10/10/2026
Celebrate 90 Years of the Ritz Theatre!
October 16, 2026 7:00–9:00 PM
On October 16, 1936, the Ritz Theatre opened its doors in downtown Newberry. Ninety years later, we invite you to help us celebrate the history, memories, and magic that have filled this building for nine decades.
When the Ritz opened, it was a state-of-the-art movie house owned by the Albrecht Family. It was one of the only public buildings in Newberry County to feature air conditioning — a true marvel for its time!
For the past 51 years, the Newberry Community Players have helped care for and preserve this special building and keep the performing arts alive in our community.
The Newberry Community Players were founded in 1970 by a group of theater lovers led by Steve McCutcheon. The group's first production, Winnie the Pooh, was performed at Drayton Street School. Since then, generations of actors, directors, volunteers, audiences, and theater lovers have helped make the Ritz a home for the arts.
Join Us for the Celebration
Come raise a glass and celebrate 90 years of the Ritz!
The evening will feature:
• Light hors d'oeuvres, including sweet treats and savory selections
• Ch*****ne and drinks
• Historical displays throughout the theater
• Memories and stories from the Ritz's past
• An opportunity to celebrate the people who have helped make the Ritz what it is today
We are proud to be working with the Newberry County Museum to create special displays throughout the theater celebrating the history of the Ritz and its place in our community.
Do You Have a Ritz Story?
We want to hear from you!
If you have photographs, stories, programs, memorabilia, or memories connected to the Ritz Theatre, we would love to include them in our celebration.
Please contact us at [email protected] or 803-597-1636.
Whether you have been coming to the Ritz for decades or are discovering its history for the first time, we hope you will join us as we celebrate 90 years of movies, performances, laughter, memories, and community.
Here's to 90 Years of the Ritz!
October 16, 2026
7:00–9:00 PM
This is a FREE event.
We can't wait to see you there in your cocktail wear!
