History
History is a continuing, ever-changing story. As we confirm research and gather stories about the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (formerly the Regent Theatre), we look forward to sharing the facts, legends, stories, and more. Past is always prologue, as Shakespeare wrote.
If you have stories or information about the theater as we approach our venue’s centennial, we would love to hear from you.
Contact: Pam Golden at pam@@kelly-strayhorn.org
The Regent Debuts
In 1919, the Regent Theatre — a state-of-the-art 1,100-seat Photo Play House — began screening America’s favorite silent films. East End residents could catch Mary Pickford or Douglas Fairbanks at the Regent and enjoy music, more films, and live performances at the other many theaters in the neighborhood, including the Camera-Phone, Enright, Harris Family Theatre, Liberty, Sheridan, and Triangle.
The Regent featured a grand theater organ that was played to accompany silent films with dramatic live music. Harry S. Bair was the architect.
Watch for more details on the early days of silent film and the grand days of Hollywood as experienced at the Regent Theatre.
Entrances and Exits
Over the decades, the Regent had its ups and downs. The theater was sometimes dark for periods of time.
A reopening was held on July 18, 1965 following a $175,000 renovation under Associated Theaters, a group lead by Ernest Stern, president, who also owned Pittsburgh Theaters the Encore, the Fulton (now the Byham), Gateway, and Forum theaters. The capacity was reduced to 850 to provide increased patron comfort for the first showing of “In Harm’s Way,” with Kirk Douglas, John Waye, and Patricia Neal. Former audience members report that young people could spend Saturday at the Regent where animated features and action-adventure movies were screened all day.
However, in October 1979, the Regent closed again. Its sister theaters were gone. By the 1990’s the Regent was poised for renewal, along with the community it calls home. Pittsburgh’s downtown cultural district was underway, but Pittsburgh needed another mid-sized venue to welcome small arts groups and community programs. The arts community gathered for a sneak peek fundraiser to support the possibilities, including a Gallery of local stars provided by the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce.
What happened? More history will be reported in future updates. Do you have memories or information to share? We’d love to hear from you.
In the next century…
In 2000, the Post-Gazette reported our theater would have a new name in honor of Pittsburgh greats Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn.
In 2003 the New Pittsburgh Courier reported that audiences were again lining up on Penn Avenue:
“Shocking is the word to describe the long line of people waiting to buy tickets outside of East Liberty’s Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Apparently, the word was out that the Black Theater Dance Ensemble was returning to the stage after nearly two decades.”
Today
By 2009-10, the Kelly Strayhorn was in use more than three-quarters of the possible performance and rehearsals days as young performers, dancers, filmmakers, actors, musicians, community organizations, and audiences participate in the ongoing renaissance of East Liberty’s performing arts center. Patrons step over a commemorate “Walk of Stars,” reconizing artists, friends, fans, and family members when they arrive for an event. The theater’s exterior lights signal anticipation of the next show and the neon signature of the namesakes sparkles all night long.
As the Kelly Strayhorn begins its 11th season, more innovation, leadership, engagement, and “green” awareness is underway.
We look forward to updating you as we continue rewrite history!
