Pittsburgh's Rex Theater returns under new name, ownership
Jul. 6—Music will once again fill the The Rex Theater on Pittsburgh's South Side — only under a different name.
The East Carson Street venue that closed during the pandemic will reopen in September as Enclave.
"Everyone knows The Rex had been a staple and it brought a lot of diverse music to the South Side," said Enclave owner Chris Firman, a Fox Chapel native who lives on Mt. Washington. "It was the spot for arts and local entertainment which bring people together. We want to continue that and build on what The Rex started."
The Rex originally opened in 1905 as a vaudeville theater, according to the venue's website.
The opening act for Enclave will be Myles Kennedy at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25. Tickets go on sale at noon on Friday.
Firman comes from a family of music venue ownership, having run the former Club Zoo in the Strip District and managing the former Trib Total Media Amphitheatre in Station Square.
He also was a disc jockey.
"Music has always been a passion of mine," said Firman. "I've met so many great people through music and Pittsburgh is such a great music town. In this business, relationships are everything. I am committed to this community of the South Side."
He said they are still in the planning stages as to changes with décor. It will be mostly standing room only with some seating, he said.
More music will be announced in the next month. This will be his first sole ownership.
"We are excited and thrilled," Firman said. "We also want to fresh up the place. But we also want to pay homage to The Rex."
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne at 724-853-5062, jharrop@triblive.com or via Twitter .
