Theaters from Days Past
Many of us may recall when Saturday was meant for going to the movies, maybe using collected soda caps instead of coins for admission. Some may remember the first live theatrical performance we saw, perhaps a Christmas program or a traveling troupe performing Shakespeare.
Our region counts a bounty of beautiful early- to mid-20th century movie houses and former vaudeville venues, beautiful structures that may have once seen hard times but now have been restored to their original grandeur. While this is in no way a complete list, we hope you enjoy seeing some amazing regional venues that were vital community destinations across the decades.
The Paramount Bristol, Tennessee (above)
A step into Bristol’s Paramount Center for the Arts is a step back in time to the heyday of jaw-dropping movie palaces designed to entertain. The art deco theater attracted a crowd on opening night 1931 as moviegoers came to see the Carole Lombard comedy “It Pays to Advertise.” A handful of forward-thinking people worked in the 1980s and 1990s to save the theater and transform it into a premier showplace for live music and theatrical performances. The performance center has regularly hosted country music legends, including Ronnie Milsap, Delbert McClinton and Tanya Tucker.
The Strand Marietta, Georgia
The Strand is the last remaining historic theater in Cobb County, Georgia. Built in 1935 by the Manning-Winks Theater Company as an art deco movie palace, it is now the home of the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, a non-profit arts organization that offers films, concerts, musicals, plays, educational programming and community gatherings. Closed in 2002, the building deteriorated until a capital campaign began for renovations. It reopened in 2009, and a donation from Earl Smith helped wipe out the remaining renovation debt.
Louisville Palace, Louisville, Kentucky
Opened in 1928, the Historic Louisville Palace Theatre operated as a grand and beautiful cinema houses. It remains dynamic in appearance, with a spectacular Spanish Baroque motif and atmospheric theater style that sparks the imagination. Surviving the urban renewal and undergoing a multi-million dollar restoration, the Louisville Palace’s legacy as a grand place for entertainment continues as a live music concert theater.
The Reeves, Elkin, North Carolina
This Art Deco movie house opened in 1941, showing films and news reels. In later decades it fell into disrepair and sat empty. In 2013, three long-time Elkin residents bought it and turned it into a live music venue. Local crafters fully restored the original facade and rebuilt the sign and marquee to the specifications of the original architectural plans. The inside was converted into a modern industrial music hall, with great acoustics and superior sound quality.
Abbeville Opera House, Abbeville, South Carolina
Abbeville Opera House opened its doors in 1904 and served as a cultural center for theatrical productions, public speeches, and other town events. The Opera House hosted the Ziegfield Follies, Jimmy Durante and Fanny Brice. The Opera House is one of few remaining in South Carolina, and was fully restored in 1968. Today the Opera House is the Rural Drama State Theatre of South Carolina and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Fine Arts, Asheville, North Carolina
This Art Deco theater is the only screen venue remaining in downtown Asheville. It opened as the Strand Theatre in 1946 with a seating capacity of 800. It became an adult cinema in the 1960s, and reopened in late 1996 as the Fine Arts Theatre, home of the Asheville Film Festival. It presents first run art and independent films.
Isis Music Hall, Asheville, North Carolina
Set in the heart of West Asheville, Isis Theater was built in 1937 as a single screen movie house. It screened its last film in 1957. Renovated as a music hall, the original theater room is now main stage for musical guests, both local and those with international followings. The owners say their ultimate goal was to create a space that inspires conversation, camaraderie, energy, with great food and even better music.