Rialto Theatre History
(Crawford Theatre-1913, Canton, PA)
Built as the Crawford Theatre in 1912 and renamed the Rialto in the
early 1930s, Canton’s Rialto Theatre underwent a wonderful rebirth
in 1994-95. Fueled by major financial supporter, volunteers, staff,
contractors and volunteer architect John Zulick of Towanda, the BCRAC
reopened the Rialto in time for the main holiday movie, The Santa
Clause, in December of 1994. In less than one year, the transformation
occurred from building shell to operating movie house, surround-sound
stereo, new platter movie projection, new seating, heating and air conditioning,
the “Lou Smithgall Anderson Museum,” and trained local staff.
Early
in the design of the rejuvenated Rialto, the Scott Griswold murals of
1875-1899 Canton were donated by Colonel and Marge Wood. The architect
and Building Committee chose to focus the auditorium lighting to highlight
these wonderful paintings.
The
Missoula Children’s Theatre residency and shows are based in Canton,
thanks to support from the First National Bank of Canton. Other
live shows are offered at the Theatre whenever possible.
A
new marquee was recently added in 2005 thanks to the Allen F. Pierce
Foundation. In
2006-7 a new digital sound system greatly improved the movie presentations.
Donations from the community continue to help this facility improve its
programs and maintain the level of maintenance.
The
Rialto Theatre Manager is Ann Kelley. Her staff includes Nicolee
Coles, Alexis Coulton, Kate Daly, Coleman Kelley, KatiAnn Kelley, Erica
Route, Katrina Sharrow and Megan Wilson.
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