The United Theatre

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The United Theater
The United Theatre
Address5 Canal Street
Westerly, RI
United States
Coordinates 41°22′48″N71°49′47″W / 41.379922°N 71.829721°W / 41.379922; -71.829721
OwnerUNITED 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
Built1901
Opened1926;98 years ago (1926)
Closed1986;38 years ago (1986)
Reopened2021;3 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 as well as 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.

Contents

History

The United Theater is a contributing property to Westerly Downtown Historic District and was originally a popular 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]

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. [5] [6] [7]

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. [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 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 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.

Original marquee created for the 1926 opening OriginalMarqee1926.jpg
Original marquee created for the 1926 opening

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. [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 Canal Street.png
View of northeast side of Canal Street between Railroad Avenue and High Street

Trivia

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.

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References

  1. ↑ "United Theatre opens in Westerly, offers unique theatrical experiences". August 2, 2021.
  2. ↑ Writer, Staff. "Vaudeville coming to Westerly's United Theatre". The Providence Journal. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  3. 1 2 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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 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.
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