The historic Embassy Theatre opened its doors to the public on November 18, 1931. It was the height of the Great Depression. Although many had less than good fortune, people needed those fantasy realms the movies could provide, giving the Jacob Kauffman family an incentive to build the Embassy Theatre on Cumberland’s Baltimore Street.
Once inside, the Embassy in all its glory could be witnessed in the ceiling’s stenciled jungle motifs and wall borders. The lights went down as music was played on the Wurlitzer pipe organ, then cartoons, previews, a newsreel, a serial and the main feature were shown. A jackpot prize of a new set of dishes was offered the third Saturday of every month, and every so often special live guests like Rin Tin Tin or cowboy star Ken Maynard and his horse were featured on the Embassy fore-stage.
In the early Fifties, the cinema’s popularity dwindled due to the advent of television. In 1959, the Embassy closed its doors, and the premises were altered to create an annex for the adjacent Cumberland Cloak and Suit Store. A.C. Warhaft bought the Embassy in 1981 to house his custom drapery shop, which remained until his death in 1992. A nonprofit corporation was formed in December 1997 to revivify the theatre as a multi-purpose arts facility. The retail ceiling was removed to expose the gloriously colorful stenciled proscenium and ceiling to the orchestra floor. A stage was built, the original exterior doors were rehung, and a box office was rebuilt to match the original.
In addition to work to bring back the building to its original form, a handicapped accessible bathroom was added to the first floor, and a fire sprinkler system installed. Wonderful faux finishes painted by local artist John Alderton adorn the lobby of the second floor. Funded entirely by public donations, an electric retractable movie screen was permanently installed. In the past twenty years, the Embassy has presented many scores of plays, comedies, original theatrical work, music, dance and film. Meanwhile, we continue to raise funds for future renovations, while continuing to provide our venue for the performing arts.
Manhattan Golf and Gallery established in 1999 as a custom framing shop, golf instruction and club repair. In 2011, we added American artisan gifts.
For nearly 20 years, owner Bill Humbertson has been helping customers achieve remarkable results when framing and protecting art, photos, memorabilia, mirrors and more. Creative designs, flawless execution, archival materials and technique, hundreds of molding choices, first class customer service, and a full spectrum of price options are among the attributes that make Manhattan Golf & Gallery the go-to place when it comes to custom framing.
We approach each project with care and attention, as if the art were our own. This method has helped us build a reputation for great work, unparalleled customer service, and exceptional design.
The Cumberland Theatre proudly celebrated its 30th year of entertainment in 2018. The theatre is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization entirely owned by its volunteer Board of Diretors and operated by its two Artistic Directors. These members of the community spend invaluable time and resources to the funding and operating of the theatre. Other volunteers support the theatre by serving on various committees and by working as front of house staff.
2018 marked the 30th Anniversary for the Cumberland Theatre and the theatre sold a record number of 9,200 tickets. The theatre was also nominated for 33 Broadway World Regional Awards in a variety of categories including acting, set design, costume design, choreography, directing and lighting design.
Since 1975, the Allegany Arts Council has been the official “umbrella” organization for the arts in Allegany County, Maryland. The Arts Council is headquartered in the heart of Downtown Cumberland at 9 N. Centre Street, and is one of several anchors in the City’s vibrant Arts & Entertainment District. At this same location, the Allegany Arts Council also maintains professional exhibition spaces, the Saville Gallery and the Schwab Mountain Maryland Gallery, that feature the artwork of local, regional and national artists. Visitors are always welcome! Please follow this link for Directions, our Accessibility Statement or Gallery and Office Hours.The Schwab Mountain Maryland Gallery also serves as a community space. It has a raised stage and a professional sound & lighting system and is available for small performances, workshops, and meetings. Click here to learn more about using this space.Programming sponsored by the Allegany Arts Council is made possible, in part, by a Community Arts Development Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council and the annual financial support of Allegany County, the City of Cumberland and the City of Frostburg. Membership dues and community philanthropy, both from individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses, are also vital to maintaining our operations.The Allegany Arts Council also has grant programs to support the local arts community. Follow this link for more information.Membership in the Allegany Arts Council is open to everyone. you don’t have to be an artist to join! You don’t even have to live in Allegany County! So, if you’re not already a member, please follow this link to our Membership page to learn more about joining our organization.For questions or additional information about the Allegany Arts Council, please email us at art@alleganyarts.org, or call us at 301-777-2787.
