Information
Landmark: F.M. Kirby CenterCity: Wilkes Barre
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America
F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes Barre, USA Pennsylvania, North America
Overview
In the heart of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts stands as a beloved landmark, famed for its storied past, striking architecture, and lively calendar of regional performances that can light up a winter night.The Kirby Center first opened its doors in 1938 as the Comerford Theatre, a gleaming Art Deco landmark with bold lines and polished chrome, a style all the rage at the time.The theater bustled with life, hosting blockbuster films and live shows that filled the air with applause.Later on, people came to know it as the Paramount Theatre, its name glowing in bright letters above the entrance.As tastes shifted and the industry changed, the venue began to fade-peeling paint and empty seats told the story-until restoration brought it back to life.In 1986, following an extensive renovation, the doors swung open again as the F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts-named for Fred Morgan Kirby II, a generous benefactor whose support left a lasting mark.The restoration kept much of its original Art Deco character-intricate murals, ornate plaster trim, and the gleaming marquee-so the place still radiates its old charm and quiet elegance.You’ll find the Kirby Center at 71 Public Square, right in the bustling heart of downtown Wilkes-Barre, where the street hums with midday traffic.Right in the heart of the city, it’s easy to reach and often buzzes with community gatherings and curious tourists.The theater seats about 1,832 people, enough room for a lively crowd yet close enough that you can catch every flicker of expression on stage.The venue boasts a spacious stage that’s ready for anything-rock concerts, gripping plays, sharp-witted stand‑up, even the shimmer of a ballet finale.Inside, you’ll find a roomy lobby, a box office, and thoughtful touches meant to make your visit better-soft, inviting seats and clear views of the stage from almost anywhere.All year long, the Kirby Center fills its stage with an eclectic mix of events-rock riffs that shake the floor, soaring classical symphonies, smooth jazz, catchy pop tunes, and plenty more.Comedy shows featuring quick-witted stand-up and lively performances that keep the crowd laughing.Theatrical productions include plays that spark laughter, musicals rich with soaring notes, and dance pieces where heels tap sharply against the stage.Educational programs include community outreach and arts education, from neighborhood workshops to hands-on painting classes.Special events include film screenings that flicker in a darkened room, lively lectures, and festive seasonal gatherings.The program’s designed to reach a wide crowd, drawing in neighborhood regulars and travelers from miles away.More than just a place for shows, the Kirby Center helps keep Northeastern Pennsylvania’s arts and culture thriving, from hosting local theater to filling its lobby with the sound of community choirs.It works with local schools, arts groups, and neighborhood organizations to spark cultural involvement and learning, from student art shows to community workshops.The venue helps fuel downtown’s economy, drawing people who linger for dinner at local cafés, browse storefronts, or catch a show-small moments that breathe life back into Wilkes-Barre’s urban core.The F. M. Kirby Center, with its grand marquee glowing at night, appears on the National Register of Historic Places, a nod to both its striking architecture and its role in the area’s history.For tickets or questions, stop by the box office at 71 Public Square, Wilkes‑Barre, PA 18701, call 570‑826‑1100, or reach the administrative office at 570‑823‑4599; you can also grab seats online through the center’s official site.This rich overview brings to life the F. M. Kirby Center’s history, architecture, culture, and day‑to‑day workings, showing why it still draws crowds in Wilkes‑Barre-whether for its ornate ceiling or the warmth of a hometown performance.
