Emporia Granada Theatre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Emporia Granada Theatre
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 Location in Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | 807 Commercial Emporia, Kansas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1929 |
| Architect | Boller Brothers |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000693 |
| Added to NRHP | April 04, 1985 |
The Granada Theatre is a historic theatre in Emporia, Kansas. It's famous for its beautiful design and its long history of hosting movies and live shows. Because of its importance, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a list of special buildings worth saving. The theatre was designed by the Boller Brothers, who were well-known for creating amazing theatres.
History of the Theatre
A Grand Opening
The Granada Theatre was built in 1929. It cost $350,000, which was a huge amount of money back then. Today, that would be more than $5.96 million! The theatre officially opened on October 3, 1929. A famous local writer, William Allen White, gave a speech to celebrate the opening.
In its early days, the Granada was the place to be. It showed movies and hosted all kinds of live entertainment. This included beauty contests and traveling shows called vaudeville acts, which were like variety shows with singers, dancers, and comedians. For many years, the famous Fox Corporation rented the theatre, and it was known as the Fox Theatre.
Hard Times and a Big Rescue
Like many old movie theatres, the Granada became less popular in the 1960s and 1970s as more people started watching TV at home. The building was neglected, and a leaky roof caused a lot of damage. Sadly, the theatre had to close its doors in 1982.
In 1985, the theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This showed that it was a special landmark. But it was still in danger. By 1994, there were plans to tear it down.
Luckily, a group of people in Emporia decided to save it. They formed a group called the Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance. They bought the building and began the long process of fixing it up. Many volunteers helped repair the outside of the theatre and get it ready for a full renovation. Thanks to their hard work, the Granada Theatre was saved from being destroyed. Today, it is once again a center for arts and entertainment in the community.
Famous Stars on Stage
Over the years, many famous musicians and performers have appeared on the Granada's stage. This shows how important the theatre is for live entertainment.
Some of the notable performers include:
- Joseph Hall, a finalist on the TV show America's Got Talent
- Oak Ridge Boys
- The Bellamy Brothers
- Kelley Hunt
- Granger Smith
- Juice Newton & Exile
- Joe Diffie
- Marty Stuart
- Lorrie Morgan
- Kansas
- Wynonna Judd
- Lita Ford
