Roxy Theatre

The History Of The Theatre :

The theatre was first opened on Feb. 1st, 1921 as the LYRIC Theatre by Click photo for larger view Harry Hartman who previously had several other nickelodeons in Northampton. He opened the 1000 seat Lyric at 20th and Main Streets to replace his 350 seat Lyric across the street in order to provide more seating and larger stage accommodations for vaudeville.

Hit hard by the depression, Hartman sold out in the spring of 1933 to Clark and Greenberg Theatres of Philadelphia. They closed the theatre and completely renovated the interior, as well as the exterior entryway in the popular art deco style. Prominent Philadelphia theatre architect David Supowitz was hired to design the new transformation which included reducing the seating capacity to 650. The theatre reopened on August 31st, completely transformed, along with a new name... The Roxy.

The theatre used every gimmick of the times to keep patrons coming back. Giveaways included dishes, cosmetics, encyclopedias and even good old hard cash. These giveaways were continued well into the late fifties.

By June 1st, 1970 when the theatre was acquired by Angstadt and Wolfe Theatres, it was only a shadow of its former glory. A&W began a slow and long drawn-out restoration of the theatre that still continues to this day. They also reintroduced live entertainment in the form of concerts, plays, magic shows, dance recitals, and even a wedding. Artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel,John Belushi, Blood Sweat & Tears, Martin Mull, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Gilda Radner, Kiss, Golden Earring, Melissa Manchester along with many others were featured, again with the sponsorship of WSAN radio.

By 1988, A & W partner Richard C Wolfe, acquired complete control and ownership of the theatre through a new corporation, Roxy Management Company, Inc. He replaced the missing pipe organ with a 7 rank Wurlitzer pipe organ, renovated the lobby, and restored the exterior facade to it's original appearance. New seating and carpeting were added as well at that time.

In addition to live entertainment, the theatre continues to operate as Northampton's only commercial movie theatre.