|
The State Theatre of Modesto…Then and Now:
Described as a place that etches the senses and imprints memories that last a lifetime, Modesto’s historic State Theatre has witnessed many nostalgic moments with many characters over seventy-two years and now enters its most promising chapter supported by a most impressive and distinguished group of caring and committed citizens dedicated to nurturing and presenting the arts in the Central Valley.
Masterfully restored gold leaf murals set the tone of this charming art deco theatre dating back to 1934 when it opened on Christmas Day with “Flirtation Walk,” starring Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell. Designed by one of the most prolific and respected motion picture theatre designers, S. Charles Lee, the State Theatre of Modesto has continued to adapt to the needs of this dynamic community. With only 580 seats, the State Theatre offers a luxuriously intimate cinema and concert experience like no other in the region.
Original State Theatre: The Art Deco State Theatre was built in 1934 by S. Charles Lee and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. After decades as a film house, the State was converted into a community arts center and concert hall. It was remodeled during the 1990s. In June 2005, the new non-profit State Theatre of Modesto, Inc. was created and, for the first time since its opening, the State Theatre has been transformed by a fully comprehensive renovation project.
Renovation Project: Special features of the State Theatre’s artful renovation project include: restoration of the decorative signature gold leaf murals of greyhounds and gazelles; completely refurbished seating and stage area; fully updated and comfortably appointed backstage guest artist studios; dramatically renovated art deco lobby highlighting a newly designed lounge and sweeping coved ceilings; carved granite front walk and dramatic exterior featuring black granite, blue and gold mosaic tile and stainless steel; replacement of the vertical and renovation of the horizontal marquee complete with retro neon lights and dynamic LED reader board; installation of a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound System for both film and live performances.
Modesto : The birthplace of George Lucas, his classic movie American Graffiti and home of the internationally renowned E. & J. Gallo Winery, Modesto is the 15th largest city in California and the seat of
Stanislaus
County which boasts a population of over 500,000. Water, Wealth, Contentment and Health describes
Modesto , known as one of the greatest agricultural areas in the nation which also offers the diversity and facilities of a metropolitan city. Centrally located on Highway 99 and easily accessible throughout California, Modesto rests halfway between San Francisco and
Yosemite
National Park , nestled in the heart of California Wine Country.
News articles
MP3 Audio: Ann Hampton Callaway's 'Blues in the Night' preview
Film group brings 'Thin Man'
X-Press Yourself: A scientific approach to the arts
http://www.modbee.com/life/friendsfamily/story/12492096p-13208570c.html
July 23, 2006
State Theatre's color closer to mustard
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/11868464p-12635793c.html
February 27, 2006
A Stately Reopening
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/11852253p-12584440c.html
February 26, 2006
State Theatre
http://www.modbee.com/arts/calendar/story/11843367p-12557453c.html
February 24, 2006
The Stage Is Set ...
http://www.modbee.com/arts/story/11842455p-12554109c.html
February 24, 2006
Melissa On The Move
http://www.modbee.com/arts/story/11842445p-12554103c.html
February 24, 2006
The doors are ready to open — and all are invited inside
http://www.modbee.com/arts/story/11842454p-12554106c.html
February 24, 2006
Design On A Dime
http://www.modbee.com/arts/story/11842452p-12554107c.html
February 24, 2006
On Board
http://www.modbee.com/arts/story/11842449p-12554125c.html
February 24, 2006
Theater renews duty to film
http://www.modbee.com/arts/story/11842450p-12554112c.html
February 24, 2006
Affectionate regards as historic theater reopens
http://www.modbee.com/columnists/rowland/story/11842448p-12553996c.html
February 24, 2006
Sound of Success
http://www.modbee.com/arts/story/11842453p-12554110c.html
February 24, 2006
Theater's re-opening calls for celebration
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/story/11830847p-12546040c.html
February 21, 2006
Sneak peek at refurbished State Theatre is a real thrill
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/community/story/11781066p-12500169c.html
February 8, 2006
Take note, Gallo Center
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/11754898p-12476313c.html
February 1, 2006
In a state of elation over theater's reopening
http://www.modbee.com/columnists/rowland/story/11736300p-12459145c.html
January 27, 2006
Return of the State - Curtain going up on classic
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/11714587p-12438694c.html
January 21, 2006
Gazelles or greyhounds? Both
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/11490787p-12229633c.html
November 17, 2005
The Place to Be - Investors drawn by I Street's allure
http://www.modbee.com/business/story/11435387p-12178123c.html
November 5, 2005
A New State is Just 2 A's Away
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/11432755p-12176117c.html
November 4, 2005
How Modesto gives me goose bumps — in a good way
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/community/story/11364548p-12111716c.html
October 18, 2005
Without the State, it's an art-film wasteland
http://www.modbee.com/columnists/rowland/story/11077357p-11834607c.html
August 12, 2005
Working to make the State statelier
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/10937968p-11706868c.html
July 23, 2005
State Theatre begins transformation
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/10796709p-11573168c.html
July 2, 2005
What will it take to get art films?
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/story/10555733p-11347220c.html
May 25, 2005
Public's new ideas solicited
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/10506194p-11300868c.html
May 18, 2005
|