Rio Grande Theatre facts for kids
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Rio Grande Theatre
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 Location in New Mexico
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| Location | 211 N. Downtown Mall, Las Cruces, New Mexico |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Thorman, Otto H. and Guy L. Frazer; Goetting, C.A. |
| Architectural style | Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 03001352 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 2, 2004 |
The Rio Grande Theatre in Las Cruces, New Mexico is a historic building that has been a center for entertainment for nearly 100 years. It first opened its doors in 1926 and has hosted everything from silent movies to live concerts by famous musicians. Today, it continues to be an important place for arts and culture in the community.
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The Rio Grande Theatre: A Historic Place
The Rio Grande Theatre is a special landmark in Las Cruces. It has a long and interesting history. The theatre has seen many changes in entertainment over the decades.
Opening Night and Silent Films
The Rio Grande Theatre first opened on July 29, 1926. It was built by a team called Seale and Dyne. The Central Theatres Corporation of Denver operated the theatre.
When it first opened, movies did not have sound. They were called silent movies. The very first movie shown at the Rio Grande Theatre was Mare Nostrum. Rex Ingram directed this film.
Sound Arrives!
In October 1929, Fox West Coast Theatres bought the Rio Grande Theatre. This was an exciting time for movies. Fox installed new equipment to play movies with sound.
The theatre held a special opening night on October 20, 1929. This was to show off the new "talkies." From then on, audiences could hear the actors speak and music play.
Surviving Challenges and Reopening
The theatre faced some tough times in the early 1930s. It survived both an earthquake and a fire. Despite these challenges, it kept showing movies and hosting events.
The Rio Grande Theatre stayed open for many years. However, it closed in 1997 because of money problems. Luckily, the Dona Ana Arts Council bought the theatre. They worked hard to restore it. The theatre reopened its doors in 2005.
Famous Performers
Over the years, many well-known artists have performed at the Rio Grande Theatre. These include singers and musicians from different genres. Some famous names are Judy Collins, Joe Bonamassa, and Wishbone Ash.
The theatre continues to be a vibrant place for live performances. It brings many different kinds of shows to the Las Cruces community.
See also
In Spanish: Teatro Río Grande para niños
