Lucas Theatre for the Arts

The first organ in the Lucas Theatre was a Pilcher, Opus 1088, two manuals and 19 ranks, installed in 1921. The Lucas then purchased a “true” unit theatre organ, a Wurlitzer, in 1925. This instrument was a Style 235 with three manuals and eleven ranks. It was removed in the 70’s by ATOS members Edd and Norma Simmons and was stored in their home near Atlanta, GA. The organ was later conveyed to the Atlanta Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Sociey and, in turn, the organ was offered back to the Lucas. After initiating some restoration on the instrument by A.E. Schleuter Organ Co. of Lithonia, GA, the Lucas management shelved plans to re-install the instrument.

Another photo of the Lucas Theater can be seen here.

It is a lovely theatre inside. The people that put alot of hard work in restoring it need to be commended. GREAT JOB!

The interior of the Lucas is not “Italianate” but is rather almost pure Adam and Neoclassical as seen through the eyes of architectural practioners of the early twenties. The Adam interior is a surprising contrast to the Italian Renaissance exterior of the building.

Michael, read the comments of the theatres that you make your comments on. This theatre already does concerts and live performances. You are contributing very little to this site by stating to turn eveything into a concert or symphony hall.

History of the Lucas Theatre
In 1921, film distribution pioneer Arthur Lucas opened Savanah’s first and only “movie palace,” to a soldout viewing of the film “Camille.” Partons quickly got accustomed to enjoying first-run movie hits, live vaudeville performances, a resident theatre company, big bands and visits by Hollywood stars. As the “vaudeville” era ended and the movie industry evolved and proliferated, the Lucas was unable to attract an audience. After operating 55 years, the Lucas closed its doors May 21, 1976, after the showing of “The Exorcist."
in 9187, Savannah residents Emma and Lee Adler established the Lucas Theatre for the Performing Arts as a not-for-profit corporation and launched an ambitious fund-raising campaign fund as extensive restoration of the theatre and the installation of state-of-the-art equipment. The Lucas reopened in December 2000 to provide a variety of community entertainment.
The theatre’s architectural features — including a 40-foot-wide ceiling dome — are worthy of the many house invested in its restoration. From an Italian Renaissancce exterior to the ornate Italianate interior, the Lucas sits majestically at teh corner of Abercorn and Congress streets on Reynold Square. The intricately detailed Adam-style plasterwork, Wedgewood inspired colors and gold leaf accents, have all been restored to their original opulence.
The Lucas Theatre offers visitors the oppoetunity to take a glimpse at Savanah’s past, while enjoying the best in entertainment.