This list of theaters and entertainment venues in Newark, New Jersey includes past and present opera houses and theaters, cabarets, music halls and other places of live entertainment in the city.
Here is a list of historical theatres and movie houses:[1][2][3]
Name
Address
Built
Seats
Association
Closure
Significance
Current Status
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
1 Center Street
1997
2,868
?
-
Performing arts theatre
Operational
CityPlex 12 Newark
360-394 Springfield Avenue/Bergen Street
1993
2,600
Sony Theatres, Loews
-
Movie theatre started as six screens and later became 12 screens. Ownership is Shaquille O'Neal, retired basketball player.[4]
Operational
Newark Symphony Hall
1020 Broad Street
1925
2,800
?
-
Was used as vaudeville and movie house. Dance Studio and live theatre with Symphony Concerts. Previously known as "Salaam Temple," "Mosque Theatre."
Operational
All Jersey Multiplex Cinemas
104 Foundry Street
1991
?
National Amusements
2006
Movie theatre with 12 screens on former drive-thru movie theatre
Closed and a movie theatre built same location in 1991
National Theatre
182-184 Irvine Turner Boulevard
1914
500
Independent Theater Service Inc.
after 1940s
Movies were selected for African-American viewing audience after the 1940s. Location of street was originally called Belmont Ave.[6]
Closed
Adams
28 Branford Place
1912
2,037
Paramount Pictures
1986
Vaudeville and stage plays to Movie theatre. Famous performers were booked after the two Adams brothers purchased the theatre in 1939. Such artists were the Andrews Sisters, Artie Shaw, Cab Calloway, Charlie Barnet, Duke Ellington, Eddie Cantor, Ella Fitzgerald, the Marx Brothers, Sammy Davis, Jr, and Tommy Dorsey.[7] In 1940, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were pictured in the Adams projector room with their agent and the owner, Mr. Adam A. Adams.[8] In 1960, the "Stagehand Strike" occurred by the local stagehands union 21 picketing in front of the theatre during the showing of Ben Hur. The lockout (industry) by stagehand employees was also at the nearby, "Paramount Theatre," also owned by the Adams Brothers, during live stage attractions that were being shown that time.[9]
Closed, dilapidated state of repairs
Empire Theater
265 Washington Street
1912
1,000
?
1957
Burlesque theatre, Leon Errol comedian.[10] During different years, was an opera house, vaudeville theatre, and movie house, with the distinction as burlesque from the 1930s until February 14, 1957.[11]
Demolished and became a parking location until a bank was built.
Ascher's Halsey Theatre
138 Market Street and Halsey Streets corner
1847
1,250
Fox
?
First Newark theatre, was live music, theatre, vaudeville, and movies. Burlesque, Leon Errol and James E. Cooper, comedians[12] Started as Waller's Opera House and later became Waldmann's Opera House for vaudeville acts, under the Fred Waldmann ownership. In 1917, William Fox had control and named it "Fox's Carlton Theatre" for photoplays and later was known as "Gayety Theatre." The New York-based Ascher Enterprises took over on May 14, 1921, and naming "Ascher's Halsey Theatre" due a poor operations ending probably in 1922 the business.[13][clarification needed]
Demolished indication.
Miner's Newark
195 Market Street
1886
1,605
?
?
Vaudeville theater started by Henry C. Miner and operated by a Brooklyn, NY theatre company, Hyde & Behman Amusement Co. Upon Miner's death in 1900, family sold in 1916 to Edward Spiegel, owner of the "Strand Theatre." Featured an orchestra floor, wood frame balcony, and private viewing areas. This theatre became known as the Paramount in 1931 under the Adams Brothers that became owners in 1921 from purchase from Spiegel. Architect Thomas W. Lamb completed redesign in 1916. 2,003 seats total capacity in 1916.
Emil Zucker and Herman Steiner had it built. Opened December 17, 1920 and designed by architect, Fred Wesley Wentworth. In 1968, Newark's "RKO Proctor Theatre" merged the "Branford theatre," under Stanley Warner ownership.[14] Had a seating capacity listed also at 2,844 and September 15, 1978, had four movie screens.[15]
Vaudeville to first run movies. Designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb among three other theatres in New York City under Loew's. The Wizard of Oz was shown here in the release of 1939. Indicated 2,589 seats.
Closed in 1977, demolished in 1978,[16] location is an office building
Vaudeville theater, movie showings and alternating vaudeville acts. The comedianMilton Berle and straight man Archibald Leach, later to be known as Cary Grant, did comedy vaudeville in the mid-1920s at the theatre before their 1930s film careers began.[17] Owner was Frederick F. Proctor and sold to RKO prior to death in 1929. Theatre name became known as "RKO Proctor's Theatre." Merger occurred with Branford Theatre and closed in 1968.[14]
Closed in 1968, location is a shoe store in the lobby with vacant portions rest of building. Dilapidation.
Terminal
86-94 Park Place
1902
1,800
Fox Circuit, Proctor's
1943
Known as "Proctor’s Theatre" on January 6, 1902, opening. Will Rogers did a cowboy vaudeville stage performance for the first time of his career at Proctor's Theatre during the week of December 1908. Returned in November 8 thru 13, 1909 with his wife, Betty Blake Rogers in the audience to an unimpressed show. Two films were shown during that time, "Fun with the Manikin" and "The Bogey Woman" (French/ Pathe.) Rogers performed again in November 1911 as was contracted by F. F. Proctor in Newark and 58th Street Theatre of New York City.[18] The theater was then operated by William Fox's Fox Circuit by 1926 and renamed Fox's Terminal Theatre. In 1941 was Skouras Theaters Corp. chain. Listed as 1,610 seating.[19]
?
Lyric
211 Market Street, near Broad Street
1908
1,466
?
1960s
A remodeling was done in 1933 by architect Ben Schlanger.
Demolished in 1960s and land used for a newspaper printing plant. Indicated 1,200 seats.[20]
Broad
568 Broad Street and Fulton Street
1912
1,460
?
1950
Initially known as the Sam S. Shubert Theatre on January 8, 1912. New York's Shubert family had it built. Showed movies and became burlesque as Minsky's Burlesque. Returned to movies and name changed. Indicated 1383 seats.
Vaudeville productions then film showings, opened November 22, 1915. Was on top of Proctor's Palace Theatre. In 1960s, a re-opening was done due to lack of film showing use, and the name changed to Penthouse Cinema for foreign movies. Closed in 1968 after Newark Riots.[14]
?
Rialto Theatre
915 Broad Street
1920
1,250
?
1950s
Known as the "Brandt Theatre" for 1941 and 1950 movie theatre listings, 1,762 seats indicated.[22]
Vaudeville and later movie house. Marque has Newark name. Originally was the "Miner theatre," renovations in the 1931 for association with Paramount-Publix "talkies" movies. The Adams Brothers were owners of the theatre since purchasing from Spiegal in 1921. First silent film showing of The Great Moment was featured on their grand opening by the Adams owners in 1921.[23] There was a live performance by Billie Holiday. The comedian and actor, Jerry Lee Lewis worked as an usher at the theatre as a native born Newarker.[24] In 1960, the "Stagehand Strike" occurred by the Stagehands Local Union 21 picketing in front of the theatre during the live stage attractions of Redd Foxx, The Miracles with Smokey Robinson, Shep and the Limelights, Chuck Jackson and others lined up. The "Lyric Theatre" was shown nearby as not involved in this lockout (industry) by stagehand employees. Additionally, the "Adams Theatre," also owned by the Adams Brothers, was picketed during a movie showing or stage shows by the stagehands union.[25] Indicated 1,966 seats capacity.
Closed March 31, 1986, operated as a store until 2011. Dilapidated state of repairs[26]
Started in 1931. Operational during the 1950s for second-run double featured films Here Come the Girls (1953 film) and Fighter Attack.[29] Also, operational in 1959 for Don't Give up the Ship and Tarzan's Greatest Adventure[30] Purchased by Eastern Theatres Circuit and renovated in 1959. In 1964, presented movies such as, Man's Favorite Sport and Dark Purpose with matinees dedicated for children with a K. Gordon Murray dubbed English version, Puss in Boots (1961 film) featured a live costume character present at the theatre.[31] Indicated by Eddie Steinberg as owner and operator between mid 1950s to 1968.[32] During the 1970s, The theatre "Teatro Caribe" which was previously known as "Cameo Theatre" location on Elizabeth Avenue moved and became known as the "New Caribe Elwood" with Spanish language films, such as Las Mil y Unas Noches until closure in late 1970s.?[33]
Architect John Eberson designed the theatre. Featured, one hour news from Universal, RKO-Pathe, Paramount, News of the Day, and Fox Movietone News until closure from television news media sources dominated. Was known as the "Guild Theatre" prior.[34]
Closed 1960s and ground level was used for retail until demolished location.
Luxor
264 Market Street
1950s
?
?
1960s
Movie theatre of mostly Polish foreign language films during late 1950s and then pornographic films in the 1960s as the theatre names was, "Luxor Follies."[35]
Originally known as the Strand Theatre since May 1, 1914. Renamed to Capital Theatre prior to 1926. Was associated with the larger Branford Theatre under Warner Bros for capacity of moviegoers from there. The theatre was nearest the "RKO Proctor's Theatre" and boomed in viewers from their closure.[36]
Operated as "Pic Theatre" from October 16, 1946, up to 1951 and reverted to Ironbound naming some time after 1957 listings as a theatre.
Closed and had retail or other business such as a bakery[39]
Cameo
81 Elizabeth Avenue
1950s
966
?
1972
In 1950s had live theatre after being a movie house. Indicated by Eddie Steinberg as owner and operator briefly in early 1950s.[40] Became "Teatro Caribe", with Spanish films until 1972
Church
Grand Opera House
399-401 Washington Street and Marshall Streets
1872
1800
?
1916
Built 1872 and opened on October 5, 1872, as the "Industrial Institute Hall." Name changes to "Grand Opera House," "Columbia Theatre," "Jacob's Theatre," and in 1916, "Family Theatre." In 1886, the "Columbia Theatre" was used for vaudeville performances. Changes from 2,400 to 1,800 in seats were done in a remodeling for motion pictures under "Jacob's Theatre." A 1916 inspection revealed an unsafe building and required to close.[41] Theatre was built originally as a skating rink.[42]
"New York Times" published the announcement on September 12, 1912, that Levi Weingarten was planning Newark's largest theater for Corse Payton with a $25,500 10-year lease.[44] Would be known as "Payton Corse Theatre" and with the same location address later as the "Schubert Theatre."[45]
Was considered part of the Stanley-Fabian circuit, along with fellow theaters: "Branford," "Capital," "Mosque," and "Rialto."[46] Became known as "Globe Theatre" with 750 seats in 1941 with Warner Brothers Circuit Management Corporation.[47] Was only full-time art theater for many years until converted to retailing in the 1950s.
Closed, undetermined if demolished officially. Location has a three level retail store and a few stores alongside.
Orpheum Theater
385 Washington St
1911
1,693
?
?
Theatre, Morris L. Selesinger had it built. Indicated largest amusement house in a New York Times announcement when sold to Samuel Katz in 1912.[48]
?
Cameo Twin Cinema XXX
68 Orange Street
1924
?
?
2010
Known as the "Treat Theatre" until 1957s. In the 1980s, began showing pornographic movies and closed due to a murder
German art and foreign films during the 1950s until 1970s. Pornographic films in the 1980s with two screens.[50]
Closed, still for lease
Avon Theatre
459 Clinton Avenue
1926
980
Fox Circuit
1968
Known as "American Theatre" before 1940. Community films were for African-Americans. Indicated by Eddie Steinberg as owner and operator between mid 1950s to 1968.[51] Showed double features with three movies changes per week during Steinberg ownership. Business growth when "National Theatre" closed nearby Belmont Avenue.
Theatre was founded by Alfredo Cerrigone and general manager, for the audiences in the Italian-American Community.[56] The Newark Repertoire Company presented the popular running New York City, Stage Door (play) created in 1936 by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber. The Theater in 1940 presented Broadway musicals, concerts, and operas. One opera featured singer Carlo Buti that year.[57] The Newark Opera Playhouse playbill, indicated John Clein's "Crescendo!" would play for a week on Monday, February 4 (1946) with renowned performers, Ralph Morgan and Nance O'Neil. Further opera stars, Soprano Hilda Reggiani and Tenor Bruno Landi (tenor) were guests from the Metropolitan Opera House of New York City for the March 10–31, 1946 presentations of composer Gaetano Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor."[58] The Jack Kirkland presentation of Tobacco Road (play) starred John Barton at this venue.
Closed and presumed demolished as a former Star-Ledger newspaper buildings location
Bellevue
80 Belleville Avenue
1914
800
?
1915s
Designed by Nathan Myers. Opened Spring 1914 as a photoplay house then was vaudeville.[59]
Possible known as "Elite Theatre" at the corner of Summer Ave & Bloomfield Ave for 1914.[63]
Closed, demolished, location is a gas station.
Congress
257 South Orange Avenue
1925?
600
?
1951?
A Robert-Morton organ was installed in 1925. Was known as the "Victoria Theatre" for Italian vaudeville. Listed in the Film Daily Yearbook of 1951 as open.[64]
Closed, school
De Luxe
404 South Orange Avenue
1913
600
?
1928
De Luxe Theatre.[65] Indicated as the "Strand Theatre" from 1939 until 1942, when Eddie Steinberg owned and operated it as a community theater at the location of South Orange and 12th Street, before he served in WWII. The owner had his mother as the cashier and gave weekly dinner plates to patrons at Tuesday showings up to a year to complete a set.[66]
Closed, building erect as church
Essex Theater
100 Springfield Ave
?
1,100
?
?
Design by William E. Lehman. George Burns and Gracie Allen played here in 1922 when it was known as the "Hill Theatre."[67]
There was a Plaza Theater at 129 North 7th Street.[77]
Closed
Plaza Theater
129 N. 7th Street
1915s
1,133
Brandt Theaters
1960s
There was another Plaza Theatre at the 400 Springfield Avenue location. Erected by Edward W. McDonough in 1915 for $100,000. The theater was an Art Deco style building built by architect, Henry Baechlin. Owned by Madelaine Kridel during the Newark Riots. The closure of the theatre occurred late 1960s after the Riots.
Closed, various English and Spanish churches
Regent Theater
8 Bloomfield Avenue
1925
1,840
Stanley-Warner Theatres, Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp.
1951s
Joseph Stern management
Closed, Demolished
Ronson
South Orange Avenue and Littleton Avenue
?
1,100
?
1939
Built and owned by Louis Vincent Aronson. Midweek movies and weekend vaudeville shows with some Black entertainers. In 1939, briefly managed by Eddie Steinberg, operator of various community theaters.[78]
Silent movies such as Circus Days with Jackie Coogan in 1923 and known as the "Stern's Tivoli Theatre" upon this showing. Operated by Joseph Stern in 1925. In April 1953, the first 3D Natural Vision color movie, Bwana Devil was shown along with the U.S. release of The Thief of Venice.[83]
Demolished late 1970s
West End
300 16th Avenue
1920s
925
Independent Theater Service, Inc.
1960s
Operated by multiple theater owner, Eddie Steinberg in the 50s and 60s. Showing double features and two or three movie changes per week. A showing of Elvis Presley's Love Me Tender (film) had thousands of patrons lined outside for the under capacity seating of 800, according to Steinberg.[84]
Closed, demolished, house built
Newark Moonlight Cinema
220 Orange Street
2021
cars
?
2021
A drive-in theater implemented after the COVID-19 pandemic era for showing African-American filmmakers movies. Operated July 24, 2021 until October 31, 2021. Theater idea developed by filmmaker, Ayana Stafford-Morris and her real estate developer husband, Siree Morris.[85]
Closed, continued as the razed lot of the former Newark Bears Baseball Stadium