From Vaudeville to Movies: The Capitol Theatre's Legacy in Arlington, MA

The Capitol Theatre opened on November 25, 1925, as a luxurious neighborhood movie palace in Arlington, Massachusetts. Built by the Locatelli family, it featured a grand 1,600-seat auditorium with a proscenium arch, a pipe organ, and a full stage for vaudeville performances. A stunning mural above the proscenium incorporated Arlington’s town seal, adding to the theater’s opulent design. During the 1930s, the Capitol became a community favorite, hosting prize nights and events to attract moviegoers during the Great Depression.

Known locally as “Your Home Theatre,” the Capitol became Arlington’s largest and most elegant movie house. After the Locatelli family sold it in the late 1930s, it was managed by cinema chains like M&P and later by Arthur Viano of Viano’s Theatres, renowned for its fresh popcorn and welcoming atmosphere. In the 1980s, the Fraiman family, who owned the building, restored the theater’s lobby, uncovering hidden granite columns and gold leaf details concealed by 1960s-era faux wood paneling.

To modernize while preserving its charm, the Capitol was multiplexed in 1989, dividing the main auditorium into five smaller screens. Each retained the style of the original theater, with Auditorium 1 featuring the historic proscenium arch and decorative plasterwork. A sixth screen was added in 1990 on the former stage, known for its cozy ambiance and a rumored haunting. Despite these changes, the Capitol maintained its historic character and provided modern amenities like surround sound.

Further renovations in 2010 upgraded seating, added digital and 3D projection, and refreshed the lobbies, ensuring a comfortable moviegoing experience. The Capitol Theatre has continued to showcase a mix of family-friendly films, independent productions, and mainstream movies while offering affordable tickets and concessions. The theater also remains a popular venue for children’s birthday parties, thanks to its welcoming ambiance and unique charm.