Wells Theater
108 E. Tazewell Street,
Norfolk,
VA
23514
108 E. Tazewell Street,
Norfolk,
VA
23514
2 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
The Virginia Stage Company (Official)
Additional Info
Architects: E.C. Horne
Firms: E.C. Horne & Sons
Functions: Live Theater
Styles: Beaux-Arts
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
757.627.6988
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- Jun 17, 2013 — 100 Years of the Wells
The Wells Theater was opened on August 26, 1913 by Jake and Otto Wells. The theater enjoyed early success with live stage performances. In 1916, a movie screen was installed, and by the beginning of World War II, burleseque had joined the repertoire. In the 1960’s, the Wells Theater became an X-rated movie house.
A decade later, The Virginia Stage Company moved into the Wells Theatre in 1979 and, in 1986, completed a $3.5 million restoration, resulting in this the theater’s designation as a National Historic Landmark.
Contributed by
Brett England
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.
Recent comments (view all 8 comments)
That’s what we like to read “completed a $3.5 million restoration, resulting in this theater’s designation as a National Historic Landmark.” The photo shows a beautiful facade and thank goodness the x-rated movie house era ended for this theater!
Downtown Norfolk is a pretty decent place with so many old bldgs and the big mall right across from this theater.Where else can you shop at Nordstroms,go on a real battleship,take a harbor cruise,a broadway play and then go up the street a little to a great club in another old theater in one day?
Marquee/front doors:
http://www.pbase.com/image/34997378
I went to the Wells in 1960 or 1961 and saw King Kong. It had lots of empty seats and was apparently used at that time by the homosexual community as a pick up spot.
Does anyone know whatever happened to the old Kimball Theatre Pipe Organ from 1919??
I went to the Wells Theatre in 1959 or 1960. Saw a western double feature, Bob Hope western? It was a grand old Palace on hard times. Sat in the balcony. I was 11 or 12 years old and didn’t notice any unusual behavior, if I saw any I didn’t know to notice.
Address is 108.
Grand opening ad posted.