Circuit Playhouse
51 S. Cooper Street,
Memphis,
TN
38104
51 S. Cooper Street,
Memphis,
TN
38104
3 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Playhouse on the Square Home Page
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Malco Theatres Inc., Movies Inc.
Functions: Live Theater, Performing Arts
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: American Theatre, Memphian Theatre
Nearby Theaters
Originally at this address in 1928 the second American Theatre opened. The earliest known photograph of that building is from a 1930 magazine article and it was named Malco Theatre on December 20, 1929. Remodeled as the Memphian Theatre in Art Moderne style in 1935, this former movie house to this day still remains elegant and stylish, with its bold blade marquee, which is brilliantly illuminated in neon at night. The Memphian Theatre has had at least one serious fire and has been remodeled several times, including the front. Its trademark feature is the neon behind glass blocks between the front showcases.
It was used in the 1960’s by Elvis Presley regularly for private parties he held there. One seat used by Elvis is preserved from that era. It was closed by Malco in 1978. It was reopened on August 29, 1980 by Movies Inc.
Though its days as a movie theater ended more than two decades ago, the Memphian Theatre remains in use today, as one of the city’s best-known smaller live theaters.
Playhouse on the Square, bought and renovated it for professional live theatre in 1986. In 1992 and 1997, the Playhouse expanded into empty storefronts adjoining the old movie theatre and expanded the offices and technical areas. It still retains a few balcony seats.
When Playhouse on the Square moved into its brand new facility across the street in 2010, Circuit Playhouse, the community owned theatre owned by the same company, moved into the old Memphian Theatre. During Elvis Week in the summers, the theater offers modest & fun tours of the building. The neon letters spelling ‘Memphian’ became a sculpture displayed in the bar/lounge area, which has also had use as a cabaret space.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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 14 comments)
If you want to see a really nice photo of the Memphian Theatre before it was Playhouse On the Square, look for an album by Joe Walsh called “Got Any Gum?”. It dates from 1987 but the front cover is a very nice shot of the theatre when it was still the Memphian.
(Just Google the info and you should easily find a pic.)
The old Memphian Movie Theatre from the Joe Walsh album. Really nice!
Some photos from November 2006:
Original theatre doors.
Marquee Close-Up
Looking down the street.
Very nice I will have to drive over and check it out.
As an employee of the company for many years, I wanted to let Elvis fans know that during Elvis week in the summers, we offer modest and fun tours of the building, formerly the Memphian Theatre (a favorite hang-out of Elvis'). If you or a group is interested, contact Courtney Oliver at It’s a fabulous building and wonderful landmark for Midtown Memphis!
New photo uploaded of the Memphian as Circuit Playhouse.
So nice to know this theatre has been preserved as it will always have a personal connection to Elvis.
The premiere of the film “This Is Elvis” was held at the Memphian Theatre on Friday April 3, 1981.
Per Joe V Lowry on the Historic Memphis Facebook page: “February 9, 1947 4 Alarm Fire At 2:21 am a fire was reported at the Memphian Theater located at 51 S. Cooper Street. A 2nd alarm at 2:25, a 3rd Alarm at 2:30, a Special Call at 2:33 and a 4th alarm at 2:35. A neighbor living behind the theater heard an explosion. The entire inside, chairs and curtains were destroyed. $40,000 Loss.”
This reopened as Malco on December 20th, 1929. Grand opening ad posted.
Closed in 1978 by Malco and reopened by Movies, Inc. On August 29th, 1980. Grand opening ad and article opened.