Benedum Center

The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Stanley Theatre) is a theater and concert hall located at 237 7th Street in the Cultural District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Designed by the Philadelphia architectural firm Hoffman-Henon, it was built in 1928 as the Stanley Theatre. The former movie palace was renovated and reopened as the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in 1987. The 2,800-seat venue is the home of the Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, all of which were previously based at Heinz Hall. It is a centerpiece of the Pittsburgh Cultural District and is one of the most utilized theaters in the nation today.

The Stanley Theatre, built at a cost of $3 million, opened as a deluxe movie palace February 27, 1928, with seating for 3,800 people (it now seats 2,885). It was designed by the architectural firm HoffmanHenon who were best known for their design of 35 theaters in the Philadelphia area. The Stanley Theatre was the largest movie theater in Western Pennsylvania. Initially operated by the Stanley Corporation of America (SCA) it became part of the newly founded Warner Bros. Theatres after the SCA was bought by Warner Bros. Pictures later in 1928. It was Pittsburgh's main first run house for all Warner Bros. film releases. Frank Sinatra played here December 10, 1943. Following an antitrust lawsuit against Warner Bros., the theatre was sold to the newly formed Stanley Warner Corporation in 1953 when Warner was forced to sell all of its theaters. In 1974 War and King Crimson played at the Stanley. On April 29, 1974, the King Biscuit Flower Hour recorded a show at the Stanley by Robin Trower for a later broadcast. In 1976, the Stanley was purchased and renovated by the Cinemette Corporation to be operated as a movie theater. In 1977, DiCesare Engler Productions bought the theater. September 23, 1978, Frank Zappa played two sets at the Stanley Theatre. Live rock and roll concerts presented through 1984. The Grateful Dead performed five nights at the venue February 7, 1969 (two shows), November 30 & December 1, 1979, and March 5 & 6, 1981; the Jerry Garcia Band played there on March 19, 1978. Regga

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