Jefferson Theatre

Jefferson Theater
Jefferson Theatre in 2014
Jefferson Theater
Jefferson Theater
Location 345 Fannin St.,
Beaumont, Texas
Coordinates 30°4′54″N 94°5′52″W / 30.08167°N 94.09778°W / 30.08167; -94.09778 (Jefferson Theater)Coordinates: 30°4′54″N 94°5′52″W / 30.08167°N 94.09778°W / 30.08167; -94.09778 (Jefferson Theater)
Area 0.5 acres (0.20 ha)
Built 1927 (1927)
Architect Emile Weil, Inc.
Website Jefferson Theatre
Part of Beaumont Commercial District (#78002959)
NRHP reference # 78002962[1]
RTHL # 10537
Significant dates
Added to NRHP January 30, 1978
Designated CP April 14, 1978
Designated RTHL 1978

The Jefferson Theatre is a historic performing arts theatre located on Fannin Street in downtown Beaumont, Texas. Designed by Emile Weil and built in 1927, it is an example of Old Spanish architecture and seats over 1400. The theatre was built by Jefferson Amusement Company, which was owned by Saenger Amusements. The theatre is featured on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The theatre recently underwent a comprehensive multimillion-dollar renovation. It is also one of the few theatres in the country containing its original Morton organ, produced by the Robert Morton Organ Company.[2]

History

Designed by the renowned architect Emile Weil, the Jefferson Theatre opened November 14, 1927 at a cost of nearly $1 million. Originally designed for Jefferson Amusement Company the theatre boasts a 3-manual, 8-rank Robert Morton organ.[3] "It's A Wonderful Life" 1946 premier was held at the Jefferson Theatre, with star James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance.[2] The theatre closed in 1972 due to a loss of interest in downtown. By 1997 the theatre was operational again, but was closed in September 2000 for a complete restoration and renovation. The 6.5 million dollar restoration was completed in 2003. As of 2010 the City of Beaumont operates the theatre while the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society oversees the preservation, promotion and use of the theatre.[4]

Performances

Since the renovation, a number of high-profile artists have performed at the theatre, including Joan Rivers, The Temptations, Lou Rawls, George Carlin, Doobie Brothers, and Lyle Lovett. The theatre also hosts various local acts and events and is home to an annual film festival.

Hurricane Rita

In September 2005, the Vince Vaughn Wild West Comedy Show performance was canceled due to Hurricane Rita (which damaged the theatre and prompted a temporary closure for maintenance and repairs). The theatre reopened for business in December 2005.

See also

References

  1. ↑ National Park Service (2013-11-02). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. 1 2 "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2011-07-26.
  3. ↑ http://www.saengeramusements.com/theatres/beaumont/jefferso.htm
  4. ↑ http://www.beaumont-tx-complex.com/images/Jefferson_Theatre_Restoration.pdf

Media related to Jefferson Theatre at Wikimedia Commons

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.