Colonial Theatre

Idaho Falls is home to a gem of historical and cultural significance: the Colonial Theatre. This iconic venue, originally opened in 1919, has seen a century's worth of transformations, from a grand stage for vaudeville acts to a bustling movie house, and finally back to its roots as a cherished performance space. Nestled within the Willard Arts Center, the Colonial Theatre stands as a testament to the enduring power of the arts and community spirit in Idaho Falls.

A Journey Through Time: The History of the Colonial Theatre

The story of the Colonial Theatre begins in the early 20th century, a time when Idaho Falls was eager to establish itself as a cultural hub. In 1919, three visionary local men—C.A. Spath, Dr. C.M. Cline, and S.K. Mittry—invested in the construction of a grand theater. With a budget of $175,000, they created a building of steel, reinforced concrete, and brick, adorned with an ivory-colored terracotta front. The result was a magnificent structure, billed as the largest theater in the Intermountain West.

The Colonial Theatre opened its doors on November 10, 1919, with a performance of the contemporary play John Ferguson by Irish playwright St. John Greer Ervine. The theater featured an orchestra pit, eight dressing rooms, and 1,400 leather-upholstered mahogany seats, including 600 seats in the balcony and four box seats. Its superb acoustics, designed before the invention of modern public address systems, made it a premier venue for live performances.

The Paramount Era: A Cinematic Transformation

In 1929, the Colonial Theatre was converted into a movie house and renamed the Paramount Theatre. The first film to grace its screen was Harold Lloyd's Welcome Danger. Over the decades, the Paramount Theatre became a beloved destination for moviegoers, with ushers donning costumes that matched the theme of the films being shown. However, by the 1980s, the theater had fallen into disrepair, and it finally closed its doors in 1990.

The Revival: Restoring the Colonial Theatre

The story of the Colonial Theatre could have ended there, but the community of Idaho Falls had other plans. In 1994, the theater's owners, Dick Clayton, Sr. and his son Steve Clayton, donated the building to the Idaho Falls Arts Council. This non-profit organization, formed in 1990, embarked on an ambitious campaign to restore the theater and its adjacent buildings.

The restoration project, known as the Phantom project, received a significant boost from an anonymous donor who pledged to match any donation up to $950,000. This donor, later revealed to be Miles Jamison Willard and Virginia Willard, played a crucial role in raising the $4.2 million needed for the renovation. In honor of their contributions, the renovated complex was named the Willard Arts Center.

Architectural Marvels Unearthed

During the renovation, workers uncovered several hidden architectural treasures. Original blueprints of the Colonial Theatre were discovered in a downstairs wall, aiding in the restoration process. A beautiful stained glass window, concealed above the marquee since a 1952 renovation, was brought to light. The removal of soggy carpet revealed black and white tiles running the length of the lobby, and the original 1919 Greek neoclassical border along the ceiling was meticulously restored.

On March 13, 1999, the Colonial Theatre reopened to the public with a performance by jazz legend Ray Charles. The theater, now a 988-seat venue, once again became a vibrant center for live performances, hosting between 16 and 18 events each year and attracting over 25,000 patrons annually by 2014.

The Colonial Theatre Today: A Cultural Beacon

Today, the Colonial Theatre stands as one of only four historic theaters remaining in Idaho, alongside The Egyptian Theatre in Boise, The Panida in Sandpoint, and The Virginia Theater in Shelley. It continues to be a beloved venue for a wide range of performances, from theater and dance to music and comedy.

Visitors to the Colonial Theatre can expect to be transported back in time as they step into its beautifully restored lobby and auditorium. The theater's rich history and architectural splendor provide a unique backdrop for every performance, making each visit a memorable experience.

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Idaho Falls, a trip to the Colonial Theatre is a must. Its storied past, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural offerings make it a true treasure of the community. Come and experience the magic of the Colonial Theatre, where history and the arts come together to create unforgettable moments.