The State Theatre is a historic theatre in

Minneapolis Minneapolis () is the largest city in Minnesota, United States, and the county seat of Hennepin County. The city is abundant in water, with thirteen lakes, wetlands, the Mississippi River, creeks and waterfalls. Minneapolis has its origins ...

Minnesota Minnesota () is a state in the upper midwestern region of the United States. It is the 12th largest U.S. state in area and the 22nd most populous, with over 5.75 million residents. Minnesota is home to western prairies, now given over to ...

, USA. It is one of four restored theatres in the Hennepin Theatre District. The State Theatre seats 2,181. It opened in 1921 and was then considered the most technologically advanced and elaborate theatre in the United States. It was designed by the

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architect J.E.O. Pridmore in a free Italian Renaissance style and boasted the first well-driven air conditioning system in Minneapolis. The original stage floor was glass, lit from underneath to create stunning visual effects. The opening night program included a silent film, newsreel and travelogue. A Wurlitzer pipe organ was installed in 1925 and concerts were held every day for 25 cents. The State's original neon marquee, which ran the entire width of the theatre, dated back to its opening; it was replaced with electric bulbs and large letters reading "STATE" in the 1940s. The neon sign was recreated for a modern remodel and again adorns the theatre's frontage. Between 1921 and 1978, the State Theatre was used primarily as a movie house, but also hosted vaudeville acts, concerts and ballet. The movie screen was the largest screen west of the Mississippi River at the time. '' Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'' set a national record at the State in 1970 for the longest run in America. The final picture show was ''

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'' on New Year's Eve 1975. Walker home-Hennepin Avenue

The theatre was built on the site of the first mansion constructed by

T. B. Walker Thomas Barlow Walker (February 1, 1840 – July 28, 1928) was an American business magnate who acquired lumber in Minnesota and California and became an collection (artwork), art collector. Walker founded the Minneapolis Public Library. He was amon ...

in 1874 for his family at 803 Hennepin Avenue. His home stood there for forty years until it was demolished to make way for the theatre complex. From 1978 to 1989, the building was the Jesus People Church. The historic exterior State Theater signage was removed and church signage was installed. Interior alterations were also made. The Minneapolis Community Development Agency purchased the LaSalle Plaza block, including the State, in 1989 as part of the LaSalle Plaza development. After nearly two years of renovation at a cost of $8.8 million, the State Theatre re-opened in November 1991 with the Minnesota Opera's production of '' Carousel''. The restored proscenium spans almost the full width of the building and curves above the stage. The six chandeliers in the house are original, as are the murals on the walls. Since the re-opening in 1991, the State has hosted live Broadway touring productions such as '' Avenue Q'', ''

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'' and '' Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'', concerts by

Patti Smith Patricia Lee Smith (born December 30, 1946) is an American singer, songwriter, poet, painter and author who became an influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album ''Horses''. Called the "punk poet ...

and

Gordon Lightfoot Gordon Meredith Lightfoot Jr. (born November 17, 1938) is a Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist who achieved international success in folk, folk-rock, and country music. He is credited with helping to define the folk-pop sound of the 1960 ...

, author and adventure speaker series and films including the world premiere of the Minnesota-based movie, '' Grumpy Old Men''. The theater appeared in the film ''

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'' with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad in 1996. Hennepin Theatre Trust has been the owner and operator since 2005. Historic Theatre Group's original partner was Jujamcyn Productions. SFX (now Live Nation) bought Jujamcyn Productions in 2000. Live Nation sold most of its theatrical properties, including its Minneapolis operations, to

Key Brand Entertainment The John Gore Organization (JGO), formerly known as Key Brand Entertainment (KBE), is a producer and distributor of live theater in North America, as well as an e-commerce company, focused on theater. KBE was founded in the UK in 2004 by 14-time ...

in 2008.

References

{{Coord, 44.9768155, N, 93.2759288, W, region:US-MN_type:landmark, display=title Theatres in Minnesota Buildings and structures in Minneapolis Tourist attractions in Minneapolis