Crute Stage
102 N. Main Street,
Farmville,
VA
23901
102 N. Main Street,
Farmville,
VA
23901
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Situated in central Virginia, this longtime cinema has been converted into a performing arts center currently known as Crute Stage. Originally called the Eaco Theatre, it opened during the World War I era and was in the typical opera house style of the time.
In 1940, the owners hired Richmond architect A.O. Budina to modernize the theatre, which would be re-named the State Theatre.
According to a report in the 1941 Film Daily Year Book: "The front portion of the house was completely gutted and several rows of seats were removed. A new foyer, lobby, and parlor were provided, together with powder room and the latest in toilet facilities. The entire auditorium was re-decorated in the Regency style, which seems to a vogue at present. The result is a very homey type of small theatre, and considered by qualified observers as a most successful one."
Contributed by
Warren G. Harris
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
The Crute (aka State) Theatre no longer exists, either — it burned to the ground. Again, I’m not sure of the date, but I suspect it was in the early 90’s. All that remains is the back wall of the theater and the screen.
It looks like this is an outdoor venue now, probably just a stage and backdrop. According to this site classic movies are shown in the summertime:
http://tinyurl.com/4d89p6
The Downtown Stage, called by some the Crute Stage, was originally the EACO Theater. It was named for the Entertainment and Amusement COmpany started by vet Dr. Witacher in Farmville. Several years later in 1935 he built the Lee Theatre across the street. In the late 90’s the EACO, then renamed the state and owned by a theater firm out of Richmond, collapsed from the weight of a snowstorm, it did not burn down. It is now an open stage owned by the Town of Farmville, and a free summer movie program is shown. You sit on the grass, movies are older classics, and they re shown on a new pulldown screen that is really a thick, white protective screen for the stage behind.