Making the Misco
The Rivoli Theatre is excited to honor the legacy of the man that brought movies back to the Rivoli.
The State of the Screening Room
The Rivoli will always have a shabby chic charm but lately the Screening Room has leaned more shabby than chic and it's time for an upgrade! Having just finished our HVAC renovation we are excited to have modern day heating and cooling in the theater and can’t wait to show off our new projector on a new screen with new seats. Read on for more details of our renovation plan.
The Man, The Myth, The Misco
Most La Crosse residents know The Rivoli Theatre being a staple of our downtown for over one hundred years. They’ve seen many movies, of course, but also created countless memories with friends and family. But did you know that this historic gem was almost lost to us, closing back in 1986?
It sat empty for several years, leaving a sizable hole in the cultural fabric of our community, waiting for someone to take up the challenge of revitalizing both the building itself and the joy of the theatrical experience. Enter Thomas Misco, a civil engineer and Wisconsin native, who became enchanted by the historic building and theater.
Tom bought the building and it became a passion project of his for 27 years. The doors re-opened in 1994, but that was just the beginning of his Rivoli journey as he worked to renovate and improve the theater, as well as help it build a unique theatrical identity.
The Plan
Starting in mid January we will be gutting the screening room. We’ll then move on to adding in new carpet, new seats, custom made tables, soundproofed doors, a new screen and much more! The new room will seat 45 guests and provide more room for private parties and be much more sound proof. The Misco Screening room will be the theater to enjoy movies in a quieter setting where customers can focus on the film in a comfortable atmosphere.
New Seats
Better Lighting
Enhanced Soundproofing
(including soundproof doors)
New Screen
Expanded ADA Seating and Accomodations
Improved Hearing Assistance Technology
How You Can Help
We are so grateful for all of the support our community has given us as we upgrade the Rivoli. If you’d like to support these latest renovations we have several ways of supporting. You can sponsor a seat or a table or make a donation of any amount….or just head over to the Rivoli and see lots of movies and buy lots of concessions! Every bit helps.
*** Please note: We are not a 501(c)3 and donations are not tax deductible****
Two Great Ways to Support The Misco
Choose between giving an impactful donation or consider leaving your mark by sponsoring a seat!
The Legend of Tom Misco (continued)
And so Tom took his time as he worked tirelessly to make The Rivoli Theatre and Pizzeria into something that the city of La Crosse could be proud of, respecting the history of the building while fixing and improving on its foundation. While Tom had a great many ideas for the building itself, it was the reputation of The Rivoli where he left his greatest mark.
The Rivoli Theatre was once again a haven for cinephiles and families alike! Tom took the opportunity to show not only your standard fare of movies, but those that might not otherwise come to a city our size. And operating as a mid-run theater afforded him the option to make The Rivoli an budget-friendly one-stop destination for the entire family with reasonably priced concessions, a full menu, an unrivaled selection of beer, and ticket prices that are a fraction of first-run theaters!
For almost thirty years, The Rivoli thrived under Tom’s direction. The theater saw blockbusters and indie hits, Packer games and stage plays, the occasional wedding, countless pizzas eaten and beers poured. And many a student have earned their way, be it a high school student’s first job or a post-grad working part time.