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Los Angeles Conservancy, 523 W. 6th Street, Suite 826, Los Angeles, CA  90014
tel: 213-623-2489, fax: 213-623-3909
info@laconservancy.org

Broadway Initiative

Overview  •  How We Can Help  •  What's Up in the Historic Downtown  •  Broadway and the Historic Downtown

Broadway's Historic Theaters  •  Cultural Events in the Historic Downtown  •  Cultural Partnership Program  •  Million Dollar Theater  •  Los Angeles Theater  •  Orpheum Theater  •  Downtown Palace Theater

Design Guidelines  • Shop Broadway  • Housing Conversion Incentives  • Partners  • Action Plan  

 

               MILLION DOLLAR THEATRE
                             307 S. Broadway

new

Drenched in the Churrigueresque ornamentation common to 18th-century Mexican cathedrals, the Million Dollar Theater gives the impression of an elaborate house of worship. Thickly sculpted, oversized terra cotta medallions, swags, columns and a huge scalloped arch characterize the faηade. Where saints and cherubs would reign on churches, sit whimsical images of the Wild West, like Bison heads, Texas longhorn skulls, allegorical figures of the arts and a frolicking girl who dangles her leg over the doorway. Within, a dark richly carved coffered ceiling, magnificent and intricate organ grilles and dramatic proscenium engulf the auditorium and arouse awe.

 After some corrective renovation work, the theater will be available for live performance and entertainment, filming, weddings, business meetings, religious services, graduations, fashion shows and special events. Most recently occupied by a church, it incorporates some technical improvements, but has not been comprehensively renovated. Users will want the support of a rental technical package and creativity in adapting events to the space.

Performance Features:
· Seating capacity: 2,100 (Orchestra:1,200; Balcony: 900)
· Stage dimensions: 40' x 35'
· Film projection capabilities: 35 mm projector
· Dressing rooms: 6, located on 3 levels
· Parking available in a 500-space garage behind the theater and in lots across 3rd Street (approx. 200 spaces)

History: Impresario Sid Grauman's famed chain of movie theaters began with the operation of the Million Dollar, reputedly named for the combined value of its land, theatre and office building. Opened in 1918, Grauman offered movie-goers an innovation called the prologue-a live costumed stage review presented prior to the feature film. Often the prologues centered on a theme similar to the film or included live appearances by film stars, such as Gloria Swanson, Rudolph Valentino and the young Judy Garland. In the 40s, the live entertainment evolved to include famous jazz and big band acts such as Billie Holiday, Artie Shaw, and Lionel Hampton. As early as the 1950s, the Million Dollar became the first theater on Broadway to feature Spanish-language variety shows, including headline acts from Mexico City.

Direct Contact: Francine Lipsman, Yellin Company, 213-626-1893
 

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