The Mythical and the Movies: The Ritz Theater

On Tues. Sept. 28th paranormal investigator and self-proclaimed psychic Christy Clarke recounted her investigation of the Ritz Theater in Shawnee that took place in 2008. Clarke spoke of her findings at the theater and the supernatural events that took place there.
According to Clarke, a former projectionist of the theater named Leo Montgomery haunts the building. Many have seen Leo wandering the halls of the theater and have heard him speaking, including one of Clarke’s investigators named Sara. During a “sit down” in the auditorium area Sara saw an older man wearing a vest and high-waisted pants complaining about his baldness. The man stopped to glare at Sara and “suddenly disappeared.” The man was identified as Leo Montgomery when Sara was shown a picture by one of the theater’s employees; however, these ghostly appearances have not hindered visitations to the theater
“The Ritz Theater has been a staple in the social scene of Shawnee for many years,” says a visitor of Shawnee named Kate Thompson. The theater has been a part of the town since 1911 when it was originally named the “Cozy Theater” and its name was later changed in 1926 to “The Ritz.” Many people like Thompson visit the Ritz today to engage in its unique supernatural history.
Clarke emerged herself in the paranormal activity of the theater by herself in the projection room during one day of her investigation. “The theater part was actually very peaceful, but I did feel like we were being watched,” Clarke said. She claims that she did also see Leo and hold a conversation with him while in this room. “I feel as if Leo stays there to watch over The Ritz to make sure it is being taken care of. I don’t think that his job there is done yet.”
Clarke believes that Leo will continue to reside in The Ritz as well as the other spirits that might be there still. For more information on The Ritz theater, visit http://www.okpri.com/RitzTheater.htm.