Keswick Theatre

Because:
It is has roots in this area – goes back a long time

Because: it was rehabilitated, not destroyed

Because: the diversity of performers means some performance is going to interest me

FROM: http://www.keswicktheatre.com/index.cgi

“The Keswick Theatre first opened its doors on Christmas Night, 1928…the Keswick was designed by acclaimed architect Horace Trumbauer (who also created the Phila. Museum of Art).

Initially a combination vaudeville/movie house, the Keswick hosted such legends as Stepin’ Fetchit, Paul Robeson and Ina Ray Hutton (Betty’s sister) with her all-girl band. In 1955, the theater was remodeled into a cineamascope film house, hosting…movies of the 1950s and ‘60s. In Spring 1980, the Keswick closed its doors as a movie theater, slated for demolition.

It re-opened in 1981 with a sold-out concert by Fred Waring and the Young Pennsylvanians. Over the next four years, stars like Roberta Peters, Carlos Montoya, Theodore Bikel, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band graced the stage. The Keswick was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, but the non-profit group wasn’t to meet expenses, and closed the theater in December 1985.

The Keswick opened its doors again in March 1988, under private ownership. They successfully tackled problems associated with older buildings, drastically increased the activity at the theater, and successfully established the Keswick in the eyes of the public.

Establishment of a restoration fund allowed for more than a million dollars in upgrades, including…roof replacement and repair, extensive facade repair, and restoration of the original ornamental plaster. The Keswick grew technologically, as well…

This growth was recognized, as the Keswick joined legendary venues like The Chicago Theatre, Beacon Theatre and Fox Theatre in “Pollstar’s Top 50 Theater Venues.”

READ MORE from http://www.keswicktheatre.com/index.cgi