Historic State Theater Complex Review
Upon the arrival to the theater in Elizabethtown, there're so many emotions.That where going through my body. After sitting down talking with Zach Humphrey a discussing what I plan to do, it was not becoming a reality. Walking through the doors getting ready to set up for the event. I ran into a very special person, I will write about him later on. He goes by the name of Bob Swope.
After speaking and noticing just where I was it all hit me, networking and marketing happens here.
As you can see on the film, the theater still looks much like it used to. It's still has that glorious antique looked as it did before. The painting still cover the walls and leave you breathless. As you can hear other video they still host Life plays events and even movies for the children in local people. All in all I have to say that this place is been well kept up. And we would give it a four star rating.
Although the price of food there is high you can still enjoy an authentic theater feeling like once before its renovation.
I decided to create this film so let you all could get a feel of what the theater would be like before arrival. Van Winkle and the Spirits for the talent that were playing that night. I did not have a chance to speak with them all, but I did get a chance to speak with the bass player. The bass player seem to be a down to earth kind of man, and the band played some exquisite music. I have two singers male and female, that do an extraordinary job.
It is very common for the Kentucky Historic State Theatre to hold events and it's dwelling and I do think that is a wonderful place to take your family or you date if you're looking to have a good night.
Opening as a movie house in 1942, the State Theater was the hub of social activity in Hardin County for 40 years. After showing its final film, "E.T.", in 1982, the building languished as an empty eyesore for nearly 20 years. However, because E.T Elizebthtown and Hardin County is a community that cares, the State Theater has been fully restored to reflect its original 1942 construction but with modern amenities. The State Theater is now host to not only classic movies, but live concerts, comedy shows, theatrical productions and more. In addition, The State Theater complex now includes a full service banquet room and is also home to the Hardin County Playhouse which performs inside the black-box style Plum Alley Theater. Come see for yourself why the State Theater has once again become the highlight of downtown Elizabethtown.
The State Theater was constructed in 1942 for J.M. Hobbs, President of the Kentucky Amusement Company, by the T. J. Murphy Company of Bowling Green at a cost of $100,000. The theater was leased and operated by Bob Enoch during the majority of the time it was in use as a movie theater. The State Theater closed its doors in 1982 with its last movie showing "E.T."
State Theater History There are two entrances into the Historic State Theater. One entrance is on the far right next to the ticket booth that leads directly upstairs to the balcony. This entrance was once used by the black patrons during the time of segregation and had a separate ticket window. The lobby of the theater has a terrazzo floor, which still exist, and two sets of double doors which lead into the main lobby. From the lobby there is a stairway on the left that leads up to the balcony which contains 220 seats. A wall still exists in the balcony that was once used to divide white and black patrons. At the back of the balcony is the original projection room complete with original door and hardware. When the State Theater opened its doors in 1942, it presented the movie "The Fleet's In," starring Dorothy Lamour and William Holden. At the time of the opening of the State, there were two other movie theaters located in downtown Elizabethtown. Once the State opened however, it quickly became the premier movie house in the downtown area.
The State Theater operated for 40 years and finally closed its doors 1982 with its last movie showing "E.T." But because of a community that cares, Elizabethtown residents began extensive private fundraising in the 1990's to once again bring life to the State Theater. After several years, the city of Elizabethtown purchased the building and put funding in for a full renovation and restoration of the theater. The Elizabethtown Tourism Commission also helped substantially in the revitalization efforts. The Grand reopening occurred in April of 2009.
Restoration of the State
During the time of the State Theater's construction, Rambush Art Company of New York was commissioned to decorate the theater in varying shades of green and burgundy. Art works still exist of two Greek Goddesses who hold the masks of comedy and tragedy. The State Theater has been fully restored to reflect the original décor of 1942 including original patterned carpet, paint colors, and even restored original seating. The State originally contained 950 seats including the balcony area. Currently, the State Theater holds 650 patrons at maximum capacity. The decrease is due to modern amenities such as a theatrical stage, sound booth, and light booth. The ground level contains three sections of seats with two aisle ways. During the renovation of the State, very strict guidelines were followed in order to retain the historic quality of the theater. In 2011, the State Theater won a national award for Historic Preservation that was presented to architect Jim Kienle.
The State Theater Today
Today, the Historic State Theater Complex is the cornerstone of downtown Elizabethtown. The State is now home to classic movie showings, concerts, live comedy shows, live theater productions, lectures, and more. Along with the restoration and usage of the main theater, the State Theater complex is also a full rental facility for the community. There is an attached banquet room perfect for wedding receptions, corporate luncheons, and black tie affairs. In addition, The State Theater complex is also home to the Hardin County Playhouse that has a black box style theater with a seating capacity of 116 that is used for small live productions.
One more pice of fact Elizabethtown is the eponym of the film Elizabethtown starring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst. The film was known for the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope being created in a review of Dunst's character.
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Watch this Video on Rob Skiba https://youtu.be/avgYzqxGtYk https://youtu.be/lC0_5gEGRZI
