CAA Theatre, originally the Victoria, is located at 651-653 Yonge St (south of Charles St on the east side) in Toronto.
Built in 1912 as a private residence, the 2½ storey Second Empire-style structure was transformed into a theatre in 1914. Opening as the Victoria, the theatre has had a few name changes, including the Embassy, Astor, New Yorker, Showcase, Festival and Panasonic before becoming the CAA Theatre in 2018.
Behind the sign are some of the building’s original features. The structure received heritage status from the City of Toronto in 2016 and is also part of the Historic Yonge Street Heritage Conservation District.
CAA Theatre Photos
July 24, 2021 – CAA Theatre at 651-653 Yonge St, south of Charles St on the east side. Previously, the Panasonic, Festival, Showcase, New Yorker, Astor and Victoria Theatre1937 – Embassy Theatre, today home to the CAA Theatre, at 651-653 Yonge St. On the marquee, “That Hamilton Woman” starring Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, was playing (Archives of Ontario I0012595) Circa 1936 – Embassy Theatre, previously the Victoria at 651-653 Yonge St (City of Toronto Archives, Ken Webster fonds, Fonds 251, Series 1278, File 167)Circa 1914 – A view looking southeast along Yonge St from Charles St W. Notice Victoria Theatre, today CAA Theatre in the distance (City of Toronto Archives, E.L. Ruddy Company fonds, Fonds 1488, File 1230, Item 1226)1950 – Astor Theatre, previously the Embassy, today home to the CAA Theatre at 651-653 Yonge St, south of Charles St E. On the marquee, “Bringing Up Baby” and “The Informer” were playing (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1128, Series 380, Item 288)May 4, 2024 – CAA Theatre, formerly the Panasonic at 651-653 Yonge St, south of Charles St., previously Victoria, Embassy, Astor, New Yorker, Showcase and Festival Theatre1958 – A poster advertising the showing of four movies at the Astor Theatre (Courtesy of Toronto Public Library, Alan and Thomas Suddon collection, Object # Suddon_0081) 1950s – Astor Theatre once at 651-653 Yonge St, south of Charles St on the east side. On the marquee, “The Prince and the Pauper” starring Errol Flynn, was playing (Archives of Ontario I0012596)August 27, 2022 – CAA Theatre at 651-653 Yonge StBetween 1989 and 1990 – Showcase Cinema, once at 651-653 Yonge St, is today home to CAA Theatre. On the sign, “Triumph of the Spirit” starring Willem Dafoe, is playing (City of Toronto Archives, Series 1465, File 610, Item 12) 2015 – Formerly the Panasonic, now CAA Theatre at 651-653 Yonge St. Notice the original architectural elements behind the screen (Google Maps)April 21, 2024 – The front Entrance to the CAA Theatre, formerly the Panasonic, at 651-653 Yonge StUndated photo – The auditorium and screen at what was originally the Victoria, later the Embassy, Astor, New Yorker and the Showcase Theatre (City of Toronto Archives, Ken Webster fonds, Fonds 251, Series 1278, File 69, Item 2)Circa 1947 – The entrance and box office of the Astor Theatre, today’s CAA Theatre. Advertising for “The Road to Hollywood” starring Bing Crosby and Luis Alberni, which was coming soon to the theatre (City of Toronto Archives, Ken Webster fonds, Fonds 251, Series 1278, File 69)Undated photo – Architectural drawings for the Victoria Theatre sign (City of Toronto Archives, Ken Webster fonds, Fonds 251, Series 1278, File 167)Undated photo – Architectural drawings for the Victoria Theatre (City of Toronto Archives, Ken Webster fonds, Fonds 251, Series 1278, File 167)1920 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the Victoria Theatre (Toronto Public Library)1939 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address and phone number of the Embassy Theatre (Toronto Public Library)1950 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the Astor Theatre (Toronto Public Library)1964 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address of the New Yorker Theatre (Toronto Public Library)
