Majestic, Indeed

Sunday, June 22nd

Spamalot has called San Antonio's Majestic Theater home this week. The Majestic opened in 1929 as the largest theater in Texas and the first fully air conditioned building in the state. When it opened, the Majestic was the second largest movie house in the country and also hosted vaudeville acts. Like so many grand movie palaces, the Majestic closed in 1974 and was saved from the wrecking ball by its listing on the National Register of Historic places the next year. A not-for-profit foundation took over the management (though the building belongs to the city) and began presenting live acts. In 1989 the theatre was refurbished and in 1996 an adjacent building was purchased and the stage was modernized and enlarged.

The interior of the auditorium is spectacular. Surrounding the 2300 seats is a "Spanish-inspired pirate fantasy village" (thank you, Gurr, for the description). Peacocks perch above the boxes, clouds roll across the ceiling as stars twinkle and vines and plants grow from gardens in the towers and villas that surround the stage. It reminds me of the Fox in Atlanta, but even more so. I can't possibly explain it all, I'll let pictures do that.

House Left


The Proscenium


House Right

Doves take flight above the audience


The grand stair up to the balcony


The grotto in the balcony lounge

The front door - the Majestic is built into a large office building. The arcade covers about half the block and is decorated with painted, pressed tin.

The old movie theatre box office

The support spaces at the Majestic are a little cramped and weird, but it's been such fun to look out and see such a beautiful space.

JV