State Theatre (Minneapolis) facts for kids
State Theatre in 2015
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| Address | 805 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota United States |
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| Owner | Hennepin Theatre Trust |
| Operator | Historic Theatre Group |
| Capacity | 2,181 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1921 |
| Reopened | 1991 |
| Architect | J.E.O. Pridmore |
The State Theatre is a famous old theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. It's one of four special theaters that have been fixed up in the Hennepin Theatre District. You can find it on Hennepin Avenue with the Orpheum Theatre, the Pantages Theatre, and The Cowles Center (which used to be the Shubert Theatre).
Contents
History of the State Theatre
The State Theatre first opened its doors in 1921. At that time, it was thought to be one of the most advanced theaters in the United States. It could seat 2,181 people.
Design and Early Features
A talented architect from Chicago named J.E.O. Pridmore designed the theater. He used a style called Italian Renaissance, which made the building look grand and artistic. The State Theatre was also one of the first places in Minneapolis to have a modern air conditioning system.
One of the coolest features was its original stage floor. It was made of glass and lit from underneath! This created amazing visual effects for the audience.
Entertainment in the Early Days
On its opening night, the theater showed a silent film, a newsreel, and a travelogue. In 1925, a large Wurlitzer pipe organ was added. People could enjoy concerts there every day.
The theater also had a huge neon sign that stretched across its entire front. In the 1940s, this was changed to electric bulbs that spelled "STATE" in big letters. Today, a new neon sign, like the original, lights up the theater's entrance.
A Movie House and More
For many years, from 1921 to 1978, the State Theatre was mostly a movie house. But it also hosted live shows like vaudeville acts, concerts, and ballet performances. At one point, its movie screen was the biggest west of the Mississippi River!
A famous movie called Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid played at the State Theatre in 1970. It stayed there longer than any other movie in America at that time. The last movie shown before the theater closed for a while was Tommy on New Year's Eve in 1975.
The Theater's Location
The State Theatre was built on a special spot. It was once the home of T. B. Walker, who built his first large house there in 1874. This house stood for 40 years before it was taken down to make room for the theater complex.
Changes Over the Years
From 1978 to 1989, the building was used by the Jesus People Church. During this time, the "State" signs outside were replaced with church signs. The inside of the theater also had some changes.
Reopening and Modern Era
In 1989, a group called the Minneapolis Community Development Agency bought the block where the State Theatre is located. They planned to fix up the area.
Grand Renovation
The State Theatre underwent a big renovation that lasted almost two years. It cost a lot of money to restore it to its former glory. In November 1991, the theater reopened with its original name. The first show was the Minnesota Opera's production of Carousel.
The stage area was beautifully restored. The arch above the stage, called the proscenium, is very wide and curves 100 feet above the stage. The six large chandeliers hanging in the main seating area are the original ones from 1921. The murals painted on the walls are also original.
What You Can See Today
Since its reopening, the State Theatre has hosted many exciting events. It has welcomed Broadway shows like Avenue Q, Sweeney Todd, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Famous musicians like Patti Smith and Gordon Lightfoot have performed there. The theater also hosts talks by authors and adventurers, and even movie premieres. For example, the movie Grumpy Old Men, which was filmed in Minnesota, had its world premiere there.
The theater also appeared in the 1996 movie Jingle All the Way, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad. Since 2005, the Hennepin Theatre Trust has owned and managed the State Theatre, making sure it continues to be a vibrant place for entertainment.
