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Karl R. Josker | profile | all galleries >> Buffalo >> Shea's Buffalo Theater tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Shea's Buffalo Theater

Construction of Shea's Buffalo Theater began in 1925, with the Grand Opening of "The Wonder Theater" occurring in January, 1926.

As originally built, it had over 4000 seats, however, in a Great Depression remodeling, seating was reduced to 3498. It still has its' original Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ.

The theater is located at 646 Main Street, Buffalo. Tours are available.
1977 View
1977 View		 First Lighting
First Lighting		 2006 View
2006 View		 Lobby View
Lobby View
Through Lobby Window
Through Lobby Window		 Foyer View
Foyer View		 Portrait of Michael Shea
Portrait of Michael Shea		 View of Balcony Showing Projection Booth
View of Balcony Showing Projection Booth
View Across Auditorium
View Across Auditorium		 View of Main Floor
View of Main Floor		 View of Main Floor From Beneath Balcony
View of Main Floor From Beneath Balcony		 View From Foyer Entrance
View From Foyer Entrance
View From Center Stage
View From Center Stage		 The Wurlitzer Organ Console-1977 View
The Wurlitzer Organ Console-1977 View		 Michael Shea
Michael Shea

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Pamela Kreitner Johnson 03-Jan-2012 03:47
Thank you for these beautiful photos!
jaycee21-Nov-2011 00:18
The 4manual (keyboard) WurliTzer organ was a showpiece in it's own right. The WurliTzer factory was located on Military Road in N.Tonawanada, and their sales staff would bring potential customers to Shea's Buffalo, for in-house demonstrations. In late 1963, efforts began, to bring it back into playing condition. This is indeed , one of the best of the many theater organs built and installed in that era. What makes this one even better is that it's still in it's original home, and has been restored. John Carleton
Guest 04-Jan-2010 23:45
Wonderful to finally see that organ. I was in the Childrens Hospital inBuffalo with Polio. 1941 The girl next bed's father was playing that organ. His name was Curly Johnson. They brought i music somehow to us via radio. It was mostly static but although I was only 4 or 5 I still remember it.
Howie Tresp 23-Sep-2007 16:43
a day with Mom(late 40`s)take the street car from Pine Hill, down Genesse St.to downtown,window shop(ama`s hengers,etc)then lunch at Laubls(I think that was the name)then too the Shea`s for a movie.All for less than 5.00 What great times
Dana NIedziela 28-Oct-2005 22:44
It was such a blessing to have worked on the Restoration Team under Doris Collins. Shea's is a gorgeous rare jewel that needs to be cared for and protected. I felt privileged to have been part of something so special and to know that some of my hard work will forever be imprinted on this wonderful building is something I carried with me to my new home in Nashville. What wonderful memories of both the people and the theater.
Guest 10-Oct-2005 00:34
IT HAS BEEN MY PRIVILEGE FOR THE PAST EIGHT YEARS TO WORK ON THE RESTORATION OF SHEAS UNDER THE MOST TALENTED DORIS COLLINS. WORKING WITH MANY DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS WHILE HELPING TO BRING SHEAS TO LIFE AFTER SO MANY YEARS HAS BEEN MOST REWARDING.
SARA HOOD
Patricia 23-Jun-2005 03:10
Going here to see Buffalo's American Idol, John Stevens, IV on June 28th! See you there!
duffy 26-Mar-2004 02:20
My 1st job (71 - 73) was ushering at the Shea's Buffalo. Many times I took my break to pick up Swiss Chalet chicken from across Main St. and eat it alone in the front row of the balcony. I had access to the entire building and was continually amazed at its beauty and history. From the performers dressing rooms with bulb lit mirrors to the rooms that housed the pipes for the organ I found something new each day. I am fortunate to have had that experience and it is well worthy of its historic status.
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