A review of the Fox theatre Atlanta

The Fox theatre Atlanta is a remarkable story of survival set in a building of opulent splendour. The fabulous Fox theatre, as it's known by its patrons, is now designated as a National Historic Landmark. It is thus granted all the protection that a highest national ranking provides. That hasn't always been the case though and life has been very hard for this architectural wonder.

A shrine for movie goers

The beginning Designed in the 1920s as the Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque for the Shriners organisation, the building has a distinct Moorish design and an auditorium of around 4,600 seats. The building costs proved too high for the Shriners and they were forced to break a deal with the movie mogul William Fox. He opened the Fox theater for movie goers in the Great Depression which was proved unwise and after just a couple of years, the theatre was declared bankrupt. It was taken over by city authorities and managed to survive through the 1930s. Golden years During the 1940s through to the 60s live entertainment, it supplemented the staple diet of films to great success. A twenty year run of annual performances by the Metropolitan Opera Company is remembered by long term supporters of the theatre as the golden era. End of the movies The impact of television and stringent rules imposed by film distributors in the 1970s led to the Fox showing second run movies instead of the new blockbusters. When this proved unpopular with audiences, the management had no choice but to pull the plug on movies altogether. Another threat It wasn't just TV and distributors who were gunning for the Fox though. The growth of Atlanta meant that the theatre was now located on prime land and some wanted it demolished to make space for other commercial businesses. Saved by Atlantans In the moment of need, a non profit organisation called Atlanta Landmarks Inc. stepped forward and proceeded to raise the necessary funds to keep the doors of the Fox open.

The Fox today

The Fox theatre today is a thriving performing arts venue hosting touring Broadway shows as well as the Atlanta ballet. The Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival ensures Fox's movie heritage isn't completely lost. For up to date details of the show schedules, outreach and educational programs and the hiring of their ballrooms for private functions visit Foxtheatre.org.