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C.W. & Geo. L. Rapp Architects

C.W. & Geo. L. Rapp Architects

These 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.

The 2nd Floor Mezzanine overlooking the Petite Lobby

The 2nd Floor Mezzanine overlooking the Petite Lobby

The orchestra seats as seen from House Right.

The orchestra seats as seen from House Right.

The Petite Lobby as seen from the Pearl Street stairs.

The Petite Lobby as seen from the Pearl Street stairs.

The Shea's Buffalo Theatre as seen from the stage.

The Shea's Buffalo Theatre as seen from the stage.

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 in dry cleaning to patrons for ruined clothing.
The Shea's Buffalo Theatre stage as seen from the balcony.

The Shea's Buffalo Theatre stage as seen from the balcony.

It would take nearly two years and lots of letters back and forth before the American Seating Company would replace our red-staining 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.

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...

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...

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 <a href="https://www.theatertalkbuffalo.com/post/from-mrs-astor-s-gallery-to-shea-s-grand-staircase-the-true-story-of-mignon?utm_campaign=eb4533cb-13ab-4989-a8f9-3f6af4e6dc7f&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&utm_content=6f8ef316-34f5-4b18-a901-2a4274e5399d&configurationId=9f51e10b-2349-4a79-bc6f-01cac1517817&actionId=22f81185-0499-4063-ad0f-00add4e1f801&cid=e3a04faf-9914-45a2-ae1c-5811971c6ef6">Anthony Chase</a>, as originally belonging to the Astors' family and was purchased by Michael Shea from an auction.

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 Grand Lobby as seen from the Grand Staircase.

The Grand Lobby as seen from the Grand Staircase.

The Ladies' Room (basement) - each with a personal vanity.

The Ladies' Room (basement) - each with a personal vanity.

The Mens' Lounge (basement)

The Mens' Lounge (basement)

The Mens' Lounge (basement)

The Mens' Lounge (basement)

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!

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 orchestra seats as seen from House Left.

The orchestra seats as seen from House Left.

The balcony as seen from Stage Right.

The balcony as seen from Stage Right.