'So lucky to have it': Iconic Ritz Theatre in Brunswick marks 125th anniversary

Caption

The Ritz Theatre sign is seen at night in this undated photo.

Credit: Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association

Supporters of a historic theater in Southeast Georgia are celebrating its 125th anniversary.

The iconic Ritz Theatre in historic Brunswick opened as the Grand Opera House in 1899.

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The Grand Opera House in Brunswick, Ga., seen here under construction, opened in 1899.

Credit: Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association

It entertained area residents through the golden eras of vaudeville and 20th century film before a brief shutdown and threat of demolition.

Acquired by the city in 1981, it's undergone several renovations — including, notably, a full repair of its collapsed roof during the 1980s.

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The Ritz Theatre's roof collapsed in the early 1980s, exposing the interior to the elements. It was repaired in 1983.

Credit: Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association

Heather Heath leads the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association, which manages the Ritz with concerts, films, art exhibits and live theater.

"It's a fabulous place to see shows and, actually, a fabulous place to perform shows because I've done that on occasion here, too," Heath said. "And it's just a great, great space.  We're so, so lucky to have it."

Heath said the theater's history includes brushes with celebrity and, of course, a ghost story.