Variety Theatre

13125-35 Fenkell Street,
Detroit, MI 48227

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Additional Info

Firms: Johnson Construction Co.

Styles: Art Deco

Previous Names: Carlton Theatre, Surf Theatre

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Variety Theatre

Opened as the Carlton Theatre in 1932, this Art Deco-style theatre could seat around 1,000. Following renovations, it was renamed the Surf Theatre on October 19, 1955. On September 1, 1965 it reopened as the Variety Theatre. By the end of the 1960’s, the theatre began showing adult features. It was closed in 1975, and has since been demolished.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

Recent comments (view all 3 comments)

Gerald A. DeLuca
Gerald A. DeLuca on June 23, 2010 at 5:32 pm

Boxoffice magazine of September 15, 1956 had a number of photos of the renovation of the Carlton Theatre and renaming it the Surf for its transformation into an art house. They are part of a long article called “Art Policy Revives a Shuttered Theatre."
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rivest266
rivest266 on November 7, 2015 at 12:08 pm

October 19th, 1955 grand opening ad in photo section.

rivest266
rivest266 on November 7, 2015 at 3:47 pm

September 1st, 1965 grand opening ad as Variety in photo section.

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