Capitol Theatre
104 S. Main Street,
Greeneville,
TN
17743
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Related Websites
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
Nearby Theaters
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.
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
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.
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
Article updating renovation progress.
http://www.greenevillesun.com/news/local_news/renovations-progressing-on-capitol-theatre/article_274dc30c-06e5-5430-a7a8-af2e8b457beb.html
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.
Here is an item about the Capitol from the September 8, 1934, issue of Motion Picture Herald:
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.