Historic Riviera Tour

A tour of the Historic Riviera Theatre takes approximately 1-1/2 hours. After being welcomed to this Italian Renaissance style show place, you will hear a brief history of the theatre from its construction in 1926. One of our knowledgeable tour guides will give you insight into our ghost light. A projectionist will present a slide show featuring the different styles of marquees that have graced our facade. One of our staff organists will demonstrate the many sounds and musical styles that can be performed on the historic Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

The presentation continues with highlights of the auditorium with its 1150 seats; our 3/4 ton French chandelier boasting over 10,000 pieces of crystal; the original mural over the proscenium depicting the types of performers who entertained on stage; and a view of our original grand drape which also acts as a fire curtain. Then it's on to a backstage tour. On stage at the Riviera you'll marvel at an original 1926 lightboard, the silver screen, the old pinrail with sandbags, rope and pulley system still used to raise and lower scenery, and the organ pipe chambers. In the basement you'll visit the dressing rooms, blower room which supplies air to the organ, work shop area, elevator room and the tunnel.

The tour moves to the lobby that is adorned with marble staircases, brass railings and crystal chandeliers, you will see original stained glass windows and hear how we acquired stained glass art work from Denver, Colorado.

On up to the mezzanine a 1912 royal commissioned Steinway piano once belonging to King Alphonso XIII of Spain is showcased. We then take you to the highest spot in the auditorium, the projection booth. You will be amazed at the carbon arc lamphouses and historic movie projectors still in regular use today.

The tour ends with a short silent movie accompanied, just as it would have been in the 1920's, by one of our staff organists on the Mighty Wurlitzer.

To make arrangements please call the Historic Riviera Theatre at (716) 692-2413.

We ask that your group be a miniumum of 20 people.

Event Information (716) 692-2113
Box Office (716) 692-2413
Email boxoffice@rivieratheatre.org
http://www.rivieratheatre.org

The Riviera is proud to be a member of the Cultural Alliance of Niagara promoting Niagara County's arts and cultural organizations as tourist, recreation and education destinations to the world.

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