Nestled in the heart of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the Fox Theater stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and architectural grandeur. This historic venue, which has been a cornerstone of the community since 1894, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past while promising an exciting future. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, the Fox Theater is a must-visit destination.
The story of the Fox Theater begins in 1894 when G. F. Andrae, a German immigrant and prominent local businessman, decided to gift Stevens Point with a grand opera house. Designed by the Chicago-based architect Oscar Cobb, the building was initially known as the Grand Opera House and quickly became a hub for vaudeville and stage performances. From its inception, the theater was a beacon of culture and entertainment, drawing audiences from near and far.
The theater's opening night featured a performance by the German comedian Andy Amann, setting the stage for a long history of memorable performances. Over the years, the Grand Opera House hosted a variety of acts, including vaudeville troupes, touring companies, and local social events. It even saw the likes of Harry Houdini, who performed there in 1897, and Eugene V. Debs, who spoke at the venue in 1904.
As the years passed, the theater underwent several transformations. In 1920, it was renamed the Majestic Theater, and significant renovations were made to enhance its facilities. These changes included the addition of a stage house and dressing rooms, as well as the removal of box seats to create a larger auditorium. The theater reopened with a performance of All Aboard For Cuba, a musical that delighted audiences and marked the beginning of a new era for the venue.
In 1941, the theater underwent another major renovation, this time adopting the name Fox Theater. The updates included a new canopy, which still graces the building today, as well as modern sound equipment, projection machines, and an air-conditioning system. The interior was also revamped with a new concrete fireproof floor, a redesigned seating arrangement, and updated décor in burgundy, green turquoise, and yellow. The Fox Theater reopened with the film Life Begins For Andy Hardy, ushering in a golden age of cinema for Stevens Point.
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Despite its popularity, the Fox Theater faced challenges in the latter half of the 20th century. The rise of television and other forms of entertainment led to a decline in movie theater attendance. In the 1960s and 1970s, the theater was operated by United Artists Theaters and later by Rogers Cinema. However, the construction of the CenterPoint Mall in the early 1980s dealt a severe blow to the theater. The mall project necessitated the removal of the stage and dressing area, as well as the heating units, severely limiting the theater's functionality.
The Fox Theater struggled to remain open, and on April 25, 1986, it closed its doors after screening its final films, Off Beat and Out of Africa. The closure marked the end of an era, and the theater remained dormant for many years, a silent witness to the changing times.
In the years following its closure, numerous efforts were made to revive the Fox Theater. In 2006, the theater's marquee was restored, and its lights were periodically turned on, a hopeful sign of things to come. In 2011, the Sanders family, descendants of G. F. Andrae, announced plans to redevelop the theater if funding was approved to revitalize the mall area. The community rallied behind the initiative, and the referendum passed, paving the way for future restoration efforts.
In 2013, the Sanders family formally donated the Fox Theater to the Arts Alliance of Portage County. The alliance formed a committee to develop and operate the theater as a nonprofit entity, with the goal of restoring it to its former glory. However, progress was slow, and in 2019, the Arts Alliance decided to sell the theater to the city of Stevens Point for a nominal sum.
In 2020, a new chapter began for the Fox Theater when the city sold the building and lot to a local entrepreneur. The Opera House LLC was established, and plans were set in motion to transform the building into a multi-purpose event space. The renovations aimed to preserve the theater's historical features while adding modern amenities such as a catering kitchen, full-service bar, second-floor ballroom, and elevator. The redevelopment plan also included the creation of an outdoor gathering area styled after a traditional German beer garden, complete with seating, an outdoor stage, landscaping, and public Wi-Fi access.
The anticipated reopening of the Fox Theater, now known as the Opera House, is set for 2022. This exciting development promises to breathe new life into the historic venue, making it a vibrant center for community events, performances, and celebrations. The Fox Theater's rich history and enduring charm ensure that it will continue to be a cherished landmark in Stevens Point for generations to come.
In conclusion, the Fox Theater is more than just a building; it is a symbol of the community's resilience and dedication to preserving its cultural heritage. Its storied past and promising future make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Stevens Point. Whether you're attending a performance, hosting an event, or simply admiring the architecture, the Fox Theater offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
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