Military Theater
2216 Military Avenue,
Omaha,
NE
68111
2216 Military Avenue,
Omaha,
NE
68111
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Additional Info
Architects: George L. Fisher
Functions: Church
Styles: Spanish Revival
Nearby Theaters
The Military Theater was opened on February 7, 1928 with Viola Dana in “That Certain Thing”. It was listed with 953-seats. It was opened by Omaha Suburban Theatres Inc. It was equipped with a Wurlitzer 2 manual 7 ranks organ, which was opened by organist Clara Waters. Later operated by Goldberg Theatres, until it closed on March 29, 1972 with Jeffrey Hunter in “King of Kings”. Today the former theater houses a church.
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Chuck
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The Military Theatre was located on Military Avenue and made a decision to have elaborate, militaristic stage shows including a regular bugler. Omaha Suburban Theatres sank $150,000 into the playhouse the opened February 7, 1928 with Viola Dana in “That Certain Thing.” “Percy” Pennington led the Military Band, Clara Waters played the Military Wonder Organ - a 2/7 Wurlitzer, the 8 Military Maids danced, and Jean Croft was the Military’s bugler / trumpeter. (She later appears to have gravitated to a Paramount Pictures contract.)
On January 29, 1929, the Military added sound to become the first suburban Omaha theater with talkies. A year later, the Military Theater was padlocked and auctioned off in February of 1930. Theaters Investment Group Co. purchased the venue and reopened it on a ten-year leasing agreement. It was also shared by a church for Sunday services.
The Military was told to stand down closing at the end of a leasing period on March 29, 1972 with a repertory screening of “King of Kings.” The venue became a long running home to the Grace Apostolic Church.