3 Interesting Facts About the Florida Theatre
What secrets would The Florida Theatre tell us if it could talk? This historic building has been a staple of the Jacksonville community since 1927 and has seen its fair share of drama, comedy, and music. It’s been a venue for some of the biggest names in show business, including Bob Hope, Jerry Seinfeld, and Bruce Springsteen. In this article, we’ll look at the history of The Florida Theatre and explore some of the exciting stories it could tell if it could speak!
1. Elvis Presley’s Performance
One of the most interesting stories that The Florida Theatre could tell is about Elvis Presley’s performance in 1956. This was one of Elvis’ first headline concert appearances on an indoor stage. The performance was the subject of a cover story in LIFE magazine, and a local judge watched Presley’s dance to ensure it wasn’t provocative. Despite the judge’s concerns, Elvis put on a great show, and the crowd loved it!
2. The Barnett Roomw
The theater’s Barnett Room was a fully functioning nursery from 1927-1952 for patrons’ children while parents enjoyed a theater show. The room was run by a full-time staff of matrons who cared for the children. In addition, the room was equipped with a play area, cribs, and a kitchen. Moreover, every level of seating in the theater contains different types of chairs. For instance, rocking chairs were once used, but now, the balcony seats are still original. However, eventually, the Barnett Room was converted into a VIP lounge.
3. The Florida Theatre Today
The Florida Theatre is still a thriving venue today, wherein it hosts over 200 events each year. It underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The Florida Theatre is definitely a Jacksonville landmark with a lot of history, and we can only imagine the stories it would tell if it could talk! So, if you’re looking for things to do in Jax, you must consider checking out the events calendar at The Florida Theatre!
To Conclude
Now you know a little more about the Florida Theatre and its interesting history. So the next time you attend a show or theatre in Jacksonville, be sure to look around and imagine the stories these walls could tell. Who knows, you may even find a seat that was once occupied by a famous face.
