The Art Moderne Murray Theatre reopens thanks to community support and a commitment from Murray City and Salt Lake County
Murray Theatre Revived
The Murray Theatre on State Street has long been a community landmark, and it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It opened in 1938 with the ultimate in technological advances: microphonic sound, fluorescent lighting, and air conditioning. Its design is Art Moderne, a form preceded and influenced by Art Deco that incorporates sleekness and speed and is also called Streamlined for its smooth rounded forms, simplicity, and functionality.
After years of hard use and renovations that sacrificed the building’s original integrity, the City of Murray purchased the theater in 2015, and set about returning it to its original beauty based on photographs and memories with technological upgrades to ensure its role in future community life. CRSA, an architectural firm who has a history of local architectural preservation, and Judd Construction executed the update.
The marquee, restored to its original colors, announces events, including a number of upcoming holiday performances this season.
The red and white colors are original. The restored concession stand features the rounded and horizontal forms typical of Art Moderne. Staff at the theater guided the candy selection. At the time it first opened, the theater touted its spacious rest rooms. The clock is the same one that has always been in the theater. My parents were in high school and dated when Murray Theatre opened, and they lived nearby. When making the photos I was tickled to think that they may have looked up to the same clock.
Murray City and Salt Lake County Tourism, Recreation, Culture, and Convention grant funding funded the $3.7-million improvements. It now seats 333 with upholstered seats and cup holders. The indirect lighting was cutting-edge at the time, using fluorescent tubes.
The stage improvements presented some challenges. During the dismantling, the team discovered an open water source beneath it. The low ceiling necessitated installing a tension grid (fixed catwalk), and footprint restrictions required the dressing rooms and green rooms to be built underground. There is an orchestra pit with an elevator.
The dancing cartoon cats on the screen date back to 1938 are duplicated by the theater’s updated electronics and laser projection. The sound system similarly uses the most recent technologies. While I think of just films, the Murray Theatre has hosted concerts, including Adele in 2009, plays, and magic shows. Plans for the future include live concerts, theatrical productions, film nights, community events like speakers, cultural showcases and holiday events, and private rentals.
It should be an important gathering point for the community and make for many more memories.
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