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.