09/04/2014
Texan Theater Returns with a Twist
BY MADISON PAYNE
PUBLISHED: AUGUST 28, 2014
For many Texans, 1975 was the year of jumpsuits, boots, mood rings, and Birkenstocks. For Greenville residents, it was the year they had to say goodbye to their favorite movie house of 41 years and bask under the buzzing glow of the Texan Theater sign while awaiting a show one last time.
However, sometimes goodbyes are not forever. Just as Texans are known for their resilience and strength, the Texan Theater holds true to its name and as Joe Gideon in “All That Jazz” puts it, “it’s show time, folks.”
The Texan Theater is resurrected, renovated, and bringing more to the table than ever before, quite literally. Barbara Horan, owner of the theater since 2010, brings great versatility to the building by offering a place to host movies, theatrical presentations, live music, and entertainment infused food.
The theater offers Greenville much more than a place for entertainment. The lobby contains a coffee shop that is open every day to downtown workers and guests. Behind the coffee shop is a shaded courtyard, providing a place of relaxation and enjoyment.
The revamped theater is eco-friendly, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, solar panels for the electric, collected rainwater for courtyard plants, and a machine that turns food waste into clean water. In conjunction with receiving a second wind and a green spin from Horan, a lot of the old is showcased within the new theater additions.
“Several features of the old theater have been preserved — posters, catwalks, bathrooms, lobby terrazzo floor, the ceiling in the old lobby, as well as the beautiful neon blade and marquee,” Horan said. “Many of the materials from the demolition were used in the construction."
Horan constructed the theater with comfort and quality in mind. The auditorium is filled with 140 cozy seats and offers plenty of room for guests to feel as if they are the only people there. One row has moveable seats with a fixed table, while another has moveable tables with fixed seats. Behind the auditorium is the former balcony, which is used to host parties without disturbing others. Horan says that the auditorium has the feel of a five-star restaurant while enjoying interesting entertainment.
The month of October is rich with entertainment at the Texan Theater. Christening the stage even before the grand opening is Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” a Creative Arts Community in Greenville production directed by Creative Director, Bill Salamon. The Dinner and show opens October 9 and runs through October 12.
The grand opening weekend begins with American country music group Asleep at the Wheel on Friday, October 24. The weekend comes to a close with a blessing of the theater and a gospel sing along with a traditional Sunday dinner on October 26.
Friday, October 31, the Texan Theater kicks off the Bob Wills Fiddle Fest and Contest with “An Evening with Bob Wills.” The event features western swing music from Jason Roberts Band and special guest Leon Rausch, the voice of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Since there is nothing quite like a little bit of country music and cooking, the theater will host a feast fit for a cowboy, featuring some Bob Wills southern food favorites.
Just like the glow of the Texan Theater sign, Horan says the future is bright for the old movie house on Lee Street. She looks forward to showcasing artists on tour, movies, TV shows, plays, dances, and so much more — all the while having fantastic food in an intimate setting.
For more information on the Texan Theater and upcoming events, follow them on Facebook or contact Randy Kirby, general manager of the theater, at 214-966-7072.
