Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, the historic crown jewel of Shea’s PAC, opened in 1926 under the moniker of “The Wonder Theatre,” and was the dream of Michael Shea. Originally serving as a movie house under Paramount Pictures with “an acre of seats,” it would later stage vaudeville shows and play host to the likes of the Marx Brothers, Frank Sinatra, George Burns, Bob Hope, and more in the 1930’s. Later in the 1970’s, to save the theater from demolition, a group of concerned people formed The Friends of Buffalo Theatre. This not-for-profit organization worked to bring about a preliminary restoration and was responsible for getting Shea’s listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Over the past 20 years, there has been over $30 million in restoration completed, all by volunteers, at Shea’s which allows Buffalo to keep the only surviving Tiffany designed theater in magnificent condition for our patrons and the community.
Our historic theater was restored to the original grandeur of “The Wonder Theatre,” right down to the red velvet seats.
The balcony overhangs the orchestra level starting at row N.
Shea’s Buffalo Theatre does not have an elevator or wheelchair access to the balcony. All our accessible seating is offered on the orchestra level, and can be entered either through the Main Street doors or through Theatre Place next door.
Assisted Listening Devices (headphones and t-coil induction loops) and booster seats are available, free of charge, at our coat check in the Grand Lobby. For use of coat check services, a one dollar donation is requested. Please note that fur coats will not be accepted at this counter.
This seating chart shows price levels created for our Broadway series – other shows may offer different seating prices than shown here.
We are pleased to present our new Shea’s Buffalo Souvenir Cup: with a $3 purchase (beverage not included), you can now take a drink back to your seat to enjoy during the show! Now available for purchase at any of our lobby bars and concession counters, these are limited edition and completely re-usable at all events.
Experience the original history and living grandeur in one of North America's most beautiful theaters. Tours are available by appointment only, offered on non-show days so we can show you all of Shea's Buffalo Theatre. We also offer educational tours geared towards student groups (grades 3-12), free of charge! Please call (716) 829-1166 to make reservations in advance.
By becoming a donor of Shea's Performing Arts Center, you enable us to continue our mission of restoration, educational outreach, and operations in order to provide our community with live performing arts experiences and innovative and effective educational experiences fostering an appreciation of live theatre by area youth.
