How Far Is the Neptune Theater From the Seattle Art Museum

The Neptune, 1946 - Courtesy of Museum of History and Industry

The Neptune Theatre was the vision of brother and sisters – Dr. Earl Roy Fried, Bertha Foote and Nettie Fries and has remained under the ownership of their descendants. Designed by builder, Henderson Ryan, it was first leased by the Puritan Theatre Company.

The Neptune'southward Interior, 1929 - Courtesy of Museum of History and Industry

Seattle's Newest Photoplay Palace

The U-Neptune Theatre was a magnificent playhouse located in the University District when it opened in 1921. The only survivor of five neighborhood theaters built during the silent flick era, it was a modern-day theater with seating for approximately i,000 patrons on the main floor and balcony. Designed for the all-time motion pic entertainment, it contained a short stage for occasional live performances. The theatre building had offices located on the second floor.

The U-Neptune Theatre had a successful opening on November 16, 1921. The Seattle Times heralded it as the "... newest photoplay palace and the finest suburban theatre in this function of the country." The theatre'due south artistic taupe and blue nautical décor depicted many ocean scenes reflecting its namesake, King Neptune. The auditorium independent the largest Kimball Theater Pipage Organ on the Pacific Coast (removed in 1943) along with the nigh modernistic moving picture project equipment, heating, ventilation and lighting.

The Neptune's Marquee, 1946 - Courtesy of Museum of History and Industry

Theatre Modifications Reverberate its Many Lessees

Throughout the Neptune's 100-year history its interior mural changed with the ebb and menses of its many lessees. Likewise, the marquee had endured several changes over its many decades. An interior redesign was completed in the late 20'southward. Familiar management names like Puritan Theatres, Jensen-Von Herberg Theatres, Evergreen State Entertainment Corp., Sterling Theatres, Landmark Theatres and its current lessee, the Seattle Theatre Grouping®, all had a significant bear on on the venerable old movie house. It remains an example of the archetype suburban theatre architecture from a bygone era.

Photo Courtesy of Christopher Nelson

The Neptune Readies for Live Performances

In February 2011, the Seattle Theatre Group® began the arduous procedure of transforming the Neptune Theatre from a single screen movie house into a performing arts destination supporting musical and comedy performances, lectures, movie house, and community-based programming. The 7-calendar month renovation included upgrading the backstage expanse, exposing the original stage and proscenium, calculation state of the art lighting and sound, motorized movie screen, a safe sprinkler system, improved patron civilities such as seating, restroom upgrades and drinkable service. This was accomplished while maintaining the historic architectural integrity of the theatre.

On September 25, 2011 the newly renovated Neptune Theatre opened to the public featuring local musician Mark Lanegan. In accolade of the theatre'southward history of showing the Rocky Horror Motion-picture show Show, this was also screened on opening and is at present shown annually. The 1st film shown was the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The opening celebration consisted of over forty events with a week of free customs centered engagements.

In 2018, STG launched a entrada to replace the 70-year-sometime Neptune marquee with a historically-accurate digital replica of the original blueprint associated with the 1921 theatre opening. The aged marquee had outdated electric outlets, and the underbelly was rusted. Furthermore, the traffic on 45th Street compromised the safety of employees who were charged with changing the marquee letters at a frightening proximity to the busy thoroughfare. Bank check out the Rex 5 news story here.

Photo Courtesy of Christopher Nelson

The Neptune Today

The Seattle Theatre Group® continues its tradition of presenting fresh, new, local, national and international performing artists. Programming includes concerts with a broad spectrum of musical genres, contained film, comedy, lecturers, Fine Arts performances, education and customs programs and many free public events.

A complete history of the Neptune Theatre can be constitute in Seattle Theatre Group®'south Archive and Gallery, located on the 4th floor of the Paramount Theatre Tower at 911 Pino Street in Seattle, open up Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to three pm.

Submitted by Lynn Thrasher, STG Historian

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Source: https://www.stgpresents.org/theatres/history/neptune

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