[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          HONORING THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RIVIERA THEATRE

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 16, 2017

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Riviera Theatre, a historical landmark in North Tonawanda, New York. 
This past December, the Riviera celebrated 90 years of bringing a 
multitude of performing arts, including live concerts, theatre, dance 
shows, and movies to Western New York.
   Originally known as the Twin Cities Rivera, the theatre was built 
during the year 1926, by the Yellen Family. The architects Leon H. 
Lempart and Son drew the plans, which were patterned after the Italian 
Renaissance. The theatre changed multiple times over the years but is 
currently owned and run by Riviera Theatre and Organ Preservation 
Society.
   Opening night was December 30, 1926, a gala event, which featured 
the movies ``Upstage'' starring Norma Shearer, ``The Mona Lisa'', in 
Technicolor, a short comedy, and the newsreel. Organist Fred Meyer 
accompanied the films and soloed at the Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
   Perhaps the Riviera is best known for housing a Wurlitzer Theatre 
organ, made nearby at the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company of North Tonawanda. 
In 2008, the organ was re-voiced and restored to nearly original 
condition, providing a new symphonic sound for concerts and events. The 
Riviera's Mighty Wurlitzer has provided more entertainment consistently 
in its original setting than most other theatre organs, nationwide. 
Many of the top name artists in the country have performed here in 
hundreds of concerts over the past 35 years.
   Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Riviera 
Theatre is currently in the planning stages of an Expansion and 
Development Project (Set The Stage) that will add 23,000 square feet of 
new space including a black box theatre, a new lobby and new modern 
amenities for their patrons and performers. It is estimated when 
completed an additional 50,000 visitors will attend annually.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments today to 
recognize the heritage of the Riviera Theatre and to celebrate its 90th 
Anniversary. I wish them well in their continuing expansion as the 
Buffalo community is fortunate to have a building with such a 
historical background and which promotes performing arts.

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