I chose the fox theater because my mom would take me there all the time when i was a kid. I remember seeing the Phantom of the Opera and The Nutcracker plenty of times. I would love to go back and see plays, musicals, and opera’s soon.
In 1928, the Fox was originally the home for Atlanta’s Shriners organization. To create a headquarters for the group’s social status, the Shriners looked to the ancient temples of the Far East to inspire a mosque style structure. The design was so expensive, it became more of a financial burden than the Shriners could bear. Before it was completed, the Shriners leased their beautiful auditorium to William Fox. The Fox opened on Christmas Day in 1929 to a sold-out crowd, premiering Steamboat Willie, Disney’s first cartoon starring Mickey Mouse.
The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premiere venues for live entertainment. The Fox’s 4,678 seat theatre hosts more than 150 performances like Broadway, rock, comedy and movies. In 2009, Billboard Magazine ranked the Fox Theatre in Atlanta as “The #1 non-residency venue worldwide for the decade.” In addition to our world famous theatre, the spectacular ballrooms have hosted everything from Sweet 16’s to weddings and corporate events.
The auditorium replicates an Arabian courtyard complete with a night sky of 96 embedded crystal “stars” , 1/3 flicker, and a projection of clouds that slowly drift across the “sky.” A longstanding rumor that one of the stars was a piece of a Coca-Cola bottle was confirmed in June 2010 when two members of the theater’s restoration staff conducted a search from within the attic above the auditorium ceiling.
The Egyptian Ballroom is designed after a temple for Ramses II at Karnak while the mezzanine Ladies Lounge features a replica of the throne chair of King Tut and makeup tables that feature tiny Sphinxes. The Islamic sections feature a number of ablution fountains, which are currently kept dry. Throughout the Fox there is extensive use of trompe l’oeil; “wooden” beams are actually plaster, paint that appears gold leaf is not, areas are painted and lit to appear to receive outside lighting, ornate fireplaces were never designed to have working chimneys, and what appears to be a giant Bedouin canopy in the auditorium is plaster and steel rods designed to help funnel sound to the farthest balcony.
In conclusion, since the “Save The Fox” campaign, the Fox has become a destination for audiences, historians and tourists come to the renowned theatre to see the theater. Now mainly ,for a huge variety of big events, the “Fabulous Fox” has truly become a legend in its own right, showcasing unforgettable performances by everyone and playing host to countless Broadway shows, including the world premiere of The Phantom of the Opera’s touring production. The theatre’s lavish ballrooms, lounges and outdoor terraces are perpetually in high demand for weddings and special events taking place in Atlanta.
“Fox Theatre (Atlanta).” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, February 26, 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fox_Theatre_(Atlanta)&oldid=707009037.