The Joy Theater, named after owner Joy Houck, is a theater and historic landmark built in 1947 on Canal Street in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. Renovations in 2011 transformed the former movie palace into a multi-purpose theater for live music, stand-up comedy, private functions, and corporate events. The theater's iconic marquee sign was restored, as was the building's original art deco architecture.[1][2]
 The Joy Theater, in downtown New Orleans, opening day, Feb. 7, 1947. | |
 | |
| Location | 1200 Canal Street New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 29°57′23″N 90°04′26″W / 29.956403°N 90.074008°W |
| Type | Indoor theater |
| Seating type | Orchestra, balcony |
| Capacity | 1,200 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1947 |
| Renovated | 2011 |
History
editOn February 7, 1947, the Joy Theater opened at a cost of $275,000, with seats for 1,250 patrons. Hailed as "New Orleans' newest and most modern film temple,"[2] the theater was equipped with a crying room, a glass-enclosed area behind the back row that enabled parents with young children to enjoy the show without disturbing the other patrons.[3][4] The Joy was built by long-time theater operators Joy Houck (the theater's namesake) and Levere Montgomery, Sr. The architect was B. W. Stevens. Lover Come Back, starring Lucille Ball, was the opening feature.[4]
In 2003, "finally succumbing to the competition from megaplexes with stadium-style seating and a dozen or more screens," the Joy Theater closed.[2]
In August 2005, the flood following Hurricane Katrina inundated the structure.[4]
The Joy reopened in December 2011.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Joy Theatre Has New Owners, Renovation Plans – New Orleans City Business Archived 2011-09-14 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c Joy Theatre in Downtown New Orleans has Happier Days Ahead – Times Picayune
- ^ Canal Street: New Orleans’ Great Wide Way – Pelican Publishing
- ^ a b c No More Joy: The Rise and Fall of New Orleans Movie Theaters – Rock Productions Archived 2012-04-25 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "About the Joy Theater | New Orleans Theatre". Archived from the original on 2012-04-29. Retrieved 2012-05-01.
External links
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