Modesto’s State Theatre plays host to 80 years of memories

While this may be the age of mega-cineplexes, IMAX offerings and 3D motion-seating, the decidedly old-school appeal of the State Theatre continues to charm and attract audiences.

The downtown Modesto theater will throw itself an 80th birthday party next weekend. Things kick off Saturday with a concert featuring Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. Then on May 31, the festivities continue with a screening of the 1934 classic “The Thin Man,” complete with birthday cake.

The State’s executive director, Sue Richardson, said the theater’s survival and success over the past eight decades have not come without struggle and strife. Still, the State has proven its staying power as the only one of the city’s “Golden Era” movie houses from the 1920s to ’40s to remain standing. Today, the single-screen, 550-seat venue keeps busy by offering a mix of classic, independent and mainstream films and hosting live shows, concerts, community events and more.

“It’s an amazing accomplishment,” Richardson said. “The trend nationally is to take down these old movie palaces; the lucky few get renovated or restored. Modesto’s historic State is among the lucky few and I do think people in our region appreciate that. This place really is a rare gem. And thanks to the present board of directors, I see it being around another 80.”

The State Theatre’s doors first swung open Christmas Day 1934. Unlike the other Modesto movie houses of the period like The Strand, The Lyric and The Covell, the State’s remain open. Over the years, the theater has gone through many different formats and owners. In 1992, after spending more than a decade as a Spanish-language theater, the venue closed. But then in 1994, it was reopened and reestablished by the nonprofit Downtown Arts Project. The group ran the venue until 2005, when another nonprofit, the State Theatre of Modesto Inc., took over.

The new board oversaw a $2 million renovation that included a new facade, lobby redesign and restoration of the signature greyhound and gazelle murals. Since then, the theater has continued to upgrade with a new surround-sound system, all-digital projection and updated marquee.

“The theater is impeccably maintained – the old gal lacks for nothing – but the ultimate goal is always the theater’s long-term sustainability and this board is outstanding in their quest to assure that,” said Richardson, who came on to manage the theater in 2007.

Besides its regular film screenings, the State also is home to annual community events such as the Modesto Area Music Association Awards and The Ill List Poetry Slam Invitational. In the past year, it also has brought in live music from Elvin Bishop to John Corbett and Robben Ford, who has a show on Friday.

In recent years, some of the theater’s most popular events have been elaborate themed parties for films such as “The Artist,” “The Great Gatsby” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Guests are encouraged to dress in costume and the lobby is decorated based on the era with a selection of free refreshments. The theater also pours its own line of specialty cocktails and offers an extensive beer and wine selection.

The Modesto Film Society, which started as an independent classic movie group and has since become part of the theater, also has embraced themed screenings for its events. Modesto Film Society co-founder Randy Siefkin said the collaboration has been “absolutely incredible” for both parties.

“Classic films belong in a classic film environment and that’s what the State provides,” Siefkin said. “I find a number of people who come into the theater have been there before – but in the ’40s, ’50s or ’60s. They have memories of seeing specific films there. And being there again, it rekindles that interest.”

The theater will call on such theme party and film expertise for its 80th birthday celebrations. Richardson said she picked Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers because of the group’s regional popularity and period appeal. The Bay Area outfit specializes in a bluesy jazz repertoire from another era.

“She seemed perfect for a party celebrating the 80th birthday of a historic theater. She’s an incredible talent and entertainer ... but she’s also sultry and vampy, which is just what we wanted for a jazz club from the ’30s sort of vibe,” Richardson said.

Then on Sunday, the theater will screen the black-and-white 1934 comedic mystery “The Thin Man.” The classic was released in the State’s inaugural year and spawned a series of sequels featuring the duo of William Powell and Myrna Loy.

“What we want our guests to take away (from the birthday celebration) is a fond memory that will endure for years to come,” Richardson said. “That’s what The State represents to me – a place where memories are made that you fondly call up years later.”

This story was originally published May 22, 2015 at 12:37 PM with the headline "Modesto’s State Theatre plays host to 80 years of memories."