Overview

Early days of the theatre

The theatre opened as the Rivoli Theatre. Many sources cite its opening in 1917 however no precise date is given.

On 15th September 1918, The Tampa Tribune reported that Over the Top (1918)  would be the theatre’s “first big attraction”, booked by manager Mr Labelle “for his handsome new theatre”. The theatre was also said to be modeled after the Rivoli Theatre in New York, which itself did not open until the end of December 1917. From these two verified facts it may be that the theatre actually opened in the late summer of 1918. Let us know if you have any additional information.

By 1930 the theatre was being operated by the Rivoli Theatre Company, leased from the builder of the theatre – the late Mrs Fanny Haya. The theatre was unable to hold its audience, allegedly due to a monopoly across the Tampa area by other theatre operators. The theatre closed under the management of the Rivoli Theatre Company on 1st March 1931.

Exterior in 1958

The theatre reopened as the Ritz Theater in early February 1932, remodeled at a cost of $30,000 by Casino Enterprise, Inc. with the auditorium decorated in the Atmospheric style with a Spanish courtyard theme.

In October 1932, former operator Rivoli Theatre Company filed suit in federal court for $500,000 against the new management of the theatre, claiming they were forced out of business by a monopoly on the part of other theatre interests in Tampa through a tie-up with six large producers and distributors of films. The outcome of the court case is unknown.

At the end of 1965 the theatre transitioned to nude shows and X-rated films. It closed at the end of August 1983.

Auditorium in 2020

In September 1983, the building was purchased and remodeled by developer William E. Field. Despite spending over $400,000 on the venue, Field was never able to attract acts that would sell out, and while he was praised for taking the “X” out of Ybor, he replaced it with equally unwelcome punk rock.

Following a bank foreclosure in early July 1987, the theatre closed and was subsequently leased to be reopened as nightclub Masquerade, and after the theatre’s seats were removed the venue hosted dance nights and concerts until March 2006.

The building subsequently underwent a $2 million renovation and reopened as the Ritz Theatre on 6th June 2008 with a gig headlined by local band Bogus Pomp. Since then the Ritz Ybor has been a popular special events and live music venue.