Built in the early years of the 20th century, the Ritz Theater has served Blytheville and the surrounding area in a variety of ways. Originally a venue for live entertainment, the theater hosted traveling dance troupes, vaudeville acts, and magic shows until movies began to replace live entertainment in the 1930s. A cornerstone of downtown Blytheville, the theater operated for decades before closing its doors in the late 1970s.
In 1982, The city of Blytheville and a core group of volunteers began renovations on the theater, and returned it to its original role as a home for live performance. Over the past 12 years, the Ritz has hosted an enormous variety of performers, with events ranging from revivals to rock concerts.
Variety is key to the Ritz's programming. The 1995-96 concert series includes performances by the Kingston Trio (September 26), The Chinese Magic Revue (October 7), and the Memphis Concert Ballet with local dancers (December 17). In addition to the concert series, the Ritz serves as home to the Rural Residency Chamber Music Program in Mississippi County, which brings internationally recognized ensembles to the area for a full season of live performance and workshops with local students.
The 1995/1996 Rural Residency season will feature the Unified Jazz Ensemble, and the Razbia Ensemble. Returning for their third year in the program the Unified Jazz Ensemble is a remarkably versatile combo, covering the full spectrum of jazz from Basin Street marches to mainstream to Kenny G tinged pop jazz.
The Razbia ensemble is a classically oriented ensemble consisting of clarinet, piano, cello, and oboe. The ensemble is committed to expanding the chamber music repertoire through their unique instrumentation and influences, and performs in a variety of duos and trios as well as in full quartet.
Razbia and the Unified Jazz Ensemble perform monthly free concerts at the Ritz.
In addition to the performing arts, the Ritz also serves as a gallery for local artists. Each month, a local painter, photographer, or sculptor displays works in the theater lobby.
For more information on the Ritz and The Arts Council of Mississippi County call (501)762-1744.