Jefferson Theater
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The Jefferson Theater, located on the Downtown Mall, is Charlottesville's oldest theater. It currently serves as a live music theater. It can also be rented for hosting private events.
History
The building that now houses the Jefferson Theater was originally built in 1901 as a bank.[1] It was then sold and reopened in 1912 as a "live performance theater that played host to silent movies, vaudeville acts and a historic list of live performers, ranging from Harry Houdini to The Three Stooges." [2]
The theater was damaged in a fire in 1915 and renovated by C. K. Howell, the architect who also designed the architecture of the Empire and National theaters in Richmond. [1]
In 1969, a group of local businessmen purchased the building and re-named it the Cinema Theater and by the late 1970s it had acquired a reputation for showing so many x-rated films that locals nicknamed it "the Skinema." [1]
In 1983, owner Alton Martin sealed off the mezzanine to create the upstairs theater, renamed it the "Movie Palace," and began showing second-run films. [1] Martin passed away and Hawes Spencer purchased the building in 1992. [1]
The building's most recent renovations were begun after its June 2006 closing after it was purchased by Coran Capshaw.[3]
Features
The architectural style of the both the interior and the exterior of the Jefferson Theater are Jefferson Theater on wikipedia Classicism, known for classical Roman decorative motifs. [1]
Since the 2009 remodeling, the Jefferson Theater has been equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, new restrooms, a restored balcony, and two full-service bars. [2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Web. Theater Information, Dave McNair, The Hook, 24 Aug 2006, retrieved 28 Feb 2012.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Web. Theater Information, The Jefferson Theater, 2011, retrieved 28 Feb 2012.
- ↑ Mall theater almost ready to rock ‘n’ roll, Rachana Dixit, Daily Progress, Sept. 13 2009.