The Warner Theatre in Torrington, Connecticut stands as a dazzling Art Deco gem at the foot of the Berkshires. Since 1931, this historic venue has brought entertainment, education, and community enrichment to downtown Torrington. As the largest performing arts center in Northwest Connecticut, the Warner offers you an unforgettable place to experience concerts, theatrical productions, and more in a beautifully restored setting.
When you visit the Warner Theatre, you’ll step back in time to the golden age of movie palaces while enjoying modern performances. The theatre’s rich history began as part of the Warner Bros. chain of movie theaters, but today it operates as a vibrant mixed-use performing arts center that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can catch shows year-round, with the box office opening two hours before each performance.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Warner Theatre
The Warner Theatre in Torrington is a stunning Art-Deco treasure dating back to 1931. Originally a movie palace, this beautifully restored venue has become Northwest Connecticut’s largest performing arts center.
You’ll be amazed by the theater’s ornate interior as you step into this historic landmark. The Warner hosts over 170 performances annually, ranging from Broadway musicals and concerts to comedy shows and educational programs.
When you visit, you can catch upcoming shows like Sal Vulcano’s comedy tour, Terry Fator, or musical productions like “Cinderella.” The theater also offers educational programs for community members interested in the performing arts.
The Warner Theatre isn’t just a place to see a show—it’s a community cornerstone. You can even explore their award-winning costume shop, which houses thousands of vintage and contemporary costumes, or take a tour of the beautiful theater spaces.
Rating: 4.5 (199 reviews)
Location: 68 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790
Contact: (860) 489-7180
Website: Visit Website
Historical Background
The Warner Theatre stands as a crown jewel of Torrington’s cultural landscape with a rich history spanning nearly a century. This magnificent structure has evolved from a glamorous movie palace to a beloved performing arts center while maintaining its historical charm.
Origins and Establishment
The Warner Theatre opened its doors on August 19, 1931, as part of the Warner Bros. chain of movie theaters. When it debuted, the theater welcomed audiences with the film “The Star Witness” starring Walter Houston.
The theater operated as a palatial movie house for five decades, bringing Hollywood magic to Northwest Connecticut. Warner Brothers eventually sold the theater in the 1950s, which marked the beginning of challenging times for this architectural gem.
Architectural Significance
The Warner Theatre was designed by Thomas W. Lamb, a renowned architect who specialized in creating magnificent theaters. When you walk into the main lobby, you’ll immediately notice the stunning Art-Deco style that made it famous.
Upon its opening, the Warner was proudly described as “Connecticut’s Most Beautiful Theatre,” a title it still deserves today. The building’s ornate details, grand lobby, and spectacular auditorium showcase the lavish theatrical design of its era.
Sadly, the theater suffered damage during the devastating flood of 1955. Years of neglect followed, threatening this historic landmark. But thankfully, preservation efforts saved this architectural treasure, leading to extensive restoration work completed in 2008.
Cultural Impact and Community Engagement
The Warner Theatre stands as the cultural heart of Northwest Connecticut, generating significant economic impact and bringing over 200,000 people to downtown Torrington annually. The theater serves diverse cultural needs while preserving its historic landmark status.
Local Productions and Events
The Warner Theatre hosts an impressive variety of local productions and touring shows that make it the focal point of cultural life in Torrington. You’ll find everything from community theater performances to professional Broadway shows gracing its historic stage.
The theater contributes significantly to the region’s economy, with arts and culture in Torrington generating an estimated $34 million impact. The Warner and other Main Street organizations account for approximately $12 million of this total.
Recently, the theater received exciting news about a likely approval of $1.5 million in state funding from the Community Investment Fund 2030 Board. This financial support demonstrates the theater’s importance to the community and region.
Educational Programs
The Warner Theatre offers performance-oriented education programs designed to nurture local talent and inspire the next generation of artists. These programs serve the community’s diverse cultural needs while maintaining high artistic standards.
The theater works collaboratively with other cultural institutions in Torrington’s Cultural District, including Five Points Center for the Visual Arts, KidsPlay Children’s Museum, and the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory. This cooperation strengthens community engagement and the future of arts in Torrington.
The Warner regularly hosts networking events and gatherings that bring together artists, supporters, and community members. These events build connections and promote the ongoing development of Torrington’s vibrant cultural scene.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
