Yucca Theatre
208 N. Colorado Street,
Midland,
TX
79701
208 N. Colorado Street,
Midland,
TX
79701
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Yucca Theatre - Midland (Official)
Additional Info
Architects: Wyatt C. Hedrick
Functions: Live Performances
Styles: Gothic Revival, Moorish
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
432.682.2544
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The Yucca Theatre is a flamboyant example of Assyrian style architecture. It’s interior has guilded lions, ornate columns and very elaborate light fixtures. It was built in 1927 and the architect was Wyatt C. Hedrick of Fort Worth. Opening night was December 5, 1929 when a vaudville show was presented on stage, and on screen was Bebe Daniels and John Boles in “Rio Rita”.
The exterior is done in cut sandstone with black marble. Columns frame the entrance.
The Yucca Theatre was closed as a movie Theatre in 1974. It was restored in 1981 and is now used for live performances, operated by the Summer Mummers. It seats a little over 1,600. The Yucca Theatre is a Texas Historical Medallion Landmark.
Contributed by
Chuck Van Bibber
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
Indeed, Wyatt C. Hedrick was a renowned architect in Texas. Besides this theatre he designed First Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Baker Building, Fort Worth Sanger Building, Fort Worth Will Rogers Auditorium, Colisuem, and Pioneer Tower, Fort Worth U. S. Post Office, Fort Worth. Those are just a few examples of his work.
Here is a link:
http://tinyurl.com/nfsrd
My photograph of the YUCCA.
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/308668428
This is a very peculiar and unique design to say the least. I say, based on its façade, that it’s style is Moorish plus something else (hence the pentagon over the main entrance). This building looks as if it were to have been a Masonic Temple instead of a theatre.
View vintage photos by typing in word “theatre”,
View link
The Yucca’s main attraction is the vaudeville type show called Summer Mummers.
http://www.summermummers.com
Other live performances are held occasionally throughout the year such as the annual “Broadway in the Basin” show.
The main floor has been converted to “cabaret” tiered seating with folding chairs and tables. A large bar is present in the lobby serving margaritas, beer etc.
The balcony still has its theatre seats intact.
There are chambers on either side of the stage for a theatre organ, but due to the coming of the Great Depression, the organ was never installed.
A “moviola” is shown during Summer Mummers but it is shown from a video projector at the balcony rail. I don’t think there is any film projection equipment left in the booth.
A 1974 view of the Yucca Theater when it still had “YUCCA” lettering along the top of a marquee and a 1987 view here.
My photograph of the Yucca Theater taken 5-19-2008: View link
The Yucca Theatre is owned by Midland Community Theatre. It is now the home of the Summer Mummers, our annual fundraising production for the past 60 years, and several other special events throughout the year. Please contact MCT at (432) 682-2544 for more information or visit www.summermummers.com for more photos – including interior shots – of our historic venue.