The Granada Theatre is a theatre located in Emporia, Kansas, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and was designed by the Boller Brothers.
History
The Granada Theatre was constructed in 1929 at a cost of $350,000 ($ in dollars). The theatre was dedicated on October 3, 1929, in a speech by “The Sage of Emporia,” William Allen White. During its early years, the theatre attracted many famous performers. In addition to screening movies, it was used for everything from beauty contests to traveling vaudeville acts. It was leased for many years to the Fox Corporation and became known as the Fox Theatre.
Architect Robert O. Boller, of Boller Brothers, Architects, designed the Granada Theatre. Boller Brothers were nationally known theatre designers with offices in Kansas City and Los Angeles.
Like many grand old movie palaces of its era, the Granada's popularity declined during the 1960s and 70s. During this period, the building suffered from neglect and damage resulting from a leaking roof. It was closed in 1982. In April 1985, the theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, but, it was not until demolition threatened the building in 1994 that a group of citizens rallied to save the theatre.
In cooperation with the Kansas Preservation Alliance, the Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance was formed and acquired the building, saving it from destruction. Since then, the Alliance members and numerous volunteers have spent countless hours stabilizing and renovating the outside of the building and preparing for the interior phase of the project. Working cooperatively with other local arts, cultural and tourism organizations, the Alliance has developed a plan to make the Granada Theatre a keystone facility – a place that builds community.
Board of directors
When the Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance bought the Granada Theatre in 1994, they set up a Board of Directors to oversee everything done at the theatre. They raised money for renovating the theatre, as well. The Director of the Granada Theatre, Brian Williams, also reports to them.
Executive Members:
Kristi Henrikson-Mohn, President
Gary Andrews, Vice-President
Harry Stephens, Past-President
Janis Meyer, Treasurer
Mary Sue Wade, Secretary
Sarah Harbaugh, Executive at Large
Brad Harzman, Executive at Large
Full Board Membership:
Sue Blechl
Scott Bolley
Dr. William H. Clamurro
Tyler Curtis
Mary Downing
Staci Hammon
Rachel LeClear
Roy Mann
Janet Miley
Janelle North
Paula Sauder
Dave Stormont
Beth Thomas
Tom Thompson
Marge Trayer
Jan Traylor
Mike TurnBull
Norma Watson
Notable performances
Joseph Hall, Top 10 finalist of America's Got Talent (season 3) Oak Ridge Boys The Bellamy Brothers Kelley Hunt Granger Smith (a.k.a. Earl Dibbles, Jr.) Juice Newton & Exile Joe Diffie Marty Stuart & the Fabulous Superlatives Lorrie Morgan Kansas Wynonna Judd Lita Ford