Finke Theatre
312 N. High Street,
California,
MO
65018
312 N. High Street,
California,
MO
65018
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Finke Theatre (Official)
Additional Info
Architects: Jerome B. Legg
Functions: Live Performances
Previous Names: Finke Opera House, Ritz Theatre
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The Finke Opera House was built in 1885. Patrons of this theatre, which was shuttered for years, were eager to see it renovated and restored to public use. This was done and it re-opened as a live performance venue on September 26, 2009.
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Teresa Herrera
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California Progress, Inc. is restoring the Ritz to its previous incarnation as the Finke Theatre; those interested in making tax credit donations may call (573) 796-4071.
Here is some information about the restoration project:
http://calmoprogress.com/
This location has been restored and is now open and operates as the Finke Theater, for live performances only.
Website
Not sure when exactly it started showing movies, but it was between 1908 and 1917. Sanborn maps show there was a pool room and bowling alley in the basement. The theater is listed as being on the first floor with the Masons and Odd Fellows meeting on the second. The balcony at this point was a deep horseshoe shape, not the small flat-fronted affair, which must date from some long ago remodel.
The original Finke Opera House was designed by architect Jerome B. Legg of St. Louis, Missouri.