Centre Theatre for the Arts
110 S. Bickford Avenue,
El Reno,
OK
73036
110 S. Bickford Avenue,
El Reno,
OK
73036
1 person
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Centre Theatre for the Arts (Official)
Additional Info
Architects: Jack M. Corgan
Firms: Parr & Corgan
Functions: Live Music Venue, Live Performances, Live Theatre
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: Centre Theatre, Tiffany's Cinema, Trolley Town Music Hall, El Reno Community Theatre
Nearby Theaters
Built on the site of the El Caro Theatre which was destroyed by fire in late-December 1943. The Centre Theatre was opened by El Reno Theatres on February 26, 1945 with Rita Hayworth in “Tonight and Every Night”. At opening it had a seating capacity for 750.
Contributed by
Lauren Grubb
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Recent comments (view all 23 comments)
The structural engineer checked the building out a couple of days ago. It is still sound so the restoration work should continue.
Nice color shots can be seen on this interesting site …
Trolly Town Music Hall (nee-Centre), 110 S. Bickford, El Reno, OK.
http://www.roadsideoklahoma.com/node/351
Nice theatre,could use a little paint.
I worked at the Centre/Cinema Theatre from 1968 until 1991. Have a lot of wonderful memories of fun events and great friends during that time. From 1969 until 1991 the theatre was managed by Curtis and Geraldine Bullington, very good friends of mine. I worked in the projection booth, box office, concession booth, as well as tore tickets and janitoral work. I also worked during that same time at the old Squaw drive inn. The screen tower is still standing, and the last time I was there, the old projection booth and concession stand was still standing as well. It was definitely a wonderful time being there all those years.
Jerry Dyer
Thanks Jerry,Add more stories if you can!
The Centre Theatre opened 1 December 1944.
The Centre Theater has been fully restored. Here’s a photo of what it looks like now (June 2011):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25726169@N03/5818667248/in/photostream
We could probably safely change the name of this theater to Centre Theatre. Oklahoma weather can rarely be praised for encouraging historical preservation, but this is definitely an exception. The facade blowing off this old closed-down theater was probably the best thing that could have happened to it. The work done is stunning in person.
The Centre launched February 29, 1945 with “Tonight and Every Night” supported by a cartoon, a newsreel, and the short subject, “Choo-Choo Baby.”
Website