Local theaters have provided a stage for community talent to shine, offering both residents and visitors a front-row seat to vibrant performances that enrich our local culture. The theaters of Manatee and Sarasota counties tell a story of entertainment, architectural beauty, and cultural change. These historic venues were more than just places to watch movies or performances—they were community landmarks, hosting world-class performers, iconic films, and, at times, even controversy. Let’s take a closer look at some of these theaters that left an indelible mark on the region.
The Warren Opera House was advertised as the finest theatrical building of the West Coast of Florida. Located on Main Street in downtown Bradenton, the brick building was considered fireproof even though the light fixtures inside were run with gas. There was enough seating for 700 people. The building housed the First National Bank of Bradenton and the city’s first telephone switchboard.
The Olympia Theatre, located at 512 10th Ave W in Palmetto, holds the distinction of being the first movie theater on Florida’s west coast. Though it closed in 1956, it later found new life as various restaurants until 2009, when it was restored as the Olympia Performing Arts Center. Unfortunately, this revitalization was short-lived, as the center closed in 2011.
The Wallace Theater, built by George B. Wallace and located at the southeast corner of 14th Street West and Manatee Avenue, was a vibrant cultural hub when it opened in 1917. Originally a silent movie theater, it closed shortly after the Great Depression but found new life as a vaudeville venue in 1933, and later as a temporary clubhouse in 1938. After significant renovations, it reopened as the State Theatre in 1941, showing popular films like "South to Karanga" and "Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe". Operated by Paramount Pictures, the theater remained a key entertainment venue until a devastating fire in 1953. Despite its eventual demise, the Wallace Theater played a pivotal role in shaping Manatee’s entertainment landscape.
The Capri Theatre has perhaps one of the most intriguing histories. Originally opening as the Palace Theatre at 522 13th Street West in 1924, it was remodeled in the mid-1960s, embracing the styles and trends of that time. In 1972, however, the theater shifted gears, becoming an adult film venue, a controversial decision that culminated in a police raid and the theater’s closure in 1975. Though its end was far from glamorous, the Capri Theatre remains an important piece of local history, reflecting the societal changes of the time.
Designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, the Edwards Theater, later renamed the Florida Theater, was a grand space built to accommodate a wide range of entertainment—from silent films to vaudeville performances. Located in downtown Sarasota it seated 1,500 and was one of the largest theaters of its kind. Over the years, legends such as Will Rogers, Elvis Presley, and the Ziegfeld Follies graced its stage. The world premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s "The Greatest Show on Earth" in 1952 was one of the venue's most star-studded events.
The Florida Theater closed in 1973 but was revived when the Sarasota Opera Association purchased and renovated it. After undergoing extensive repairs, it reopened in 1993 as an opera house, continuing its tradition of offering high-caliber performances. By 2008, further renovations enhanced the building’s functionality, ensuring that it remains a cultural hub in Sarasota today.
Each of these theaters has a unique story to tell, from glittering premieres to eventual closures. Together, they are a testament of the evolving entertainment culture in Manatee and Sarasota counties, reflecting the artistic and societal trends of their times. These historic venues may no longer operate in their original forms, but their legacies endure in the collective memory of the region’s residents and through the efforts of preservationists.
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Cat L
My understanding is that for a period of time, the little alien guy on the corner of the Opera House was missing, and then later found in storage. I don't know the details, but I love that it was restored to its original spot.
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