Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre
Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre is a regional center for the arts dedicated to the expression of the human spirit through quality entertainment and educational programming.
HUTCHINSON'S HISTORIC FOX THEATRE opened on June 8, 1931 and was designed by the Boller Brothers who were well known for constructing grand "movie palaces". The Fox is considered one of the finest examples of theatre art deco architecture in the Central United States. It draws its distinction as an art deco building through its stepped treatments and projecting pilasters, which emphasize the building's geometric form. The pressed aluminum and metallic glazed terra cotta floral, vegetal, and geometric reliefs, door moldings, capitals and bases, stair railings, light fixtures, cartouches, friezes, and other decorative features found in the building are all hallmarks of the art deco style.
The Fox has many distinctions:
*The Fox was named the "STATE MOVIE PALACE OF KANSAS" by the State Legislature in 1994.
* The Fox marquee was the first flashing display of neon in Kansas and is one of only several surviving, functioning, original marquees in the country.
* Two films held their premieres at the Fox with the cast appearing at the event: "Wait ‘Til the Sun Shines Nellie (1952) and "Picnic" (1955).
* The Fox is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Register, and is considered a local landmark.
* The theatre seats 1221, has no obstructed sightlines and excellent acoustics.
* In 2004, the Theatre Historical Society of America selected the Fox as the premiere theatre of choice to tour. From their national conference in Kansas City, the group traveled by bus to tour the Fox, some coming as far away as England and Australia.
* In 2008 the Fox Theatre was awarded the Bisonte Historic Preservation Award and was named one of the 8 Wonders of Reno County.
* The Fox celebrated its 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary in 2006 with a Gala featuring Linda Ronstadt. The first movie ever shown at the Fox "Always Good-Bye" starring Alyssa Landi was also featured.
Hutchinson's Historic Fox Theatre is a non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation governed by a Board of Directors. It employees two full-time staff, six part-time and approximately 85 volunteers. The Education Coordinator is a volunteer position and technical crew members are "on-call" for events that require extra stagehands.
Thank you for all the work, dedication, and commitment to all that give of their time, talent, and support that makes the Fox a regional center for the arts.
*The Fox Theatre is a proud member of the Hutchinson Rotary Club, the Kansas Historic Theatre Association, the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, and Plains Presenters.
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