The State Theater was constructed in 1942 for J.M. Hobbs, President of the Kentucky Amusement Company, by the T. J. Murphy Company of Bowling Green at a cost of $100,000. The theater was leased and operated by Bob Enoch during the majority of the time it was in use as a movie theater. The State Theater closed its doors in 1982 with its last movie showing "E.T."
State Theater History
There are two entrances into the Historic State Theater. One entrance is on the far right next to the ticket booth that leads directly upstairs to the balcony. This entrance was once used by the black patrons during the time of segregation and had a separate ticket window. The lobby of the theater has a terrazzo floor, which still exist, and two sets of double doors which lead into the main lobby. From the lobby there is a stairway on the left that leads up to the balcony which contains 220 seats. A wall still exists in the balcony that was once used to divide white and black patrons. At the back of the balcony is the original projection room complete with original door and hardware.
When the State Theater opened its doors in 1942, it presented the movie "The Fleet's In," starring Dorothy Lamour and William Holden. At the time of the opening of the State, there were two other movie theaters located in downtown Elizabethtown. Once the State opened however, it quickly became the premier movie house in the downtown area.
The State Theater operated for 40 years and finally closed its doors 1982 with its last movie showing "E.T." But because of a community that cares, Elizabethtown residents began extensive private fundraising in the 1990's to once again bring life to the State Theater. After several years, the city of Elizabethtown purchased the building and put funding in for a full renovation and restoration of the theater. The Elizabethtown Tourism Commission also helped substantially in the revitalization efforts. The Grand reopening occurred in April of 2009.
Restoration of the State
During the time of the State Theater's construction, Rambush Art Company of New York was commissioned to decorate the theater in varying shades of green and burgundy. Art works still exist of two Greek Goddesses who hold the masks of comedy and tragedy. The State Theater has been fully restored to reflect the original décor of 1942 including original patterned carpet, paint colors, and even restored original seating. The State originally contained 950 seats including the balcony area. Currently, the State Theater holds 650 patrons at maximum capacity. The decrease is due to modern amenities such as a theatrical stage, sound booth, and light booth. The ground level contains three sections of seats with two aisle ways. During the renovation of the State, very strict guidelines were followed in order to retain the historic quality of the theater. In 2011, the State Theater won a national award for Historic Preservation that was presented to architect Jim Kienle.
The State Theater Today
Today, the Historic State Theater Complex is the cornerstone of downtown Elizabethtown. The State is now home to classic movie showings, concerts, live comedy shows, live theater productions, lectures, and more. Along with the restoration and usage of the main theater, the State Theater complex is also a full rental facility for the community. There is an attached banquet room perfect for wedding receptions, corporate luncheons, and black tie affairs. In addition, The State Theater complex is also home to the Hardin County Playhouse that has a black box style theater with a seating capacity of 116 that is used for small live productions.
One more pice of fact Elizabethtown is the eponym of the film Elizabethtown starring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst. The film was known for the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope being created in a review of Dunst's character.
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