The Ritz Theater, home to the saying, “If you can make it in Scranton, you can make it anywhere!"
Built in 1906 by S.Z. Poli, an Italian immigrant and accomplished wax modeler on his way to becoming the largest theater owner in the world, the Ritz building was first known as “The Poli” and hosted the likes of Harry Houdini, W.C. Fields and Will Rogers. News accounts of the day said a young Buster Keaton worked as a bartender across the street before or after his Poli gigs! The large vaudeville house, which was constructed for the large sum of $250,000 (with inflation, roughly $6,801,582.82 in 2019), seated more than 2,000 attendees between its orchestra, balcony and second story balcony.
In celebration of Poli and the 115th anniversary of the Ritz, they will be celebrating their birthday weekend in the heart of Scranton with food, games, community, and arts September 2-5, 2022!
Stay tuned for all the details on live performances and activities for kids!
Original source can be found here.
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