History of the Performing Arts Center
History:
The Performing Arts Center, formerly called the Hollywood Theater, was Leavenworth's only movie palace. Its decorative Art Deco exterior and opulent interior treatments are hallmarks of the movie palaces that were built across America in the 1920s and 1930s. The theaters were designed to be like showplaces, with sumptuous appointments, inviting the rich and poor alike to share the lavish surroundings and escape into celluloid fantasies.
Built in 1937 - 1938 to the design of Robert Boller, it was part of the Dubinsky theater chain. Boller Brothers were the prominent Kansas City, Missouri, movie theater design firm responsible for many movie palaces built throughout the Midwest and the Southwest. Some Boller-Brother designed theaters in Kansas include the Fox in Hutchinson, the Fox-Watson in Salina, the Granada in Emporia, and the Booth in Independence. In the late 1970s, a local amateur theater group approached the City of Leavenworth about taking over the Hollywood Theater, which was being replaced by a new four-plex. The City agreed and Mr. Stan Durwood, the owner, donated the building to the City. Since that time, the City has spent approximately $200,000 on renovation work. While most of this has been City funds, donations from Hallmark Cards, Melissa Etheridge, fundraisers and a state grant have helped defray the costs.
The Performing Arts Center is the home of the River City Community Players, which produce six or seven theater events annually. In addition, the theater is available on a limited basis for other user groups. In the past there have been magic shows, country western shows, gospel shows, dance recitals, rock concerts, children's movies, a wedding, and a funeral held in the theater. In 1999, the New Christy Minstrels put on two shows at the Performing Arts Center. Rock star Melissa Etheridge, a Leavenworth native, performed in the theater during her high school years.
The two-and-one-half story, concrete building represents the Art Deco architectural style of the 1920s-1930s. The central vertical definition on the building's symmetrical south elevation emphasizes the marquee-entry area. The marquee shelters two recessed entries and the ticket booth. The City seal was painted on the recessed circle which was originally painted pink and green. Small shop areas on either side have recessed entries and display windows. This is one of a handful of art deco theaters left in the state. It was placed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places in 1985 and had to wait two years before it was qualified for submission to the National Register.
