Capitol Theatre

104 S. Main Street,
Greeneville, TN 17743

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Capitol Theatre, Greeneville (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Crescent Amusement Co.

Architects: Joseph W. Holman, Thomas Marr

Firms: Marr & Holman

Functions: Live Performances

Styles: Art Deco

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 423.638.7712

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Capitol Theatre

Built for Crescent Amusement Co. of Nashville, TN., the architects were Thomas Marr and Joseph W. Holman of architectural firm Marr & Holman. The Art Deco style theatre opened in 1934 with 800 seats and was managed by Harry Beekner.

The Capitol Theatre was the center for entertainment until Mr. Beekner passed away in 1974. At that time Mr. & Mrs. Claude Day and Buddy Rose reopened the theatre in 1974. The Days continued operating the theatre until Mr. Days death in 1990.

Rumors were that the owner of the building, Margaret Parks, wanted to sell the building to the city. It would be demolished and made into a parking lot.
Main Street Greeneville bought the theatre and it was deeded to the Little Theatre of Greeneville. They needed to raise funds to completely renovate the theatre as part of the deed agreement. Renovations ran 2.2 million and nine months later the theatre was complete.

The new Capitol Theatre re-opened on May 15, 2002. The Little Theatre Co. of Greeneville presents live performances at the newly renovated theatre. Seating is listed at 132 on the main floor and 230 in the balcony for a total seating capacity of 352.

Contributed by Chuck

Recent comments (view all 6 comments)

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on March 20, 2015 at 9:26 am

I can’t find any other references on the Internet to architects named Thomas Mar or Joseph Harmon, but there are plenty of references to Nashville architects Thomas Marr and Joseph Holman. Marr & Holman were designing theaters for the Crescent Amusement Company at least as early as 1915, and designed theaters for the company for many years. Crescent’s Capitol in Greenville must have been designed by Marr & Holman.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on February 10, 2017 at 9:36 am

Facade update coming this Spring.

http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/updates-to-capitol-theatre-s-facade-coming-this-spring/article_69e8487d-bf5b-5c65-903d-4acc35ca6ba9.html

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on June 23, 2017 at 10:08 am

Article updating renovation progress.

http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/renovations-progressing-on-capitol-theatre/article_274dc30c-06e5-5430-a7a8-af2e8b457beb.html

Patsy
Patsy on June 27, 2017 at 8:32 pm

This theatre was saved by the community and not made into a parking lot. A beautiful story that will allow the residents to enjoy their art deco gem for generations to come.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on January 20, 2018 at 6:17 pm

Here is an item about the Capitol from the September 8, 1934, issue of Motion Picture Herald:

“New Capitol Opens In Greeneville, Tenn.

“Considerable local attention was given the recent opening of the new Capitol theatre, in Greeneville, Tenn., operated by the Crescent Amusement Company, of which Tony Sudekum is president. Seating 800, the theatre is modernly equipped.

“The opening ceremony was featured by addresses by John S. Bernard, mayor of Greeneville; Mr. Sudekum, R. L. Baulch, secretary-treasurer; Joe W. Holman, architect. Harry C. Beekner is manager of the new theatre.”

JRHagan
JRHagan on July 24, 2022 at 8:48 pm

A photo on the Capitol Theatre web site shows The “Park Theatre” right across the street, but there is no listing for the Park Theatre anywhere. The Green County Courthouse now stands where the Park was located.

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