Gothic Variety Theatre, USA

The Gothic Variety Theatre was a stunning vaudeville and movie house in America. The architecture is an unusual Spanish Gothic style. Plaster mouldings ornament the walls and cling of the auditorium. Opulent cut-glass chandeliers would have hung from the ceiling. Colourful tapestries would have hung in the corridors.

We visted this location in 2018, as part of the USA Road Trip 2018.

The Gothic Variety Theatre boasts 2,000 square foot of floor space. Originally, the lower floor would have also had seating. Sadly these have been removed. Nearly 2000 art patrons or moviegoers would once fill this auditorium, including over 300 in upper-tier balcony seating. There would have been an orchestral pit and a gigantic Kimball Organ.

Leading off from the stage are three dressing rooms. Even today some of these have vintage posters hanging on the wall.

The History of the Gothic Vanity Theatre

The Gothic Variety Theatre opened in the 1920s, on Thanksgiving Day. Shortly after opening in the late 1920s, a large movie company bought the theatre. Subsequently, became one of the businest movie theatres in the city. Hollywood movie stars also visited, to draw in the crowds for blockbuster releases.

The movie company sold the premesis in the 1950s; during the following two decades theatrical performances graced the stage once more. By the mid-1970s the theatre began to struggle. The building was falling into disrepair, and lacked adequate parking facilities.

The site became a concert venue in the 1980s, mainly for rock and metal bands. One historical performance was so loud, it is said parts of the ceiling were dislodged and plaster rained down into the crowd. Residents living nearby filed complaints about the rowdy crowds and loud music. Safety violations were also reported. The tensions between the venue owners and local community rose to a crescendo, culminating in the closure of the Gothic Variety Theatre in the mid-1980s.

Finally, the curtain fell at the Gothic Vanity Theatre in the 1990s. Since then it has lain mostly unused, and dark.

A bright and shiny future (literally!)

A local community group took over the Gothic Variety Theatre in the late 2000s. Community events and movie screenings are planned, after renovation. However, it is estimated that around $15 million dollars would be needed to bring the building back to life.

The original vertical blade marquee, destroyed by a tornado in the 1950s, has recently been replaced. A Historic Presevation award enabled to owners to erect a 28-foot bright sign, closely matching the design of the original.

Many thanks to the Friends of the theatre, who kindly granted us permission to photograph this amazing space.