Majestic Theatre (Dallas, Texas)
The Majestic Theatre is a historic theater building in downtown Dallas, Texas. The theater opened in 1921 was the largest of nine theaters and cinemas of the former leisure mile " Theatre Row". After the demolition of the other buildings, it is since the 1970s, the last vestige of this era of theater history of Dallas. It was honored by the city of Dallas as " Dallas Landmark ", is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a constituent element ( Contributing Property) of the monument ensemble Harwood Historic District.
History
Vaudeville and Cinema
Built in 1905 by Karl Hoblitzelles vaudeville theater chain Interstate Amusement Company operated Majestic Theatre at the corner of Commerce Street and St. Paul Street in Dallas burned down in 1916. First, the former Opera House ( corner of Main Street and St. Paul Street ) as the Majestic Theatre was continued. 1920 was Hoblitzelle at the renowned Chicago theater architect John Eberson a new theater in order, which was then built until 1921. The construction costs amounted to 2 million U.S. dollars. Built in Neo-Renaissance style theater was opened on 11 April 1921.
The foyer and auditorium were held in neo-baroque classical forms. Corinthian columns, anti ish Kymatien, baroque cartouches and garlands certain appearance. The foyer rooms were equipped with a black and white floor from Vermont marble, two marble staircases, an ornate elevator, chandeliers, mirrors with brass frame and a marble fountain. A stall for the break gastronomy was added in the late 1940s.
The ceiling of the auditorium was designed as a "heaven" with floating clouds and a mechanical device placed sparkle stars. The floor and the two ranks were equipped with a total of 2,800 wooden chairs with seats made of wicker. The proscenium opening was framed by monumental Corinthian columns, before a pit spread. Also a theater organ of the company George Kilgen & Son (opus 3054 ) was installed. Behind the stage there were 12 dressing rooms.
The building contained the theater on the top four floors and about 1900 m² of office space for the headquarters of the Interstate Amusement Company.
At the Majestic many vaudeville stars, the magician Houdini to Mae West and Bob Hope were seen. From 1922 films were shown. At movie premieres were stars like James Stewart, Gregory Peck and John Wayne. The Big Bands by Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington played in the theater. In 1932 the theater was only used as a cinema.
Closure and a new beginning
On July 16, 1973, the cinema was after a recent screening of the James Bond film Live and Let Die closed. In the same year the closed theater was used as a filming location for Brian De Palma's film Phantom of the Paradise.
In January 1976, the Hobilitzelle Foundation sold the building to the City of Dallas. The theater was then restored to serve again in the future for theater performances and concerts can. The now increased to 2,400 square number was reduced to 1,570, to maximize the orchestra pit and accommodate modern lighting and sound technology in the second rank can; in the first rank also lodges were built. In 1977, the Majestic Theatre was recorded as the first building in Dallas in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Majestic Theatre was reopened on 28 January 1983. Since it is used regularly provide examples theater for musicals, plays, dance theater and concerts, but also for performances by comedians, beauty pageants or corporate events.