State Theatre

State Theatre is a historic theatre located in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota, near the Mississippi River and University of Minnesota. The theatre has been a prominent venue for performing arts in the Midwest, hosting various events and performances, including those by the Minnesota Orchestra, Guthrie Theater, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. It has also been a popular spot for film screenings, including the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, and has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and the American Institute of Architects.

● History

The State Theatre was built in the 1920s by the Liebenberg and Kaplan architectural firm, with a design inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris and the La Scala in Milan. The theatre's construction was funded by the Shubert Organization, a prominent theatre company founded by the Shubert brothers, who also owned the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City. The State Theatre opened its doors on February 5, 1921, with a performance by the Ziegfeld Follies, featuring Fanny Brice and W.C. Fields. Over the years, the theatre has hosted numerous notable performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington, who performed with the Count Basie Orchestra.

● Architecture

The State Theatre's design is a mix of Beaux-Arts and Art Deco styles, with a grand lobby featuring a chandelier and a staircase inspired by the Paris Opera House. The theatre's auditorium has a seating capacity of over 2,000 and features a proscenium arch and a stage equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. The theatre's exterior is adorned with terracotta and limestone facades, with a marquee designed by the United Signs Company. The State Theatre's architecture has been praised by the American Theatre Historical Society and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and has been compared to other notable theatres, such as the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles and the Chicago Theatre in Chicago.

● Performance_and_events

The State Theatre has hosted a wide range of performances and events over the years, including concerts by The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Bruce Springsteen, as well as Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera and Chicago. The theatre has also been a popular venue for comedy acts, featuring performers like Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Eddie Murphy. In addition, the State Theatre has hosted numerous film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival, and has been a venue for award shows, such as the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards. The theatre has also been used for benefit concerts, including those for the American Red Cross and the United Service Organizations.

● Notable_performers

Many notable performers have graced the State Theatre's stage, including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley, who performed with the Jordanaires. Other notable performers who have appeared at the State Theatre include The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Doors, as well as jazz musicians like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The theatre has also hosted numerous classical music performances, featuring orchestras like the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and has been a venue for dance companies, such as the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. The State Theatre has also been a popular spot for spoken word performances, featuring authors like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway.

● Restoration_and_preservation

In the 1980s, the State Theatre underwent a major restoration project, led by the Minnesota Historical Society and the National Park Service. The project aimed to restore the theatre to its original grandeur, with a focus on preserving its historic architecture and design elements. The restoration project was funded by a combination of public and private funds, including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Minnesota Arts Board. The project was completed in 1989, and the State Theatre was reopened with a performance by the Minnesota Orchestra, featuring conductor Eiji Oue.

● Cultural_significance

The State Theatre is considered a cultural landmark in Minneapolis and a significant part of the city's entertainment history. The theatre has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and the American Institute of Architects, and has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its stunning architecture and excellent acoustics. The State Theatre has also been a popular venue for community events, including fundraisers and benefit concerts, and has been used as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows, including The Mighty Ducks and Fargo. The theatre's cultural significance has been recognized by the Minnesota State Legislature and the City of Minneapolis, which have designated the theatre as a historic landmark and a cultural treasure. Category:Theatres in the United States