F.m. Kirby Center For The Performing Arts

The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit cultural institution located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Established in 1986, the center has become a hub for the performing arts in the Wyoming Valley, offering a diverse range of over 80 cultural and educational shows annually. These performances are designed to promote artist quality, accessibility, and education for community members and visitors alike. The history of the F.M. Kirby Center is deeply entwined with the history of its home, a theater that has been a landmark in Wilkes-Barre for nearly a century. The theater originally opened as the Comerford Theater on August 18, 1938, with a screening of "Alexander's Ragtime Band." It was the flagship movie house for the M.E. Comerford theater chain and a tribute to its founder, Michael E. Comerford. The Art Deco structure featured five lobbies, rose-colored mirrors, high-fluted columns, and walls adorned with copper tints in shades of metallic blue. The theater's centerpiece, a large cylindrical chandelier known as the Giant Lavaliere, remains a prominent feature. In 1949, following an anti-trust lawsuit, the theater was transferred to the Penn Paramount Company and renamed the Paramount Theater. However, the 1970s brought significant challenges, including damage from Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and the rise of shopping malls with cineplexes which drew foot traffic away from the theater's location at Public Square. The building faced demolition but was saved by the efforts of local residents and the organization Save the Old Paramount (S.T.O.P.), which led to its addition to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. A pivotal moment in the theater's history came in 1985 when Albert Boscov, owner of a large department store chain, sought to give back to the community. With the help of civic and business leaders, including August L. Simms, and the significant support of Fred M. Kirby II and the Kirby Foundation, a fundraising drive amassed $3.3 million for the theater's acquisition and restoration. The theater was named in honor of Fred M. Kirby II's father, a pioneer of 5-and-10-cent stores. The F.M. Kirby Center opened on September 19, 1986, with a gala event featuring the American Ballet Theatre, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, and the Wilkes-Barre Ballet Theatre. The restoration preserved the building's original Art Deco style, with maroon, rose, and gold tones, and a proscenium frame and friezes that highlight its architectural beauty. In 2006, the center celebrated 20 years of community service with the "Take Your Seats, Please" campaign, which raised funds for major refurbishments. The theater now accommodates 1,832 patrons, including those with disabilities, and has hosted a variety of events, from Broadway musicals and operas to graduations and weddings. The mission of the F.M. Kirby Center is to enrich the community's quality of life through accessible, affordable, and artistically viable events. This mission is exemplified by the Signature Series, which offers performances at a flat rate of $10, and the Young Peoples' Theater Series, which introduces school-aged children to the theater. As it approaches its 37th year, the F.M. Kirby Center continues to honor its heritage while embracing the future, with a new logo and visual identity that reflects its Art Deco roots and modern sensibilities. The center's commitment to downtown Wilkes-Barre contributes an estimated $9.8 million in annual economic impact to local businesses. A dedicated staff, a corps of volunteers, and a community of donors work together to ensure that the arts remain vibrant for future generations.