For a neat piece of [tag]Tucson history[/tag] and a nostalgic fieldtrip of the mind, stop by the Fox Tucson Theatre in downtown Tucson. Located on Congress Street just west of Stone Avenue (17 West Congress), the [tag]Fox Tucson Theatre[/tag] sports a glittering “FOX” marquee that takes us back to the 1930s when it was the hoppin’ place in town. A brief excerpt from the Fox Tucson Theatre website:
“For 44 years the theatre showed films primarily, but also offered occasional live entertainment until it closed in 1974. The Fox Tucson Theatre is one of a dwindling number of historic theatres still in existence in the United States and is the finest example of its kind in Arizona. In light of this exceptional status, is has been designated as a Nationally significant building on the National Register of Historic Places.”
I remember driving back and forth past this place for several years wondering when (and if) they were ever going to finish the restoration project everyone kept chattering about. In June 2002 they mounted the current marquee (a replica of the original that was destroyed as it was being taken down in 1986, 12 years after the Theatre closed) and had a re-lighting ceremony that was pretty neat to signal the beginning of the restoration project. Work continued for the next 3 1/2 years until New Year’s Eve 2005 when the offical Grand Re-Opening took place.
Currently the theatre is used for a variety of performances including such as screening old Hollywood movies, ballet performances, and various musical performances.
A few recent events of note include:
- [tag]Bollywood at the Fox[/tag]
- World Aid’s Today 2006
- [tag]Puro Mexicano Film Festival[/tag]
- [tag]Stephen King[/tag]‘s Desperation World Premiere
I stopped by the Theatre last weekend to catch 7:30pm showing of “[tag]Casablanca[/tag]“, the first time I had watched it, and the Theatre was stunning. Walking under the marquee and into the lobby the [tag]Southwestern Art Deco[/tag] theme is immediately evident with the funky edged ceiling accents and polished steel chandeliers and sconces. The auditorium seats over eleven hundred people on two tiers and has a beautiful mosaic-like painting on it’s ceiling that I found fascinating to look at. After the movie was over and people were shuffling out I was definitely thankful I had decided to visit.
The Fox Tucson Theatre is a great piece of Tucson history and everyone should try to stop by for an event. Like I noted above, the Theatre is used in a multitude of ways and is also available for weddings and receptions! For more neat history, a performance schedule, and reservation inquiries, visit the Fox Tucson Theatre website.
Michael Krotchie
