The Capitol Theatre

Name: The Capitol Theatre
Address: 149 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, NY, 10573, US
Telephone: +19149374126
Rating: 4.3

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The Capitol Theatre

The Original Rock Palace® | Port Chester, NY | 🎸🎶 🐿 People traveled from near and far to see shows at The Capitol. Movies were out and live music was in.
(2666)

The Capitol Theatre, designed by noted architect Thomas Lamb, opened on Wednesday, August 18, 1926 as a dignified playhouse with great decorative beauty and luxurious comfort. The open letter to Port Chester residents published in the newspaper that week boasted that it would contain “the only theater refrigerating system in Westchester County.” The grand opening, which included a performance of “

The Star Spangled Banner” by a ten-piece orchestra and a showing of Sea Wolf, sold out all of its seats (then 2,000), and had to turn hundreds away. Hollywood kept the theater going for decades with films like Casablanca, Gone with the Wind and The Taming of the Shrew. Enthusiasts could pay as little as 5 cents to see a double-feature Sunday matinee.

1970s: ROCK AND ROLL
By the late ’60s, the tone had changed. The theater was renovated as a psychedelic performance space, and it hosted just about every major rock and roll act of that time period. Under the direction of rock promoter Howard Stein, the likes of Janis Joplin, Traffic, Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead all graced the Port Chester stage during its heyday. By the early ’70s, however, the theater was shut down due to a new village ordinance that prohibited live entertainment after 1 a.m. It was at this time that Mother Nature became the sole owner of The Capitol Theatre. The roof decayed, and pigeons made the stage their new home. The theater remained dark until the early ’80s.

1983: CHANGING HANDS
In 1983, The Capitol Theatre was purchased by local developer Marvin Ravikoff and a new round of renovations began. On Wednesday, March 7, 1984, The Capitol Theatre was open for business again. Only a quarter of the theater was filled for its grand opening performance of Misalliance that night, but Ravikoff had no doubt the revived theater would be a success. In 1984, The Capitol Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Capitol Theatre was mainly used to put on plays and musicals during the mid-’80s, and it underwent continuous renovations for several years. There was a brief resurgence of rock concerts in the early ’90s when well-known acts like Phish and Blues Traveler visited the Port Chester stage. However, due to the poor economy at the time, it was difficult for any theater to thrive, and the small size of The Capitol no longer appealed to top-name entertainment. Ravikoff turned in a different direction and hoped to attract conventions and seminars instead. Eventually, the idea to turn the theater into a catering hall for weddings and formal events came about.

1997: CATERING HALL
Since 1997, the theater has hosted special events ranging from fund-raisers to bar mitzvahs. Removing the seats from the main floor allowed the theater to be transformed into a dance floor for weddings or a dining area for corporate blowouts. The Capitol’s stage made it unlike any other catering hall, and it lent itself to private performances from acts like Hootie and the Blowfish and Katy Perry. In December 2011, Peter Shapiro announced that The Capitol Theatre would reopen with him at the helm, and the venue began yet a third round of serious renovations. Previously the owner of the legendary Wetlands Preserve in Manhattan and currently the owner of the Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg, Shapiro has no shortage of experience when it comes to running successful live music venues. He planned to breathe new life into the historical theater—with state-of-the-art light, sound and video systems, and new carpets, repainted walls and upgraded bathrooms. The Capitol Theatre, partnered with concert promoter The Bowery Presents, reopened in September 2012 as Westchester’s new premier rock palace.

11/16/2024

What an incredible way to kick off our run with Dark Star Orchestra! It was amazing having all you Deadheads back in the house, just when we needed it most. ❤️⚡💙 There’s nothing like shaking to the good ol’ Grateful Dead at The Cap! TONIGHT, we dive into one more Saturday night of jams. We'll see you there!
📸:
Doors: 6:30PM // Show: 8:00PM

11/16/2024

Night one with Dark Star Orchestra starts now! Tune in live ➡️ nugs.net/dso
🎟️ Exclusive for nugs subscribers
✍️ Join us tomorrow for Night 2 from the Capitol Theatre
🌎 Port Chester, NY
🏟️ The Capitol Theatre

11/15/2024

🌹 TONIGHT! 🌹 Truck on down to see Dark Star Orchestra launch into back-to-back night of Grateful Dead classics at The Cap! Tickets 🎫 are going very fast, so grab yours now before it's too late-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOG42
Doors: 6:30PM // Show: 8:00PM

11/15/2024

End the year on a high note with a pre-show party at The Cap! 🎉 Rock out with your crew in Garcia’s or our mezzanine bar, then head into the theater for an unforgettable night. Whether your group is 25 or 125, we’ll make it epic. A few dates are still open to rent out Garcia’s or The Cap exclusively!

Choose a legendary show, gather your friends or co-workers, and let’s make it a night to remember. 🙌 Reach out to our special events team to start planning-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOFMw

11/15/2024

💥 ON SALE NOW! 💥

Jay Leno on SAT, FEB 15 🎙️

An Intimate Evening with Jason Isbell on THU, FEB 20 🎸

Joe Gatto with Mark Jigarian on SUN, APR 13 🤣

The Fab Faux on SAT, JUN 14 ✌️

Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOFBf

11/14/2024

After an outstanding night with The Indigo Girls we truly understand The Power of Two! ✌️ Not just with the duo's iconic artistry, but the strength that comes when a great cause meets a great event space! A massive thank you to Pace Women's Justice Center and our special events team for rocking an unforgettable benefit concert at The Cap!
📸: Scott Harris

11/13/2024

What do you get when you combine an amazing organization with a legendary band? Magic. ✨ Last night, TheWallflowers rocked an incredible show to benefit ArtsWestchester, supporting artists in our community! 🌻 There's no better way to drive social change than with a rockin' show, and The Cap was the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary benefit! Huge thanks to our special events team organizing another spectacular night.
📸: Scott Harris

11/13/2024

💜 TONIGHT! 💜 Feel the power of two as The Indigo Girls rock Pace Women's Justice Center's annual Raising the Bar benefit concert! All proceeds support this incredible organization, providing free legal services for victims of domestic violence. Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOBQm
Doors: 6:30PM // Show: 8:00PM

11/13/2024

💥 SUPPORT ADDED! 💥 George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners get the party started for our shows with The Black Crowes on DEC 21 + 22! Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOBBC

11/12/2024

Congrats to all the 2024 Grammy nominees that have rocked The Cap! ⚡️🐿️
📸: Scott Harris, Marc Millman Photography, Dino Perrucci, Scott Harris, Geoff Tischman, Chad Anderson Photography

11/12/2024

Join our friends at Brooklyn Paramount on THU, DEC 12 for Whale Jam! 🐋 Featuring members of Mt. Joy, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Lawrence, and more, this event helps to benefit whale & dolphin conservation for a night you won't wanna miss! Grab tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOzXF

11/12/2024

🌻 TONIGHT! 🌻 Rock out with Jakob Dylan and The Wallflowers for ArtsWestchester's annual benefit concert at The Cap! Grab tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOzNs
Doors: 7:00PM // Show: 8:30PM

11/12/2024

🤣 JUST ANNOUNCED! 🤣 Comedy legend Joe Gatto performs a night of all new material at The Cap on SUN, APR 13! Tickets 🎫 go on sale FRI, NOV 15 at 10AM-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOzAr

11/12/2024

✌️ JUST ANNOUNCED! ✌️ The Fab Faux perform "A Hard Day's Night" and "Abbey Road" in their entireties on SAT, JUN 14! Tickets 🎫 go on sale on FRI, NOV 15 at 10AM-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOzvP

11/12/2024

🙌 JUST ANNOUNCED! 🙌 An intimate evening with Jason Isbell on THU, FEB 20! Tickets 🎫 go on sale on FRI, NOV 15 at 10AM-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOztI

11/12/2024

🎙️ JUST ANNOUNCED! 🎙️ Jay Leno comes to The Capitol Theatre for a night of laughs on SAT, FEB 15! Tickets 🎫 go on sale on FRI, NOV 15 at 10AM-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOzkI

11/11/2024

This week at The Original Rock Palace! 🙌 It all starts with two incredible benefit shows featuring The Wallflowers on NOV 12 and The Indigo Girls on NOV 13 then dive into a jam-filled weekend with back-to-back nights of Grateful Dead classics from Dark Star Orchestra! Don't miss out. Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOyfI

11/09/2024

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! ⚡ This SUN, NOV 10, join us for Phil-a-Thon as we celebrate the life and legacy of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh! Relix & The Capitol Theatre are bringing you FREE all-day broadcasts of Phil Lesh’s 84th birthday run on The Relix Channel. While you enjoy the music, consider supporting the American Transplant Foundation and join the Community Chat to share favorite Phil stories and memories. Tune in at-->> https://brnw.ch/21wOvHI

Address

149 Westchester Avenue
Port Chester, NY
10573

Telephone

+19149374126

Website

http://www.thecapitoltheatre.com/

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Videos

We are 1-WEEK out from Tab Benoit & Anders Osborne with Mike Zito Band on FRI, JUL 26. ⚡ Bear witness the two powerhouses of Louisiana blues as they bring the thunder to The Cap! Grab tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wLojZ

The king of queens returns to Port Chester! Don't miss beloved actor and comedian, Kevin James joins us for a night of laughs on SAT, AUG 3. 😄 Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> http://brnw.ch/kevinjames

The king of queens returns to Port Chester! Don’t miss beloved actor and comedian, kevinjamesofficial joins us for a night of laughs on SAT, AUG 3. 🤣 Grab your tickets 🎫 now with the link in bio!

Grammy-nominated sensation Black Pumas are set to light up The Cap on THU, AUG 1! 💫 Don't miss the duo's nostalgic multi-genre sound as they take us on a journey through layers of groove and emotion. Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wLje1

Don’t miss the extravagant elegance of @rocket_man_show on SAT, SEP 14. ⭐ Grab your bedazzled shades and get ready to sing your heart out for the ultimate Elton John tribute! Get tickets 🎫 now with the link in bio!

Don't miss the extravagant elegance of The Rocket Man Show on SAT, SEP 14. ⭐ Grab your bedazzled shades and get ready to sing your heart out for the ultimate Elton John tribute! Get tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wLcPn

The Righteous Brothers Lovin' Feelin' Farewell Tour comes to The Cap on WED, AUG 21! Don't miss Bill Medley and Bucky Heard join forces for a legendary musical journey through decades of hits! Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wLbkV

We're counting down the days until we get to sing along with Black Pumas! ✌️ Get a taste of their recent performance of "Colors" at Glastonbury and don't miss your chance to see them rock The Cap on THU, AUG 1! Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> https://www.thecapitoltheatre.com/the-capitol-theatre/events/detail/black-pumas-g5vvzbakyxk_h

Who's ready to rev it up with Tab Benoit & Anders Osborne? ⚡ They're rolling in for a night of gritty blues on FRI, JUL 26! Don't miss out. Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wL6Su

Everybody rock your body on THU, JUL 18 for a legendary night with @realjeoyfatone, (of *NSYNC), and @AJ_McLean (of Backstreet Boys). 🕺 Get ready to dance to your favorite boy band classics! Get your 🎫 tickets now with the 🔗 in bio!

Everybody rock your body on THU, JUL 18 for a legendary night with Joey Fatone, (*NSYNC), and AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys). Get ready to dance to your favorite boy band classics! Get your 🎫 tickets now to join the party-->> https://brnw.ch/21wKYSG

Black Pumas rock The Cap on THU, AUG 1! It's a night of soulful nostalgia and hypnotic grooves you won't want to miss! 🔥 Grab tickets 🎫 now to join the party-->> https://brnw.ch/21wKXD8 📹: Gabe Ruckus

This Friday, celebrate 50 years of The Meters classic album, "Rejuvenation", in style. 😎 Catch original members George Porter Jr. & Leo Nocentelli alongside funk-jam ensemble, Dumpstaphunk, as they honor the catalog that helped shape funk as we know it. 🎶 Grab tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wKWc4

Coming up this summer at The Original Rock Palace! 😎 It all starts this Saturday with a night of dreamy soundscapes from Silversun Pickups! Grab your tickets 🎫 rally your crew, and come rock with us-->> https://brnw.ch/21wKTk5

Swing by for a night of dreamy soundscapes with Silversun Pickups (@sspu) on SAT, JUN 22! ✨ Up-and-coming alt-rock trio @hellomaryband gets the party started for a can’t miss Saturday night at The Cap! Grab your tickets 🎫 now with the link in bio!

Swing by for a night of dreamy soundscapes with Silversun Pickups on SAT, JUN 22! ✨ Up-and-coming alt-rock trio Hello Mary gets the party started for a can't miss Saturday night at The Cap! Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wKJW8

Na na na nananana! ✌️ The Fab Faux returns to The Original Rock Palace to perform a night of Beatles #1's on SAT, JUN 29! Grab your tickets 🎫 and come sing along-->> https://brnw.ch/21wKJbk

It's been a long time since we rocked and rolled with Get The Led Out and we can't wait to do it again on FRI, JUN 7! 🤘 Grab your tickets 🎫 for a can't-miss journey through the world of Led Zeppelin-->> https://brnw.ch/21wKp52

Swing by for a night of laughs with Hasan Minhaj on SAT, JUN 8. 😂 You never know what fun facts he'll have up his sleeve! Grab your tickets 🎫 now-->> https://brnw.ch/21wKfgZ