about the carolina theatre

The Carolina Theater has been a vital part of Charlotte's history for over 80 years. Once restored, it will continue to serve as a beacon for the city.

Historical Highlights

• The Carolina is the only theatre in Uptown Charlotte to have escaped destruction.
• It was the first racially integrated theatre in Charlotte.
• When "The Sound of Music" ran for a record-breaking 79 weeks, the Carolina won an award for playing to more people than actually lived in Charlotte.
• It was the first public building in Charlotte to be air-conditioned.
• It hosted the Charlotte Symphony's first-ever performance.
• At one point, the Carolina Theatre had the largest movie screen of any venue between Atlanta, Georgia, and Richmond, Virginia.

Timeline

• March 7, 1927: Carolina Theatre opens to the public with "A Kiss in a Taxi," starring Bebe Daniels, along with several vaudeville acts.
• March 20, 1932: The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra gives its debut performance.
• January 29, 1940: "Gone with the Wind" has its North Carolina premiere.
• February 10, 1956: Elvis Presley performs on stage with members of the Grand Old Opry.
• December 22, 1961: Cinerama re-opens after a 2-week renovation, complete with a giant curved screen.
• March 31, 1965: "The Sound of Music" begins its record-breaking 79-week run. The theatre books big road show movies for the next several years. Titles include "Dr. Zhivago," "Patton" and "2001: A Space Odyssey." As other cinemas open in the suburbs, Carolina Theatre attendance and revenues decline. The Carolina is eventually relegated to Kung Fu and exploitation movies.
• November 27, 1978: The theatre closes after showing "Last Fist of Fury," starring Bruce Li (not Bruce Lee).
• November 13, 1980: Fire breaks out in the stage area. The old fire curtain falls and protects the auditorium from major damage, but the stage areas are gutted.
• May 1987: CityFair project announces a renovated Carolina Theatre as the anchor. The theatre is slated to become a multi-use facility with meeting space and conferences during the day and a nightclub in the evening. Restaurants are planned for the balcony and former stage area.
• Fall 1988: CityFair opens, but work on the theatre is halted due to escalating costs and financial difficulties with Carley Capital, the developer. All of the original lobby area and an adjacent building are removed. The stage area is partially rebuilt to accommodate the planned food court. Much of the auditorium is gutted.
• October 1992: Original remaining facade is spruced up and painted.
• April 1995: More than 7,000 people tour the auditorium during SpringFest.
• August 1996: A film series is presented over 3 months in the theater. The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the Mint Museum of Art, and the Public Arts Commission participate.
• August 30, 1996: Theatre hosts the "Phantom of the Opera" opening gala; event wins top national honors.
• January 1997: The Carolina Theatre Preservation Society is established.
• August 27, 1998: NationsBank announces a 45-story tower to be built on the CityFair site, giving a first indication that the theatre will not be demolished. The partnership of NationsBank, Keith Corporation, and Trammell Crow pledge $1 million toward its restoration.
• June 3, 1999: The demolition of CityFair is completed.
• February 2001: The City of Charlotte, citing safety reasons, prohibits further public visits to the theatre, while allowing the Mint Museum of Craft & Design total access including storage.
• June 8, 2002: Attempting to combine a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the opening of the theatre with a fundraising event, CTPS loses thousands with the locally-produced "Reflections" at Spirit Square.