SUFFERN, NY— This past weekend, the Lafayette Theatre in Suffern celebrated 102 years of bringing films, music and shared community experiences to audiences.
The theater, which first opened its doors in 1924, commemorated the anniversary with a weekend of classic films, live music and nostalgic tributes to the golden age of cinema.
A centerpiece of the celebration was a series of performances on the theater’s historic Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ, played by organists from the New York Theatre Organ Society. The instrument’s rich sound once accompanied silent films and remains a signature feature of the venue.
The weekend also included screenings of two iconic movies: the 1952 musical Singin’ in the Rain and the classic 1939 fantasy film The Wizard of Oz. Both films drew audiences eager to experience the movies in the ornate, vintage setting that has defined the theater for generations.
From its illuminated marquee along Lafayette Avenue to the auditorium filled with music and film, the event highlighted the theater’s long-standing role as a cultural gathering place in the village.
Organizers said the celebration also honored the dedication of the theater’s ownership, staff and volunteers, as well as the musicians who help preserve the tradition of live organ performances.
More than a century after it first opened, the Lafayette Theatre continues to serve as both a working movie house and a historic landmark, drawing film lovers from across the region and preserving a piece of cinematic history in downtown Suffern.