State Theatre-MI Kalamazoo Tickets

State Theater Kalamazoo

The State Theater in Kalamazoo is a well loved place with such an appeal to the citizens of Kalamazoo that its revival was never in doubt. First opened in 1927 the State Theater sprang from the architectural genius of John Eberson. It’s hard to miss the influence of the art deco style of the period and the State Theater still carries that appeal. High ceilings, ornate walls and an impressive lobby speak of days gone by.

In the early years the seats of the State Theater were always filled with audiences enjoying vaudeville acts, opera, first run Hollywood movies, and dance reviews. After many long years of use, the State Theater was in need of a touchup, which began in 1964. Tragically, this meant the replacement of the original exterior sign with the current marquee, but the renovations did give the theater a new lease on life, continuing operations until 1982.

In 1985 the community came to the rescue, salvaging this important part of Kalamazoo’s heritage. After all, most of the population of the city had been in the seats of the State Theater at one time or another. As restoration and preservation progressed, the State Theater began a new era as a vital part of the life of Kalamazoo.