Ritz Theatre
70 N. Howard Street,
Akron,
OH
44308
70 N. Howard Street,
Akron,
OH
44308
1 person
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Bijou Amusement Company
Architects: M.M. Konarski
Functions: Bar, Live Performances, Nightclub
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Nearby Theaters
The building was built in 1942, and operated as the Ritz Theatre from April 16, 1949 to 1955 as an African-American theatre. Local Akron architect M.M. Konarski is credited for work on the building in 1949.
Just barely missing a major spate of urban renewal, the building still anchors what is now the beginning of N. Howard Street. Since 1988 it has functioned as the Interbelt night club, one of the most well known (and rumored to be, at least at one point, the largest) gay/lesbian clubs in northeast Ohio. Interestingly enough, it appears to still sport the marquee. The Interbelt Niteclub had closed by 2019 but was back up and running by 2022.
Contributed by
Rolling Acres
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
No one has mentioned that the Ritz was unique in that it served the African-American community in Akron.It was refered to in the 1950s derogitory term as a “colored theater”.I do not know if it specialized in the Black produced films available at the time but I would speculate that it did.Anyone with memories?
Here’s a picture of the Ritz from summer 2006: View link
Launched April 16, 1949 with Louis Jordan with “Beware!“ and Rocky Lane in "Oklahoma Badlands.”
Still open as a gay night club and drag bar.