BackThese photos belonged to the archives of Rapp & Rapp Architects in Chicago, and remain our best resource on restoring Shea's Buffalo a hundred years later to its original historic state as it looked on Opening Day in 1926.
Photo Credit: The Buffalo Times - September 12, 1926
Jules Lefebvre's "Mignon" has been on display over the Grand Staircase at Shea's Buffalo Theatre since September 1926, added a few months after opening. It's origins were recently discovered thanks to Anthony Chase, as originally belonging to the Astors' family and was purchased by Michael Shea from an auction.
The balcony as seen from Stage Right.
The orchestra seats as seen from House Left.
While today this space serves as our Spotlight Lounge for Shea's Donors, in 1926 this was the Musicians' Lounge where live music was played for audiences entering the lobby!
The Mens' Lounge (basement)
The Mens' Lounge (basement)
The Ladies' Room (basement) - each with a personal vanity.
The Grand Lobby as seen from the Grand Staircase.
Our Grand Lobby and Grand Staircase on our Grand Opening Day. Look carefully above the stairs, you might notice that a familiar face is missing from this photograph...
The Shea's Buffalo Theatre stage as seen from the balcony.
Did you know? When Shea’s Buffalo Theatre first opened, the iconic red velvet seats weren't quite ready for their debut! Early audiences left the theater with an unexpected souvenir: red stains on their clothes from the fresh dye. Nine months later in October 1926, Shea's Buffalo Theatre had been unable to have the problem resolved and informed the American Seating Co., which had supplied the seats, that the operators were paying from $10 to $50 a week to patrons for ruined clothing. Eventually, after nearly two years, the contractor agreed to re-cover all the seats.
It would take nearly two years and lots of letters back and forth before the American Seating Company would replace our red-staining seats.
The Petite Lobby as seen from the Pearl Street stairs.
The orchestra seats as seen from House Right.
The 2nd Floor Mezzanine overlooking the Petite Lobby