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The Next Century of Wonder

The Next Century of Wonder

January 16, 2026 - Today

Shea's staff photo for a new century.

Photo Credit: Rachael Fedor

Shea's staff photo for a new century.

Shea's Environmental Services team!

Photo Credit: Rachael Fedor

Shea's Environmental Services team!

“For generations, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre has been a special place where memories are made and shared. It’s survival and success are rooted in the deep conviction that this theatre matters to our culture, our city, and our people. This centennial celebrates the community, volunteers, artists, and supporters whose passion built, saved, and sustained this extraordinary place. As we step into our next century, we do so with a bold commitment to ensuring Shea’s continues to inspire and bring people together for generations to come.”

- Brian Higgins, President and CEO of Shea's Performing Arts Center

Photo Credit: The Buffalo News - January 16, 2026

Photo Credit: The Buffalo News - January 16, 2026

On the stage of the Shea's Buffalo, a party for our Centennial Celebration was hosted.

On the stage of the Shea's Buffalo, a party for our Centennial Celebration was hosted.

1926 / 2026

Photo Credit: January 16, 1926

Photo Credit: Rachael Fedor. January 16, 2026

Grand Lobby and Grand Staircase

Photo Credit: January 16, 1926

Grand Lobby and Grand Staircase

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

Top of Grand Staircase

Photo Credit: January 16, 1926

Top of Grand Staircase

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

The 2nd Floor Mezzanine overlooking the Petite Lobby

Photo Credit: January 16, 1926

The 2nd Floor Mezzanine overlooking the Petite Lobby

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

The Mens' Lounge

The Mens' Lounge

The Mens' Lounge

The Mens' Lounge

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

The Ladies' Lounge

The Ladies' Lounge

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

Oops! This original photograph features someone's accidental fingerprint in the upper left corner.

Photo Credit: 1926

Oops! This original photograph features someone's accidental fingerprint in the upper left corner.

Please excuse our dust...the ceiling was under construction at the time our photos were being taken for our 100th anniversary. The restoration work of Shea's is never finished!

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

Please excuse our dust...the ceiling was under construction at the time our photos were being taken for our 100th anniversary. The restoration work of Shea's is never finished!

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

Musicians' Lounge

Photo Credit: January 16, 1926

Musicians' Lounge

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

The Grand Lobby

Photo Credit: January 16, 1926

The Grand Lobby

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

Grand Staircase

Photo Credit: January 16, 1926

Grand Staircase

Photo Credit: Nia Spencer - August 5, 2026

The Next 100 Years

Tech crew members work from audience seats at Shea's Buffalo Theatre on Wednesday. <i>Buena Vista Social Club</i> opens at Shea’s on Sept. 12 before beginning its North American run.

Photo Credit: Libby March, The Buffalo News - September 10, 2026

Tech crew members work from audience seats at Shea's Buffalo Theatre on Wednesday. Buena Vista Social Club opens at Shea’s on Sept. 12 before beginning its North American run.

Photo Credit: Libby March, The Buffalo News - September 10, 2026

“This is probably the most beautiful theater I've ever been in,” Director Saheem Ali said of Shea’s Buffalo. “It's just stunning. I can't believe how majestic it is. Our little ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ (set) feels like a little postage stamp, and it's so wild because the first theater we ever performed in was a 300-seat theater. So we've gone from 300 seats to 3,000 seats.”

Elevate Shea’s

As we approach Shea’s Centennial Celebration in 2026, we are embarking on the most ambitious campaign in our history: Elevate Shea’s Project.

This was the earliest iteration of the elevator tower expansion, circa 1990's, featuring the two hottest shows on Broadway at the time: <i>Cats</i> and <i>The Phantom of the Opera</i>!

This was the earliest iteration of the elevator tower expansion, circa 1990's, featuring the two hottest shows on Broadway at the time: Cats and The Phantom of the Opera!

The Next Act Begins Here

Shea’s Performing Arts Center is committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of live performances. To meet this goal, a four-story addition will be constructed, revolutionizing accessibility, and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Key features of this project include:
  • Three Large-Capacity> High-Speed Elevators: Patrons with mobility challenges will be able to reach their seats, restrooms, and gathering spaces comfortably and without barriers.
  • Expanded Public Spaces. New and enlarged lobbies, waiting areas, and circulation paths will ease congestion and provide a more welcoming, relaxed environment for audiences before, during, and after shows.
  • Over Sixty New Bathroom Fixtures.Dramatically increased restroom capacity will reduce wait times and improve convenience for all patrons, particularly during high-capacity performances.
  • New Concession Areas.Additional and modernized concession points will allow for faster service, more offerings, and a smoother experience for patrons seeking food and beverages.
  • New Patio.A new outdoor space extending the theatre experience.
This transformational project will not only enhance the physical space but also create an inclusive and enjoyable experience for every visitor to Shea’s.

Photo Credit: June 27, 2025

Photo Credit: January 1, 2026

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks from the stage at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre.

Photo Credit: The Buffalo News - March 16, 2026

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks from the stage at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre.

Photo Credit: Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Photo Credit: Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Construction Begins (Again)

something something about the beginning I guess

Photo Credit: Robert H. Brunschmid - March 30, 2026

On March 31st 2026, construction began on the new Shea's Buffalo Theatre - just in time for Michael Shea's 167th birthday!

Photo Credit: Robert H. Brunschmid - March 30, 2026

On March 31st 2026, construction began on the new Shea's Buffalo Theatre - just in time for Michael Shea's 167th birthday!

Photo Credit: Robert H. Brunschmid - March 31, 2026

Photo Credit: Robert H. Brunschmid - April 1, 2026

Photo Credit: Robert H. Brunschmid - April 2, 2026

First wall is being poured for the basement!

Photo Credit: Cassandra Lippert - June 16, 2026

First wall is being poured for the basement!

Photo Credit: Robert Brunschmid - July 31, 2026

Brian Higgins, Shea’s Performing Arts Center president and CEO, speaks during a ceremony to mark the completion of the foundation of the center's new expansion.

Photo Credit: Derek Gee, Buffalo News - August 17, 2026

Brian Higgins, Shea’s Performing Arts Center president and CEO, speaks during a ceremony to mark the completion of the foundation of the center's new expansion.