The Ritz: A Historic Theater for Today
Safe Harbors of the Hudson is breathing new life into the space where Lucille Ball made her debut performance, a young Frank Sinatra performed with the Tommy Dorsey Band, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Prima sang timeless tunes and generations of memories were made!
A re-imagined Ritz Theater will feature a multi-faceted and flexible performing and visual arts space, and a venue for community celebrations and connection.
Progress to date: With support from our community and government and private grants and funding, Safe Harbors has made great strides toward the full integration of the Ritz Theater into the community.
- In 2006 Safe Harbors restored the original lobby of the theater to create the Lobby at the Ritz. This intimate performing arts space is host to a New York State Council of the Arts sponsored Music Series which brings world renown and local talent to the downtown Newburgh stage each year.
- In 2010, Safe Harbors built a state-of-the art box office which has enhanced the façade of our building and enlivened the block.
- A new marquee, which illuminates lower Broadway and shines a light on our bourgeoning arts and cultural district, was installed in the fall of 2014.

When the goal is neighborhood revitalization, economic growth and civic engagement, art works. —Rocco Landesman, former Chair, National Endowment for the Arts