WARNER
THEATRE
Torrington, Connecticut
WARNER THEATRE
Opened in 1931, the Warner Theatre was built by Warner Bros. and designed by renowned theater architect Thomas W. Lamb. The Art Deco landmark survived the devastating 1955 flood, was saved from demolition and reopened as a performing arts center in 1983.
THE CASE
A major restoration was completed in 2002. The Warner has long been the subject of reported paranormal activity. Stories include sightings of a figure known as “Murph,” unexplained voices and footsteps and apparitions reportedly seen in the balcony and theater seating areas, including a shadowy or indistinct figure and a man described as wearing threadbare clothing who reportedly disappeared when noticed.
A real, documented event has also become part of the theater’s lore. In 1999, a stage ghost light nicknamed “Larry the Light” accidentally ignited the curtain, causing approximately $300,000 in damage. The ghost light itself was not paranormal—the fire was accidental—but the incident makes for an intriguing footnote in the theater’s history.
RISEUP Paranormal investigated the theater in 2011, documenting reported experiences and conducting its own investigation. Through the continued efforts of RISEUP CT to arrange the trip, we went on to conduct two public investigations to benefit the theater.
PUBLIC INVESTIGATIONS
We welcomed two very large groups into the theater, eager to experience paranormal phenomena and see how we go about our work. As is typically the case with larger groups, documentation was difficult because there was little opportunity to work in a controlled environment. The accompanying footage presents clips of the groups as they wandered and investigated the premises under as much guidance as we could maintain.
The “opening act” on October 19 was Jason Hawes and Steve Gonsalves of Ghost Hunters, who conducted a multimedia presentation for the audience. Some attendees remained for the investigation. Members of the TAPS Home Team also joined us in conducting both events.
