Jefferson Theatre

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.[2]

For other venues, see Jefferson Theater.
Jefferson Theater
Jefferson Theatre in 2014
Jefferson Theater
Jefferson Theater
Location345 Fannin St.,
Beaumont, Texas
Coordinates30°4′54″N 94°5′52″W
Area0.5 acres (0.20 ha)
Built1927 (1927)
ArchitectEmile Weil, Inc.
WebsiteJefferson Theatre
Part ofBeaumont Commercial District (ID78002959)
NRHP reference No.78002962[1]
RTHL No.10537
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJanuary 30, 1978
Designated CPApril 14, 1978
Designated RTHL1978

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.[3] "It's A Wonderful Life" 1946 premier was held at the Jefferson Theatre, with star James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance.[2] 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.[4]

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.

  • The auditorium.
  • Seating
  • Proscenium arch.
  • The detail from the stage.
  • Looking up.
  • Mezzanine decoration detail.
  • The Grand Chandelier
  • Auditorium Statuary
  • The lobby ceiling.
  • Grand Staircase
  • Lobby Statuary
  • Robert Morton Organ
  • Jefferson

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2011-07-26.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. http://www.saengeramusements.com/theatres/beaumont/jefferso.htm
  4. http://www.beaumont-tx-complex.com/images/Jefferson_Theatre_Restoration.pdf

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