MRA Purchases the Marietta Theatre
In February of 2000, a group of Marietta Restoration Associates prepared a feasibility study on the prospect of purchasing and restoring the Historic Marietta Theatre. Unfortunately for the Associates, the purchase price at that time made the project prohibitive, costing $175,000 for the real estate alone.
Five years later, MRA has made their dream of owning the Marietta Theatre a reality. On June 7 2005, the MRA purchased the Historic Marietta Theatre at 130 West Market Street in downtown Marietta for $42,000.
The Marietta Theatre was constructed in 1913 by an Italian immigrant named Samuel A. Acri. Acri, one of the first professional exhibitors on the east coast, came to Marietta circa 1910, and originally showed movies in a rented room in Central Hall (now the Marietta Borough Hall). The Marietta Theatre (then known as Acri’s Theatre) opened in the Spring of 1914 as a motion picture theater that could also accommodate stage productions.
The Marietta Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places. At the time of it’s closing in 1997, it was the oldest operating motion picture theater in Pennsylvania, and one of the oldest in the nation.
Over time, the Marietta Theatre fell into disrepair. While structurally sound, there was interior damage to the ceiling, walls and floors due to water seepage from a leaky roof. The Theater seats, the organ, and most of its furnishings were also removed from the building. The goal of MRA is to restore the Marietta Theatre for multi-use as a film and performing arts theater.
Rich Kushner, Marietta Theatre Committee Chairman, is leading the restoration effort. With the initial stabilization of the building, roof replacement and interior clean-up complete, Rich is redirecting the committee focus. An architect has been selected to assist in layout development and use of the Theatre.
The short-term Committee goals revolve around fundraising and grant writing. Planning grants are being submitted for costs associated with architect design work and estimates for revitalization of the Theatre. The Theater Committee is actively seeking members to assist them in this effort. The Committee needs volunteers for clean-up and construction as well as those experienced in fundraising and Theatre development.
If you are interested in joining this committee, or know someone who can help us, please contact us through this site.
