Assembly Resolution No. 162

BY: M. of A. Rivera

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Shea's
Performing Arts Center, a historic and cherished
institution in the City of Buffalo, New York, and a
cornerstone of the region's cultural and artistic
heritage, in 2026

WHEREAS, Shea's Buffalo Theatre was founded by Michael Shea, whose
visionary dream was to create a space where entertainment and theater
could be accessible to and enjoyed by the entirety of the City of
Buffalo and its surrounding region, embodying a commitment to
inclusivity and artistic excellence; and

WHEREAS, Shea's Buffalo Theatre, known at its opening in 1926 as
"The Wonder Theatre," was a marvel of its time, celebrated for its
architectural grandeur and state-of-the-art technology which captivated
audiences and solidified the Theatre's status as a premier venue for
cultural enrichment; and

WHEREAS, In its early years, Shea's Buffalo Theatre became a beloved
destination for silent films and vaudeville acts, drawing large
audiences from across Western New York State, and successfully
transitioned to the advent of "talkies" in the 1930s, continuing its
legacy as a popular movie house; and

WHEREAS, Despite the challenges posed by the rise of television and
other entertainment media in the mid-20th century, Shea's Buffalo
Theatre remained a symbol of the City's resilience and cultural
vibrancy; and

WHEREAS, In 1975, Shea's Buffalo Theatre narrowly escaped demolition
thanks to the passionate advocacy of The Friends of Buffalo Theatre, a
nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring this iconic
landmark, which led to the Theatre's inclusion on the National Register
of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, Through the tireless efforts of The Friends of Buffalo
Theatre and a dedicated community of volunteers, Shea's Buffalo Theatre
underwent extensive renovations and reopened on February 25,1976, as
Shea's Performing Arts Center, evolving into a dynamic venue for
Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and other live
entertainment; and

WHEREAS, Over the past two decades, more than $30 million in
restoration work has been completed at Shea's Performing Arts Center,
preserving its historic charm and enhancing its capacity to host
world-class productions, a testament to the dedication of volunteers and
supporters who have contributed to its success; and

WHEREAS, Today, Shea's Performing Arts Center stands as a vibrant
cultural hub in Western New York State, attracting acclaimed Broadway
productions, touring acts, and a diverse array of performances while
fostering the growth of Buffalo's arts and culture scene; and

WHEREAS, Shea's Performing Arts Center has become an integral facet
of Buffalo's tourism economy, serving as an anchor institution for the
City's downtown corridor and contributing to the economic growth of the
region by attracting visitors, stimulating neighboring businesses, and
enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That we, the elected Representatives of this Legislative
Body, do hereby recognize and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Shea's
Performing Arts Center, honor its extraordinary contributions to the
cultural and economic vitality of Buffalo and Western New York State,
and commend all those who have worked tirelessly to preserve and enhance
this treasured institution for generations to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Shea's Performing Arts Center.