 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.

History

The United Theater is a contributing property to the Westerly Downtown Historic District. It was originally a vaudeville venue opened on January 18, 1926. ^{[2] [3]} The opening night featured the Seven Rainbow Girls, Eddie Cooke and the Shaw Sisters, Bernard and Ferris, Exposition Jubilee, and the Jean Jackson Troupe. ^[4] Increasing competition from newer multiplexes and alternative entertainment options led to its closure in 1986, although the building remained an important historical landmark. ^{[5] [6] [7]}

In recent years, efforts have been made to restore and revitalize the United, aiming to bring it back to life as a cultural venue. ^[3] The United also works closely with The Public’s Radio, Rhode Island’s NPR station, as well as with the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival with the goal of bringing in larger acts to Westerly. ^[5]

Architecture

The main brick building was completed in 1928. It features elements characteristic of the Art Deco style, with façade and interior details which reflect the glamor 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's second building is recognizable by the Montgomery Ward "Spirit of Progress" design at the top of the wall; it was built as a Montgomery Ward retail store in 1900. ^{[4] [8]}

Restoration

The Westerly Land Trust bought the building in 2003, with the theater declaring itself as a non-profit in 2015. ^{[5] [9] [10]} The theater opened its doors in 2021. ^[11]

View of northeast side of Canal Street between Railroad Avenue and High Street

References

1. "United Theatre opens in Westerly, offers unique theatrical experiences". August 2, 2021.
2. Staff Writer. "Vaudeville coming to Westerly's United Theatre". The Providence Journal. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
3. writer, Nancy Burns-Fusaro Sun staff (December 29, 2018). "Westerly 'a hub' of the arts: Music, theater, literature and painting have all thrived through the years". Westerly Sun. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
4. "RI Foundation | A cultural icon of the arts comes back to life". June 22, 2021. Archived from the original on June 22, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
5. seewesterly (April 9, 2019). "The Revival of the United Theater - A Brief History and the Latest Updates". WESTERLY RI. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
6. "Visit & Learn – United Theatre". unitedtheatre.org. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
7. Burns-Fusaro, Nancy (July 14, 2018). "Academy Award nominee Richard Jenkins to take the stage at the United Theatre". Westerly Sun. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
8. "The Spirit of Progress Story". chicagology.com. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
9. writer, Nancy Burns-Fusaro Sun staff (January 30, 2019). "Business expo builds momentum for United Theatre project". Westerly Sun. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
10. Spotlight, Jim Hummel The Rhode Island. "Starring role". The Providence Journal. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
11. "United Theatre opens in Westerly, offers unique theatrical experiences". August 2, 2021.