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 The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or "great artistic ...

and recognized as a

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL) is a designation awarded by the Texas Historical Commission for historically and architecturally significant properties in the U.S. state of Texas. RTHL is a legal designation and the highest honor the st ...

. 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.

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. "It's A Wonderful Life" 1946 premier was held at the Jefferson Theatre, with star James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance. 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. , 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

Performances

Since the renovation, a number of high-profile artists have performed at the theatre, including

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, Lou Rawls,

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, 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 Vincent Anthony Vaughn (born March 28, 1970) is an American actor. Vaughn began acting in the late 1980s, appearing in minor television roles before attaining wider recognition with the 1996 comedy-drama film '' Swingers''. He has appeared in ...

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

References

External links