Capitol Theatre
211 State Street,
Madison,
WI
53703
211 State Street,
Madison,
WI
53703
6 people
favorited this theater
The Capitol Theatre opened on 21st January 1928. It was first a Fox house, then later operated by RKO Stanley Warner.
In 1980 it became part of the Madison Civic Centre and was re-named Oscar Mayer theatre. It has now reverted back to its original name of ‘Capitol’.
Contributed by
Graeme McBain
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Recent comments (view all 26 comments)
I saw the most recent in the Duck Soup Cinema series, with Dennis James accompanying at the Barton, and it was truly magical indeed, even though I was in a less than desirable seat in the balcony. I am planning on attending the next in the series coming up next month.
I’m not sure how this could still be called the Capitol Theatre. After first being heavily modified when it became part of the Madison Civic Center and then further mangling as it was turned into part of the Madison Overture Center. The only way you can really tell it was ever the Capitol Theatre is from the interior of the auditorium and from the mangling they did converting it into part of the Overture, ripping out the seats under the balcony and turning it into a lobby, I’m not even sure you can tell it from that.
Very sad indeed.
At least this theatre was retained; original plans for Overture called for the complete demolition of the Capitol Theatre.
I honestly don’t think it would have mattered. There really is nothing left of the Capitol Theatre anyhow. Heck, I had gone to the Civic Center for years before I found out that there was actually another theatre in that spot previous to it being the Civic Center! There was nothing to really indicate it was an old theatre, to be honest. I’ve not been in it since becoming the Overture but I’m guessing it looks even less so now.
Some photos of the Capitol Theater can be seen here. Click on each photo to expand it.
That’s really about all that’s left of the Capitol Theatre…the facade.
Looks like an old theatre to me:
http://www.overturecenter.com/venuect.htm
1974 Photo
Well, it sort of looks like an old theatre in the auditorium, but its not the old theatre. Its a new auditorium pretty much built to look like an old theatre based off the old theatre that was once there.
Its sad, but oh well, I guess it could have been worse, they could have gutted and gave it the bland look.
January 20th, 1928 ads can be seen at http://www.calameo.com/books/00024792860bd7f430cfd