The Most Beloved Historic Theaters In The South

By Jenny Adams

Gilded prosceniums and cherub-lined opera boxes, orchestra pits and Art Deco marquees—the beauty of a historic theater is something magical, drawing emotions long before the curtain even rises.

At the end of the 19th century and the start of the 20th, the South was the belle of the ball when it came to seeing a live performance or an early film in these opulent auditoriums. Architects, like Emile Weil and John Eberson looked to Europe, Asia, and Africa for influence, carving Southern woods like cypress and oak with touches of global culture, from Spanish filigree patterns to Roman columns to Egyptian hieroglyphics.

The fate of many playhouses and early cinemas is a sad one. As the popularity of film grew and the advent of the suburbs arrived, historic downtown theaters fell on hard times and into disrepair. Many were demolished.

 

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This article was published by Southern Living, read the full article at the link above.