Shea's Buffalo Theatre turns 100

Jan. 16 marks centennial anniversary of grand opening of Buffalo’s Wonder Theatre 

√ Year kicks-off with celebration on iconic Shea’s stage followed by special events throughout 2026

Shea’s Performing Arts Center Press Release & Images

This week, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre is celebrating the centennial anniversary of its grand opening, marking 100 years since the landmark theater first opened its brass doors to the public on Jan. 16, 1926. Now part of the Shea’s Performing Arts Center three-theater campus, Shea’s is inviting the community to celebrate with us all year long, beginning with a party on the iconic Shea’s stage on the 100th anniversary.

“For generations, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre has been a special place where memories are made and shared,” said Brian Higgins, president and CEO of Shea’s Buffalo. “It’s survival and success are rooted in the deep conviction that this theater matters to our culture, our city, and our people. This centennial celebrates the community, volunteers, artists and supporters whose passion built, saved and sustained this extraordinary place. As we step into our next century, we do so with a bold commitment to ensuring Shea’s continues to inspire and bring people together for generations to come.”

The ceiling dome. (Photo by Tom Burns/courtesy of Shea’s)

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Shea’s Buffalo Theatre history

Shea’s Buffalo Theatre opened in 1926 under the moniker of “The Wonder Theatre,” and was the dream of founder and showman Michael Shea. The theater was constructed in a year and a day at a cost of around $1.8 million. Originally serving as a movie house under Paramount Pictures and advertised as having “an acre of seats,” Shea’s Buffalo would later stage vaudeville shows and play host to some of the biggest names in entertainment.

In the 1970s, after the City of Buffalo foreclosed on the property (1974) for back taxes, a group of concerned citizens formed The Friends of Buffalo Theatre to save the downtown anchor from demolition. This not-for-profit organization ran the theater for several years and was responsible for getting Shea’s listed on the National Register for Historic Places (1975). Subsequently, the City of Buffalo assumed ownership of the theater, with support from City Comptroller George O’ Connell.

In 1980, Shea’s O’Connell Preservation Guild formed as the nonprofit theater manager, a status which continues to this day.

In recent decades, millions of dollars in restoration and improvements have been completed at Shea’s Buffalo, much of it by volunteers. From the ceilings (2015) to the carpets (2009), and return of the historic blade sign (2004) and stagehouse expansion (1999).

This work has allowed Buffalo to keep the only surviving Louis Tiffany-designed theater, with an original Wurlitzer organ, in magnificent condition for our patrons and the community.

Petite lobby chandeliers (Photo by Tom Burns/courtesy of Shea’s)

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Shea’s Buffalo centennial

Shea’s centennial anniversary celebration will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, in Shea’s Grand Lobby and the Shea’s stage. There will be live entertainment by D.J. Milk, Curtis Cook on the Wurlitzer, IOT Band, and several local theater partners. Tickets are $50, to benefit the nonprofit Shea’s, and include a champagne toast, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and photo opportunities from the stage. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit https://www.sheas.org/performances/sheas-centennial-celebration.

Shea’s house (Image courtesy of Shea’s)

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Below are highlights of additional events and community collaborations planned for Shea’s centennial year:

•January:

√ 42 North Wonder Beer release 

√ Shea’s/AKG Exhibit at Buffalo Niagara International Airport

•February:

√ Feb. 28: Buffalo Fashion Runway presents “Black Carpet III”

•March:

√ Broadway season announcement 

√ Construction begins on Shea’s Buffalo expansion project

•April:

√ Strategic plan release 

√ Tipico new centennial blend coffee

•May:

√ May 16: Wonder Awards: Shea’s high school musical awards

•June: 

√ June 25: Buffalo Run Club at Shea’s

•July:

√ July 8: Mighty Wurlitzer concert Featuring Richard Hills 

√ July 13: “Slow Roll Buffalo” at Shea’s

•August: 

√ Aug. 21: “Theatre Day” at the Buffalo Bisons game

•September:

√ Broadway season begins

•October:

√ Oct. 3: Shea’s gala

•November:

√ Shea’s anniversary ornament release

•December:

√ Centennial year finale celebration

Throughout the year, Shea’s will also continue to feature outstanding performances, historic tours, educational opportunities, and free films.

Organ keyboard. (Photo by Tom Burns/courtesy of Shea’s)

Side ornamentation of a theater seat. (Photo by Tom Burns/courtesy of Shea’s)

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Explore Shea’s past

Learn more about Shea’s storied history and witness documents and photographs from over the years by visiting Shea’s virtual vault at: www.sheas.org/vault.

Shea's blade sign. (Photo by Tom Burns/courtesy of Shea’s)

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Play a role in Shea’s future

A transformative capital campaign is underway to expand Shea’s Buffalo Theatre and prepare this beloved landmark for its next century. The community is invited to be part of Shea’s enduring legacy by purchasing a centennial seat plaque or exploring other opportunities to elevate Shea’s.