The Capitol Theatre

The Capitol Theatre opened on November 25, 1925. It was built by the Locatelli family, who built other area theaters like the Ball Square Theatre and Central Theatre, both in Somerville. The original auditorium had a mural above the proscenium arch that incorporated the town seal of Arlington into its design, and an amazing pipe organ. Originally seating almost 1600 patrons between the expansive orchestra section and balcony, the Capitol had a full stage with dressing rooms to accommodate the occasional vaudeville or novelty act that would be presented with the movies on screen. Bank nights, gift nights, and other prize nights were common during the depression years of the 30’s. Known to Arlington residents as “Your Home Theatre”, the Capitol was the largest and most luxurious of the neighborhood theaters in the area. After the Locatelli’s sold the theater in the late 30’s, it was leased by various local cinema chains such as M&P (a Paramount Theatres affiliate) until Arthur Viano of Viano’s Theatres took over for many years. Along with other Viano’s locations like the nearby Regent Theatre, and the Somerville and Broadway theatres in Somerville, the Capitol became well known for its fresh popcorn and friendly atmosphere. While the theatre was under Viano’s management, the entire Capitol Theatre Building was sold to the Fraiman family. When Arthur Viano tired of running the theatre, the Fraiman family decided to operate the movie house itself, rather than see the old palace