The Ritz Celebrates 115th Anniversary

The Ritz Theater & Performing Arts Center, at the heart of downtown Scranton, opened over a century ago – Labor Day – and was first known as “The Poli,” NEPA’s premier vaudeville theater which hosted the best performers of all time – Harry Houdini, W.C. Fields, Mae West, Ray Bolger, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Fannie Brice, Will Rogers & many more! This incredible building with its rich history is entering its 115th anniversary in September and is currently the home of the Creative and Performing Arts Academy (CaPAA) of NEPA – a vibrant arts program for kids, teens and adults serving over 300 students from all over NEPA.

Students come to the Ritz for a variety of classes in theatre, music, and dance in addition to over two dozen productions throughout the year including The Ritz Mainstage Players, a semi-professional audition-based company offering full musicals and plays for all ages.  We are so thrilled that performers of all ages can still experience the magic of this classic vaudeville theater nearly 115 years after Sylvester Poli first opened the doors on Wyoming Avenue. The Ritz Theater’s legacy continues to shine brightly in downtown Scranton!

This family-owned operation has become a cornerstone of NEPA’s arts community and is committed to building a positive, safe, and welcoming atmosphere for friends, families, and neighbors to celebrate the arts for generations to come. 

Come and Celebrate with a slice of Birthday Cake!!

Steam Excursion to Carbondale on September 24th

Join Steamtown NHS on Saturday, September 24, 2022 for a steam-powered excursion to Carbondale for the city’s Autumn Market. The Baldwin Locomotive Works No. 26 will depart Steamtown NHS at 9:30 a.m., arriving to Carbondale around 11:15 a.m. Passengers will then have a two-hour layover in Carbondale to enjoy events being offered.  The returning train ride will depart Carbondale at 1:30 p.m., arriving to Steamtown around 3:30 p.m.

NOTICE:

  • Travel times may change due to slow orders or other delays along the route.
  • While steam is planned, Steamtown NHS may be required to change out locomotives due to unforeseen mechanical issues.
  • Masking requirements on passenger coaches are based on local conditions. Updates are posted weekly, on Fridays, to www.nps.gov/stea.

In addition to Carbondale’s Autumn Market, S. Robert Powell, President of the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum, will be at the Carbondale Station to welcome passengers aboard Steamtown’s excursion, and to direct them to the center of town. Powell will lead a walk from the Carbondale Station to Main Street and the center of town, with a stop at Delaware & Hudson Caboose No. 35964, Carbondale City Hall, and Memorial Park. The Carbondale Historical Society (3rd floor of Carbondale City Hall) will be open to visitors from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; guided tours of the museum will be available.

Ticket prices for Carbondale Excursion: Adult (ages 12-61) $25.00; Senior (ages 62+) $23.00;  Youth (ages 3-11) $18.00; Child (ages 2 and under) $1.00. Visitors can purchase advance tickets for this excursion online through recreation.gov or on-site at our Information Kiosk, credit card only, during regular business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily.

Indraloka Animal Sanctuary to Host Sanctuary Spirits & Brew

Please join us at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary for our Sanctuary Spirits & Brew event on Monday, July 18th from 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

This is an opportunity to meet our rescued animals and mingle with other local business professionals. You’ll have the chance to take a guided tour of the sanctuary, followed by an hour of networking. Free cheese, wine, and coffee will be provided. If you’re looking for a chance to network and hear about opportunities for your business to contribute to the community through our programs, we’d love to see you on July 18th!

Register here.