Silent Era : Theaters

Silent Era Home Page > Theatres > United States > Florida > New Port Richey > Thomas Meighan

Thomas Meighan Theatre	Photograph: Silent Era image collection.
Address	Dixie Highway (modern address, 6237 Grand Boulevard)
Opening Night Seating Capacity	500
Original Theatre Owner	Richey Amusement Company (W.K. Jahn, James W. Clark, Charles W. Barnett, F.I. Grey, F.E. Dingus and E.A. Leeston-Smith)
Original Theatre Architect	Thomas Reed Martin
Years of Operation	Opened 1 July 1926
Type of Musical Accompaniment	Piano
Current Status	Operating as live performance venue
The Thomas Meighan Theatre first presented the film The New Klondike (1926) starring Thomas Meighan, who did not attend the premiere but sent a congratulatory telegram. The first sound film shown at the theatre was on 9 March 1930, with Thomas Meighan present to push the button. Later in 1930, the theatre reverted to silent films until improved sound equipment could be installed. Admission prices were temporarily lowered during the delayed transition to sound. The theatre is currently operating as a community playhouse that has been renamed the Richey Suncoast Theatre. References: Additional information provided by Jeff Miller and Gary Vitacco-Robles.