Attucks Theatre facts for kids
Theater in 2013
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| Address | 1010 Church Street Norfolk, Virginia United States |
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| Owner | City of Norfolk |
| Operator | City of Norfolk |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1919 |
| Reopened | 2004 |
| Website | |
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Attucks Theatre
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1008-1012 Church St., Norfolk, Virginia |
| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1919 |
| Architect | Johnson, Harvey N. |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004575 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | September 16, 1982 |
The Attucks Theatre is a very old and important theatre in Norfolk, Virginia. It was built in 1919 by African American business people. They also hired an African American architect named Harvey Johnson to design it. The theatre was named after Crispus Attucks. He was an African American who was the first person to die for freedom in the American Revolutionary War.
When it first opened, the Attucks Theatre was known as the "Apollo Theatre of the South." This meant it was a very famous place for entertainment, just like the Apollo Theatre in New York City. Many famous performers came to play here.
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What is the Attucks Theatre?
The Attucks Theatre is a special building in Norfolk, Virginia. It has a rich history and is important to the community. It was built over 100 years ago. The theatre is still a place where people can enjoy shows and cultural events.
A Special Place in History
The Attucks Theatre was unique because it was built and owned by African American entrepreneurs. This was a big achievement in 1919. It gave African American artists a place to perform. It also gave the community a place to gather and enjoy shows. The theatre quickly became a hub for entertainment and culture.
Famous Stars on Stage
Over the years, many legendary entertainers performed at the Attucks Theatre. Imagine seeing stars like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, and Ella Fitzgerald on its stage! Other famous artists included Redd Foxx and Louis Armstrong. Local talents also performed there, such as Norfolk's Gary U.S. Bonds and Portsmouth's Ruth Brown. These performers made the Attucks Theatre a truly exciting place.
A New Beginning
The theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. After many years, the theatre needed some care. It closed for a while for a big restoration project. This work took three years. In 2004, the Attucks Theatre reopened its doors. It is now managed by the City of Norfolk and the Crispus Attucks Cultural Center. Since reopening, new stars like Wynton Marsalis and Audra McDonald have performed there.
Where to Find It
The Attucks Theatre is located in Norfolk, Virginia. You can find it near the intersection of Church Street and Virginia Beach Boulevard. It's close to many other fun places in Norfolk. These include Harbor Park, Harrison Opera House, Norfolk Scope, Wells Theatre, and Waterside. It's a great spot to visit if you're in the area!
Learn More
- Official site: http://cacc-inc.org/
- City of Norfolk's Seven Venues Official site: https://www.sevenvenues.com/venues/detail/attucks-theatre
