HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Join us on 1st Avenue in front of the theatre to celebrate the 92nd birthday of Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre!
Cherished will kick off the birthday celebration at 7:00 PM followed by a brief intermission where Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre will announce the upcoming 2023-2024 Live Season. “We are so excited to share with you the new lineup,” Josh Davies, Executive Director says. “we have worked really hard to build a season with a variety of world-class performing artists and entertainers with offerings for a variety of ages and audiences,” said Davies.
Following the live season announcement, Elton Dan and the Rocket Band paying tribute to one of the all-time greatest artists ever – Elton John will take the stage.
A beer garden will be provided by Salt City Brewery featuring wine, beer, and mixed drinks, along with some of your favorite local food trucks: SnoKo, D&J Pronto Pups, Smiths Smoking BBQ, Gourmet Grilled Cheese and Tacos El Trebol.
“We want to thank our donors, sponsors, season ticket holders, and members of the Fox Theatre for all the help and support you continuously give,” says Penny Bettles, Development Administrator. “Without the help of our supportive community, we wouldn’t be able to deliver the exceptional quality of performances we have achieved these recent seasons.”
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music, food, drinks, a silent auction, and fun in front of the Fox’s historic marquee.
The Fox’s History:
Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre opened on June 8, 1931, and was designed by the Boller Brothers who were well known for constructing grand “movie palaces”. The Fox is considered one of the finest examples of theatre art deco architecture in the Central United States. It draws its distinction as an art deco building through its stepped treatments and projecting pilasters, which emphasize the building’s geometric form. Two films were shot near Hutchinson, Kansas, and were premiered at the Fox Theatre with the cast appearing at the event. In 1953 “Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie”, and in 1955 “Picnic”. In 1994 Legislature named Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre the “State Movie Palace of Kansas” due to it having the widest screen in the state.
Unfortunately, the theatre closed in 1985 and stood empty until 1990 when Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre, Inc., a non-profit organization, purchased it. A $4.5 million restoration was completed with the theatre being fully renovated. The theatre re-opened in 1999 to a packed house showcasing Gregory Hines.
The Fox continues to thrive 92 years later. Audiences are offered a wide array of acclaimed professional shows, world-class artists, and quality films making a Fox Theatre experience unlike any other. Recent artists the Fox has presented are Gregory Hines, Marvin Hamlisch, Dionne Warwick, Peking Acrobats, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Blues Traveler, Art Garfunkel, Jeff Foxworthy, Bob Newhart, Linda Ronstadt, Jeff Dunham, Blood, Sweat & Tears and many more.
A big thank you to sponsors: KWCH, Salt City Brewery, Waynes Printing, and Ad Astra Radio!
