kids encyclopedia robot

Jefferson Theatre facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
For other venues, see Jefferson Theater.
Jefferson Theater
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property
Jefferson Theatre, Beaumont, Texas.jpg
Jefferson Theatre in 2014
Jefferson Theater is located in Texas
Jefferson Theater
Jefferson Theater
Location in Texas
Jefferson Theater is located in the United States
Jefferson Theater
Jefferson Theater
Location in the United States
Location 345 Fannin St.,
Beaumont, Texas
Area 0.5 acres (0.20 ha)
Built 1927 (1927)
Architect Emile Weil, Inc.
Part of Beaumont Commercial District (ID78002959)
NRHP reference No. 78002962
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP January 30, 1978
Designated CP April 14, 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.

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. "It's A Wonderful Life" 1946 premier was held at the Jefferson Theatre, with star James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance. 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.

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.

Photo gallery

  • Jefferson Theatre Auditorium Beaumont, from Balcony

    The auditorium.

  • Jefferson Theatre Beaumont, Panorama

    Seating

  • Jeffarch2

    Proscenium arch.

  • Jeffwallshot 2

    The detail from the stage.

  • Jeffersontheaterinteriorangle

    Looking up.

  • Jefftheatreupperwall

    Mezzanine decoration detail.

  • Chandalierjefferson

    The Grand Chandelier

  • Jeffaudstat

    Auditorium Statuary

  • Jefflobbyceiling

    The lobby ceiling.

  • Jefflobstairs

    Grand Staircase

  • Jefflobbystat

    Lobby Statuary

  • Morton Organ, Jefferson Theatre, Beaumont, Texas

    Robert Morton Organ

  • Jeffthtrmarquee

    Jefferson

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Jefferson Theatre Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.