‘The Rockettes used to train here!’ Ohmann Theatre celebrates 110 years of entertainment in Lyons

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Dec. 6, 1915, the Ohmann Theatre in Lyons presented its first-ever movie screening. For just 10 cents, folks that Monday were able to walk into the William Street joint and enjoy a showing of Vanity Fair (1915).

Over the last century, things have certainly changed at the theatre. Not just the prices, of course, but its operations too. Bob Ohmann, the current owner, is credited with breathing new life into the building. Monday, New York State Senator Pamela Helming presented a proclamation to him, honoring the theatre’s 110th anniversary.

“This was always a major part – when I was a little boy, in my life and obviously I can see the love that my family had for it over the generations,” he said.

His grandfather, Burt Ohmann, had initially built the theatre in 1915. It was eventually run by Robert and Myron, Burt’s sons, through the late 1980s. It wasn’t until 2005 that Bob, Robert’s eldest son, stepped in, bringing the theatre back to the Ohmann family – sparking a series of renovations and modernization projects. The work included the addition of what was described as the best-in-class projection, lighting, surround sound and new seating. At its core though, the theatre’s rich history and legacy remain.

“I would listen to my father talk about stories about different types of things that happened here through vaudeville and things like that, and people don’t realize that the Rockettes used to train here in the summers,” Bob said. “Lyons is a special place for me, I’ve invested in it. I look at the growth that its had, and I look to the future, and I can see nothing but stars down the line.”

Modern lighting is added to the stage at Ohmann Theatre. (Photo provided, exact date unclear)

Over the years, the Ohmann stage has become a home for local performances, blockbuster movies and community gatherings. Recently, the theatre known for its single screen transformed a small room in the building known as “Fox’s” into a smaller screening room, allowing for two showings at once.

To learn more about the Ohmann Theatre, or buy tickets to see a movie, click here .

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