Jefferson Theatre
{{About||other venues|Jefferson Theater (disambiguation){{!}}Jefferson Theater}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox NRHP
| name = Jefferson Theater
| nrhp_type = cp
| partof = Beaumont Commercial District
| partof_refnum = 78002959
| designated_other1 = Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
| designated_other1_date = 1978
| designated_other1_number = [http://atlas.thc.texas.gov/Details/5245010537 10537]
| designated_other1_num_position = bottom
| image = Jefferson Theatre in Beaumont, Texas.jpg
| caption = The theater in 2024
| location = 345 Fannin St.,
Beaumont, Texas
| coordinates = {{coord|30|4|54|N|94|5|52|W|region:US_type:landmark|name=Jefferson Theater|display=inline,title}}
| locmapin = Texas#USA
| map_label = Jefferson Theater
| locmap_relief = yes
| area = {{convert|0.5|acre}}
| built = {{Start date|1927}}
| architect = Emile Weil, Inc.
| added = January 30, 1978
| designated_nrhp_type = April 14, 1978
| refnum = 78002962{{NRISref|version=2013a}}
| website = {{Official website|url=https://discoverbeaumont.com/jefferson-theatre-info/|name=Jefferson Theatre}}
}}
The Jefferson Theatre is a historic performing arts theatre located on Fannin Street in downtown Beaumont, Texas. Designed by Emile Weil and built in 1927, it is an example of Old Spanish architecture and seats over 1400. The theatre was built by Jefferson Amusement Company, which was owned by Saenger Amusements. The theatre is featured on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The theatre recently underwent a comprehensive multimillion-dollar renovation. It is also one of the few theatres in the country containing its original Morton organ, produced by the Robert Morton Organ Company.{{cite web |url=http://www.beaumont-tx-complex.com/jeffersontheatre.html |title=Jefferson Theatre * 345 Fannin Street * Beaumont, Texas 77701 |access-date=2011-07-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719172626/http://www.beaumont-tx-complex.com/jeffersontheatre.html |archive-date=2011-07-19 }}
History
Designed by the renowned architect Emile Weil, the Jefferson Theatre opened November 14, 1927 at a cost of nearly $1 million. Originally designed for Jefferson Amusement Company the theatre boasts a 3-manual, 8-rank Robert Morton organ.{{cite web |url=http://www.saengeramusements.com/theatres/beaumont/jefferso.htm |title = Jefferson Theatre - Beaumont, Texas}} A five-day premiere of recently released "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946) was held at the Jefferson Theatre from March 4-8, 1947, with star James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance on March 4, 1947. The theatre closed in 1972 due to a loss of interest in downtown.
By 1997 the theatre was operational again, but was closed in September 2000 for a complete restoration and renovation. The 6.5 million dollar restoration was completed in 2003. {{As of| 2010}}, the City of Beaumont operates the theatre while the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society oversees the preservation, promotion and use of the theatre.[http://www.beaumont-tx-complex.com/images/Jefferson_Theatre_Restoration.pdf Jefferson Theatre Restoration]Beaumont {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918024013/http://beaumont-tx-complex.com/images/Jefferson_Theatre_Restoration.pdf |date=September 18, 2010 }}
Performances
Since the renovation, a number of high-profile artists have performed at the theatre, including Joan Rivers, The Temptations, Lou Rawls, George Carlin, Doobie Brothers, and Lyle Lovett. The theatre also hosts various local acts and events and is home to an annual film festival.
Hurricane Rita
In September 2005, the Vince Vaughn Wild West Comedy Show performance was canceled due to Hurricane Rita (which damaged the theatre and prompted a temporary closure for maintenance and repairs). The theatre reopened for business in December 2005.
Photo gallery
Image:Jefferson Theatre Auditorium Beaumont, from Balcony.jpg| The auditorium.
Image:Jefferson Theatre Beaumont, Panorama.jpg| Seating
Image:Jeffarch2.jpg| Proscenium arch.
Image:Jeffwallshot_2.jpg| The detail from the stage.
Image:Jeffersontheaterinteriorangle.jpg| Looking up.
Image:Jefftheatreupperwall.jpg| Mezzanine decoration detail.
Image:chandalierjefferson.JPG| The Grand Chandelier
Image:Jeffaudstat.jpg| Auditorium Statuary
Image:Jefflobbyceiling.jpg| The lobby ceiling.
Image:Jefflobstairs.jpg| Grand Staircase
Image:Jefflobbystat.jpg| Lobby Statuary
Image:Morton Organ, Jefferson Theatre, Beaumont, Texas.jpg| Robert Morton Organ
Image:Jeffthtrmarquee.jpg| Jefferson
See also
{{Portal|National Register of Historic Places|Texas}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category-inline|Jefferson Theatre (Beaumont, Texas)|Jefferson Theatre}}
{{Beaumont Commercial District}}
{{NRHP in Texas}}
{{Beaumont Texas}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Theatres on the National Register of Historic Places in Texas
Category:Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks
Category:Buildings and structures in Beaumont, Texas
Category:Theatres completed in 1927
Category:Tourist attractions in Beaumont, Texas
Category:National Register of Historic Places in Jefferson County, Texas
Category:Music venues in Beaumont, Texas