Everett Tutors

About Everett

If you happen to be a history buff, then the Historic Everett Theatre located in Everett, Washington might just be the place for you! So, take a break from your history tutors and check it out! Founded in 1901 as an opera house, you could also often find legitimate theater and vaudeville shows gracing the stage. On occasion, you might even find a motion picture playing in the theatre! Some of the biggest names of 20th century entertainment could be found there, such as Lillian Russell, Al Jolson, Eddie Foy, and George M. Cohan among many others. This theatre had it all, and was quite the hub for everyone in the early 20’s with seats packed and even more standing outside trying to get tickets.

All of that came crashing down, however, when the theatre was devastated by a fire in 1923.It destroyed almost the entire interior, and caused the front wall to partially collapse. It seemed the days of laughter, gallantly dressed men and gorgeously outfitted women were gone. But the theatre would not stay down! It was rebuilt to seat almost 1200 people, and reopened in 1924. It once again featured film as well as live stage performances, even after Fox bought it in 1929. The theatre ran splendidly into the 1950’s.

In 1952 a complete remodel was performed. Much of the original décor from the 1920’s was removed. What were once foyers and lobbies were gutted and rebuilt to make way for concession stands and ticket windows. Was this drastic remodel to blame for the start of the theatre’s downfall? Hard to say, but nevertheless in 1979 the owners of the Everett theater made the balcony into two small auditoriums, triplexing the theater in hopes of drawing in more movie goers and saving the declining building. This act proved futile however, and within a decade the theatre had closed its doors. Perhaps if the owners had had a tutor in business management and sales, the theatre would have been successful.

The theatre sat idle for several years, but soon fell into the hands of concerned citizens that wanted to see the theatre returned to its 1924 glory both in function and décor. Restoration was done from 2000-2004, and the Historic Everett Theatre now screens classic movies, as well as concert performances and live stage productions. There is hope for this theatre yet, and a must visit for anyone drawn to the beauty and creativity of our earlier years.