Tower Theatre - Rt. 66 - Oklahoma City, OK
Posted by: 
hamquilter
N 35° 29.600 W 097° 31.209
14S E 634228 N 3928760
The Tower Theatre - an icon
Waymark Code: WM92CB
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 06/17/2010
Views: 22
Opened in 1937, along a stretch of Route 66 just West of the State Capitol (23rd Street), this ornate auditorium seated 1500. It had a complete working stage, a pipe organ, and billowing, scarlet waterfall stage curtains. It was the cream of the crop in OKC and one of the largest theatres in the region.
It underwent renovations in 1953 and again in 1968, when a 70mm projector was installed, and seats that rocked. It was very plush and comfortable. Many traveling stage shows and movies came to the Tower Theatre, with "Sound of Music" playing here on a reserved seat basis for almost 2 years.
The theatre eventially closed in 1989. Slowly, this area of town was allowed to deteriorate. Then, in 2005, the current owners, Marty and Mike Dillon purchased the theatre and the stores to the west of it. They plan to completely restore the theatre and show films and live performances once again. They also plan to add a second screen and open a restaurant next door.
Plans are underway to restore this entire area of the city, under the name of "Uptown 23" or "Uptown Oklahoma City." To perk interest in this project, the beautiful Tower Theatre neon sign has been repaired and lit on April 2, 2010. You can visit during the daytime, but a nighttime visit is well worthwhile.
Articles about the Tower Theatre and its renovation can be found at:
www.rwarn17588.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/tower-theater-again-is-aglow/
www.cinematreasures.org/theater/11609
www.city-data.com/forum/oklahoma-city/543733-tower-theater.html
www.legendsofamerica.com/PicturePages.66OK-OKC-1-TowerTheatre.html
www.dougdawg.blogspot.com/2009/09/tower-theatre.html
www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20100401/ai_n53066165/
Americana: Theater/Drive In
Significant Interest: Other Icon
Milestone or Marker: Other Icon
Web Site Address: [Web Link]
Address of Icon:
425 N.W. 23rd Street
Oklahoma City, OK USA
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