Tennessee Theatre
604 S. Gay Street,
Knoxville,
TN
37902
604 S. Gay Street,
Knoxville,
TN
37902
18 people
favorited this theater
Showing 101 - 119 of 119 comments
TC: I wasn’t able to bring up the reopening article that you posted on May 5.
Will: This is great information to pass along to jodigirl…finding folks who have access to extensive photos of a theatre before, during and after a renovation is like finding a gold mine!
jodigirl: You can call the theatre and ask for either Becky (the manager) or Tim (the technical director). Both have access to extensive photos of the theatre before, during and after the renovation. Who knows, might even have a photo of your husband there. I’ve sat on that bench many times but I don’t think it’s historic – betting it was brought to the theatre in the 1960’s. My opinion only, Tim or Becky will know for sure.
Chuck’s photos (above) are quite nice – shows the theatre just before the recent renovation. This marqee was removed and a duplicate of the original installed along with a new vertical sign.
jodigrl: How nice to read that your husband was one of the guys who remodeled the Tennessee Theatre. I’m sure a CT member will, in time, be able to answer your questions. The story of the concrete bench was most interesting and are there plans to return it to the front of the theatre? I’d love to see an old photo of this bench in its original home, too. How were you able to save it from destruction and how big is it?
My husband was one of the guys who remodeled the Tennessee Theatre and I was wondering if anyone knows if there are any good pictures of the front of the building, foyer included. There was once a concrete bench in the front, we were able to save it from destruction and it now lives with us. We would love to have a photo of this bench in its origional home.
TC: Thanks so very much for posting the reopening article. I hope to see this restored theatre whenever I find myself in Knoxville TN!
Article about the reopening:
here
Along with the Tennessee Theater – Bill Snyder is another municipal jewel. His enthusiasm for the theater, love of music and deft touch on the keyboard has been crucial to the rebirth of this wonderful concert hall, movie theater, bragging right!!!!
Dr. Snyder, I am completely honored to get your response. I bragged to my husband that, although I might not be able to correctly identify you in a lineup, I got a personal response from THE Dr. Snyder, himself! I look forward to attending a performance at The Tennessee Theater and seeing the real you soon. And, thank you for the photo in advance! It will be a treasure.
kyc, if you will send me an email address, I will send you a photograph of me at the console of the Tennessee Theatre Wurlitzer. The guy who played the organ at the reopening of the Tennessee Theatre on January 14, 2005 was me. I look different depending on whether one is viewing the front or back of my head. The audience normally sees only the back. Your husband owes you a dinner out for talking you out of your instinctively correct statement.
All best.
Bill Snyder
Bill Snyder
Thanks Will. I thought I recognized Dr. Snyder while out to dinner recently. My husband kept telling me he had been up close observing Dr. Snyder at the re-opening of the Tennessee Theater and he was certain I was incorrect. Alas, I was, thanks to your link. (Good thing I didn’t go over there and speak to that guy, whoever he was!) Appreciate the info and your prompt response.
I guess I should fill out the information. That’s retired univeristy of Tennessee chancellor Bill Snyder. He and Paul Swyderski (formerly organist at the Elm Skating Rink in Chicago) have provided live music for many events at the Tennessee Theatre over the last 20+ years. The organ was recently renovated by Ken Crome whose work is respected by many.
Where can I find a photo of the gentleman that plays the wurlitzer at The Tennessee Theater? I know he’s a retired UT professor but I can’t remember what he looks like. Thanks.
Congratulations to the City of Knoxville for restoring their special historic theatre.
Just re-opened 01.14.2005, expanded to accommodate for the latest technology and fully restored to its historic grandeur. Magnificent! Stop by to appreaciate its rich design and catch a good show.
Visited the newly restored Tennessee Theater today at their open house event, they'e done an absolutely outstanding and thorough job on this deserving palace. It’s been well-outfitted now for live stage performances, with an expanded stage, dressing rooms, etc. and the auditorium is simply jaw-dropping. Having visited for years, still could never have imagined the hidden gem waiting within. Back to her full glory and absoutely worth your time!
Official website is http://www.tennesseetheatre.com/
If I ever get to Knoxville during one of the Corvette Expo events, I will definitely check this theater out!
I was in the beautiful Tennessee Theatre last week. The renovation is progressing at full speed. The old stage house and dressing rooms are gone, the new under construction. Broken and missing terazzo, plaster, crystal, marble are all being replaced with exacting skill. Whoever thought we’d see brand new book matched verde antique marble going in? The auditorium is scaffolded so that you can “pet the horsey” (the manager is having a ball with that one) that stands at the top of the proscenium. Evergreen Studios has replicated and installed endless moldings and medallions with uncanny sharpness and attention to detail. Axminster carpets has recreated the original patterns. Broken and missing light fixtures, removed decades ago are repaired and going in.
The entire building has been retro-fitted with fire sprinklers. Even standing in the (relatively low-ceilinged) orchestra foyer, with bright work lights on and looking for the sprinkler heads I couldn’t find them until they were pointed out. Evergreen Studios to rescue again!
The current mangement and three major benefactors have been uncompromising in their attention to detail and their dedication to quality.
Reopening is scheduled for January 2005.
Historic Tennessee Theatre Shines Again in Knoxville
View link