Wollaston Theatre
Wollaston Theatre was a historic movie theater in Quincy, Massachusetts, that operated from 1926 until its closure in 2003.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Wollaston Theatre was a historic cinema at 14 Beale Street in Quincy, Massachusetts. Constructed in 1926, it served the Wollaston area as a local movie theater and later became known informally as “the Wolly.” The venue was recognized for its architectural and local historical significance when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. In its later operating years, the theater was run by Arthur and Yvonne Chandler as a second-run discount movie house. This business model positioned the venue as a lower-cost alternative to first-run cinemas, showing films after their initial theatrical release. The theater also had a place in music history: the final performance by the Plasmatics and Wendy O. Williams during their last tour took place there in 1988. Wollaston Theatre closed in 2003. After Arthur Chandler’s death, several proposals were made to purchase and renovate the property, but none restored the theater to operation. The property was ultimately sold to Miao Kun “Michael” Fang, owner of the C-Mart supermarket chain. Demolition began in June 2016 and was completed over the following months. The former theater site is now used as a parking lot, making the Wollaston Theatre a defunct local entertainment venue rather than an operating cinema brand.
History
Wollaston Theatre was established in 1926 at 14 Beale Street in Quincy, Massachusetts. It was built as a local theater serving the Wollaston neighborhood and operated for decades as a movie exhibition venue. The theater’s long presence in the community gave it local landmark status, and in 1989 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During its later operating period, the venue was managed by Arthur and Yvonne Chandler. Under their operation, Wollaston Theatre became a second-run discount cinema, showing films after their initial release at lower admission prices than many first-run theaters. The business model reflected the theater’s role as a neighborhood venue rather than a large multiplex, and local audiences commonly referred to it as “the Wolly.” The theater also hosted live entertainment. Its most notable documented musical event occurred in 1988, when the Plasmatics and Wendy O. Williams performed there during what was described as their final tour. This appearance connected the otherwise local movie house with the punk and shock-rock performance scene. Wollaston Theatre closed in 2003. After the death of Arthur Chandler, various efforts were proposed to acquire and renovate the building. These plans did not result in a reopening or restoration. The property was eventually sold to Miao Kun “Michael” Fang, identified as the owner of the C-Mart supermarket chain. The sale led to further changes in the site’s future, and demolition began in June 2016. The building was removed over the next several months. The former theater site is now a parking lot. As a result, Wollaston Theatre is both a defunct cinema and a demolished historic entertainment property. Its documented legacy rests on its long service as a Quincy movie theater, its period as an affordable second-run venue, its National Register designation, and its role as the setting for the Plasmatics and Wendy O. Williams’ final-tour performance.
- 2016
Building demolished
[1]Demolition begins in June and is completed over the following months.
- 2003
Cinema closes
[1]The theater ends operations after its later life as a second-run discount movie house.
- 1989
National Register recognition
[1]Wollaston Theatre is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1988
Final-tour performance by the Plasmatics and Wendy O. Williams
[1]The venue hosts the final performance of the Plasmatics and Wendy O. Williams during their last tour.
- 1926
The theater is built
[1]Wollaston Theatre opens at 14 Beale Street in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Products and positioning
A neighborhood movie theater that became known in its later years as an affordable second-run cinema and community entertainment venue.
Cinema exhibition
Second-run film screenings
In its later years, Wollaston Theatre operated primarily as a second-run discount movie house. It screened films after their initial theatrical release and competed through affordability and neighborhood convenience rather than the scale or premium amenities of a modern multiplex.
Live entertainment
Live performance venue
Although principally a movie theater, the building also accommodated live entertainment. Its best-documented performance event was the 1988 final-tour appearance by the Plasmatics and Wendy O. Williams.
Brand decisions
2016
Demolition of the theater buildingOtherBackground
After the closure and unsuccessful renovation proposals, the property changed ownership and the former theater building was slated for removal.
Action taken
Demolition began in June 2016 and was completed over the next several months.
Aftermath
The site became a parking lot, ending the physical existence of the theater.
2003
Closure of the theaterStrategyBackground
After operating as a local second-run discount cinema, Wollaston Theatre ceased operations in 2003.
Action taken
The theater was closed and no subsequent reopening was completed.
Aftermath
The property remained subject to proposed purchase and renovation plans before eventually being sold and demolished.
Recent events
- 2016
Demolition of Wollaston Theatre begins[1]
Other
Demolition started in June 2016 and was completed over the following months, ending the physical presence of the former theater.
- 2003
Wollaston Theatre closes[1]
Other
The cinema ceased operations after serving as a second-run discount movie house in its later years.
- 1989
Wollaston Theatre added to the National Register of Historic Places[1]
Other
The historic Quincy theater received recognition through inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1988
Plasmatics and Wendy O. Williams perform at Wollaston Theatre[1]
Other
Wollaston Theatre hosted the final performance of the Plasmatics and Wendy O. Williams during their final tour.
Wollaston Theatre property sold after redevelopment efforts[1]
M&A
Following Arthur Chandler’s death and multiple unsuccessful plans to purchase and renovate the closed theater, the property was sold to Miao Kun “Michael” Fang, owner of the C-Mart supermarket chain.
Sources1 sources
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