Ever wondered what it’s like to step back in time and experience the golden age of theater? The Fitzgerald Theater stands before us. It is a monument to entertainment history. Let me tell you its story.
Originally known as the Sam S. Shubert Theater, the Fitzgerald Theater opened its doors in 1910. Lee and J.J. Shubert built it in memory of their brother Sam. They wanted to create a splendid theater. The Fitzgerald Theater was modeled after Maxine Elliot’s Theatre in New York City.
The architectural firm of Marshall and Fox designed both theaters. The Fitzgerald Theater’s facade boasts a Beaux-Arts style. Notice the sandstone exterior. See the sets of columns and pediments above the main entry.
Inside, the Fitzgerald Theater was just as impressive. It was reminiscent of opera houses. Imagine the burgundy seats filled with nearly 1,000 eager patrons. Picture eight boxes curving toward the stage. Gilded plasterwork adorned the space. The stage curtain was made of the finest velvet.
The proscenium arch stands 30 feet high and stretches 40 feet wide. Backstage, actors prepared in five dressing rooms. One dressing room has a special piece of history. John Barrymore signed a wall in the 1920s.
But the Fitzgerald Theater’s story doesn’t end there. In 1933, it transformed into the World Theater. It became a movie house. The World Theater screened foreign films. Later, it showed first and second-run features.
In 1980, Minnesota Public Radio purchased the space. A significant restoration occurred in 1986. The Fitzgerald Theater returned to its former glory. It became the home of “A Prairie Home Companion”. Garrison Keillor’s popular radio show broadcast live from here. A Wurlitzer organ was added. It once resided in the Texas Theater in San Antonio.
In 1994, the theater received its current name. It was renamed in honor of St. Paul native F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Fitzgerald Theater has hosted many events over the years. These include Broadway shows, concerts, and lectures.
The Fitzgerald Theater even played a role in a major film. In 2005, Robert Altman filmed “A Prairie Home Companion” here. The film crew considered other theaters. The Fitzgerald was ultimately perfect for the movie’s needs.
On November 4, 2002, the Fitzgerald Theater hosted a memorable event. It was an election-eve debate between Senate candidates Norm Coleman and Walter Mondale. Gary Eichten and Paul Magers moderated the debate. The tension was high. Mondale had stepped in after the death of Paul Wellstone.
In March 2019, First Avenue purchased the Fitzgerald Theater. The Fitzgerald Theater remains the oldest surviving theater in St. Paul. It continues to be a vibrant part of the city’s cultural landscape. As we stand here, we can almost hear the echoes of past performances. The Fitzgerald Theater is more than just a building. It’s a living piece of history.