The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts is a restored 1923 theater used as a community center for the performing arts in Jamestown, New York. The center is named after a notable local resident Reginald Lenna who donated $1 million to begin restoration work in 1987.[1]
"The Reg" | |
 | |
  The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts Location in New York  The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts Location in United States | |
| Former names | The Palace Theater (1923-1987) The Reg Lenna Civic Center (1987-2013) |
|---|---|
| Address | 116 East Third Street Jamestown, New York 14701 |
| Coordinates | 42°05′48″N 79°14′21″W / 42.096689°N 79.239267°W |
| Type | Theater |
| Genre(s) | Music, film, concerts |
| Capacity | 1,259 |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1923 |
| Opened | 12 October 1990 |
| Renovated | 1987 |
| Website | |
| reglenna | |
History
editIn 2019, a $4.5 million renovation to the center expanded the complex to seven connected buildings. This work included the lobby, a new box office and concession stand, a relocated art gallery, a consolidated workspace for staff, and structural improvements. The Reg's low power radio station, WRFA, was expanded into a multimedia studio on the third floor.[2]
Notable events
edit- In February 1956, the second and final movie starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Forever, Darling, premiered at the Palace theater, later known as The Reg.[3][4]
- Lucie Arnaz appeared at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on August 3, 2012, to support the Lucille Ball Festival of New Comedy held annually in Jamestown, Lucille Ball's hometown.
- Playing Favorites, the first live album by 10,000 Maniacs, was recorded on September 13, 2014, at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.
References
edit- ^ "History of the Reg". reglenna.com. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
- ^ "Reg Lenna Center For Arts Renovations Complete". Jamestown Post Journal. December 18, 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
- ^ "Forever, Darrling". American Film Institute. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
- ^ Gilbert T. and Sanders C. S. (1993). Desilu: The Story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. United States: Morrow. p. 119. ISBN 9780688112172.