| Jefferson Theater | |
| Nrhp Type: | cp |
| Partof: | Beaumont Commercial District |
| Partof Refnum: | 78002959 |
| Designated Other1: | Recorded Texas Historic Landmark |
| Designated Other1 Date: | 1978 |
| Designated Other1 Number: | 10537 |
| Designated Other1 Num Position: | bottom |
| Location: | 345 Fannin St., Beaumont, Texas |
| Coordinates: | 30.0817°N -94.0978°W |
| Map Label: | Jefferson Theater |
| Locmap Relief: | yes |
| Architect: | Emile Weil, Inc. |
| Added: | January 30, 1978 |
| Designated Nrhp Type: | April 14, 1978 |
| Refnum: | 78002962 |
The Jefferson Theatre is a historic performing arts theatre located on Fannin Street in downtown Beaumont, Texas. Designed by Emile Weil and built in 1927, it is an example of Old Spanish architecture and seats over 1400. The theatre was built by Jefferson Amusement Company, which was owned by Saenger Amusements. The theatre is featured on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The theatre recently underwent a comprehensive multimillion-dollar renovation. It is also one of the few theatres in the country containing its original Morton organ, produced by the Robert Morton Organ Company.[1]
Designed by the renowned architect Emile Weil, the Jefferson Theatre opened November 14, 1927 at a cost of nearly $1 million. Originally designed for Jefferson Amusement Company the theatre boasts a 3-manual, 8-rank Robert Morton organ.[2] A five-day premiere of recently released "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946) was held at the Jefferson Theatre from March 4-8, 1947, with star James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance on March 4, 1947.[1] The theatre closed in 1972 due to a loss of interest in downtown.
By 1997 the theatre was operational again, but was closed in September 2000 for a complete restoration and renovation. The 6.5 million dollar restoration was completed in 2003., the City of Beaumont operates the theatre while the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society oversees the preservation, promotion and use of the theatre.[3]
Since the renovation, a number of high-profile artists have performed at the theatre, including Joan Rivers, The Temptations, Lou Rawls, George Carlin, Doobie Brothers, and Lyle Lovett. The theatre also hosts various local acts and events and is home to an annual film festival.
In September 2005, the Vince Vaughn Wild West Comedy Show performance was canceled due to Hurricane Rita (which damaged the theatre and prompted a temporary closure for maintenance and repairs). The theatre reopened for business in December 2005.