 |
| May 05, 2024 |
Welcome! Click here to Login
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Click to visit the
Official Town Site
|
|
|
|
|
|
General News: U.S. House Approves Funds for Ritz Theater
|
| Newburgh's Ritz Theater 'back in the day.' |
|
| Check out the Ritz theater's renovation by attending the upcoming production of "The Last Five Years." |
July 27, 2009
The Ritz Theater on Broadway in Newburgh got a big boost for its effort to restore the historic theater to its former glory when a $400,000 federal grant was approved in a House bill last week.
Congressman Maurice Hinchey, whose district includes Newburgh, says the money was approved as part of the 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Appropriations bill. It still faces approval in the Senate.
Hinchey worked for the funds, he says, because restoring the landmark theater will provide very positive benefits to the Newburgh community and help to further anchor the ongoing revitalization efforts in that area of the city where the new Orange County Community College campus is being built.
The Ritz Theater restoration is a project of Safe Harbors of the Hudson, which transformed the former Hotel Newburgh into beautifully renovated supportive housing units and artist galleries.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Tricia Haggerty Wenz, the project has become a model for redevelopment-- blending the arts with safe, attractive, affordable housing for formerly homeless, low-income adults and artists.
The Ritz Theater first opened in 1913 as the Cohen Opera House on lower Broadway. Ella Fitzgerald, Xavier Cugat and many other stars appeared at the theater throughout the 30s and 40s. Perhaps most famous was Lucille Ball, who performed the first live production of the “I Love Lucy” show at the Ritz with her husband, Desi Arnez, just weeks after their marriage in 1941.
For the past two years, the theater and music performances have been presented in the renovated lobby of the theater as funds are being raised to complete the renovation of the interior. Starting this Friday, July 31, the Admit One Production group will be staging the one-act musical “The Last Five Years.” It promises to be an amazing show and a wonderful opportunity to experience the rebirth of the Ritz Theater.
Comments:
No comments have been posted.
Add a Comment:
Please signup or login to add a comment.
|
 |
|
|
|
