Tennessee Theatre

Tennessee Theatre is a historic theater located in Knoxville, Tennessee, designed by renowned architect Thomas W. Lamb and built in 1928 by George L. Berry and the Southwestern Company. The theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres. It has hosted various performances, including those by Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera, and Martha Graham Dance Company. The theatre's design and construction were influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

● History

The construction of the theatre was a significant event in the city, with the Knoxville News-Sentinel covering the grand opening ceremony, which was attended by Mayor of Knoxville John T. O'Connor and other local dignitaries, including Governor of Tennessee Hill McAlister. The theatre quickly became a popular venue for vaudeville performances, featuring acts such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. It also hosted silent film screenings, accompanied by live music performed by organists like Virgil Fox and Fats Waller. The theatre's history is also closely tied to the Great Depression, with the New Deal programs, such as the Works Progress Administration and the Federal Theatre Project, providing support for the theatre during this period.

● Architecture

The theatre's design is a mix of Spanish Colonial Revival and Moorish Revival styles, with intricate details and ornate decorations, including stained glass windows and plaster work, designed by Rambusch Decorating Company. The theatre's auditorium features a large proscenium arch and a stage with a fly system, designed by Peter Feller. The theatre's exterior is adorned with terracotta tiles and a large marquee sign, designed by Stevens & Wilkinson. The theatre's architecture has been influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Comfort Tiffany, and is similar to other historic theatres, such as the Orpheum Theatre (Los Angeles) and the Palace Theatre (New York City).

● Performances

The theatre has hosted a wide range of performances, including concerts by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton, as well as ballet performances by the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. The theatre has also hosted theater productions, such as Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, and Shakespearean plays performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The theatre has been a popular venue for comedy acts, including Richard Pryor and George Carlin, and has also hosted jazz performances by Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The theatre's performances have been supported by organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Tennessee Arts Commission.

● Restoration

In the 1990s, the theatre underwent a major restoration project, led by the Tennessee Theatre Association, with support from the City of Knoxville and the State of Tennessee. The project involved the restoration of the theatre's original decorative plaster work, stained glass windows, and terracotta tiles, as well as the installation of new seating and sound and lighting systems, designed by Acoustic Dimensions and Lighting & Sound America. The restoration project was recognized with awards from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Institute of Architects.

● Operations

The theatre is currently operated by the Tennessee Theatre Association, a non-profit organization, with support from the City of Knoxville and the State of Tennessee. The theatre offers guided tours and hosts various community events, including fundraising galas and awards ceremonies, such as the Tennessee Governor's Arts Award. The theatre's operations are also supported by organizations such as the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. The theatre has partnered with other local organizations, including the University of Tennessee and the Knoxville Museum of Art, to host events and exhibitions, such as the Knoxville Film Festival and the Tennessee Arts Academy.

Category:Theatres in Tennessee