The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Historic Capitol Theater reopens after renovations
Rome, N.Y. — The historic Capitol Theatre in Rome has now reopened following an extensive renovation that returned both the structure’s interior and exterior to their original grandeur, announced Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this week.
Funded through a $2.5 million grant from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the renovations and improvements are aimed at reestablishing the iconic venue as a regional hub for stage and screen presentations.
“Our efforts to build back New York better than it was before include bolstering the arts and cultural offerings in communities throughout the state,” Cuomo said. “The newly renovated Capitol Theatre will once again serve as an anchor institution that both reminds us of our past and inspires us toward a brighter, more prosperous future for all.”
“A vibrant arts and cultural industry is crucial to any thriving downtown and the renovated historic Capitol Theatre will inject new life into Rome,” Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Our Downtown Revitalization Initiative is reshaping the Rome community for the better and is helping generate economic activity and giving small businesses a much-needed boost as we comeback from the pandemic.”
The project restored the structure to its 1939 interior and exterior appearances, and it represents only the second cohesive, all-inclusive refurbishment since it first opened in 1928. Other renovations included improvements to the electrical, mechanical, HVAC and plumbing systems, as well as interior improvements, such as repainting, carpeting, and seating refurbishment.
Additional work funded through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, including façade improvements and a restoration of the historic marquee, are ongoing and expected to be completed this fall. The Capitol Theatre compliments other work through the initiative to revive Rome’s downtown arts and cultural scene.
Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo said, “An amazing transformation has taken place at the Capitol Theatre. Rome’s single largest Downtown Revitalization Initiative-funded project does not disappoint. The newly completed interior renovations including new seating, carpeting, painting, lighting and more bring the Theatre back to its heyday in 1939. Our Downtown Revitalization Initiative plan envisioned the Capitol Theatre becoming the centerpiece of the arts corridor and we are off to a terrific start with the Theatre reopening and we look forward to the replacement of the origi
nal marquee in the fall.”
Capitol Theatre Executive Director Art Piece said, “We’ve been planning for this restoration of the Capitol for nearly two decades, but it was only the fact that we were awarded the $2.5 million in DRI funds that allowed it to be accomplished.”
One of the first events held in the newly renovated theatre is Capitolfest 18, beginning August 13.
Most of the films at the Capitol are shown in 35mm prints on the theater’s carbon-arc, variable-speed projectors. The prints for the movies shown at Capitolfest come from archives such as the Library of Congress, George Eastman Museum, Museum of Modern Art, UCLA Film & Television Archive, and Universal Pictures, as well as from private collections.
The festival includes several extremely rare talking films, as well as some equally rare silent films, according to the Capitol’s website. Each of the silent films will be accompanied by some of the world’s foremost exponents of authentic silent movie accompaniment. Capitol officials say the theatre’s goal is not only to show these vintage films, but also to re-create the experience of seeing these movies when they were new. This year’s festival will include “A Tribute: Constance & Joan Bennett,” showcasing several of their films