Broadway Theatre (Closed)
Yreka , CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Broadway Theatre in Yreka has a straightforward elegance that fits its downtown surroundings. No giant dome or elaborate tower needed here. The entrance and marquee supplied enough movie-house character to let passersby know where the evening’s entertainment could be found.
The theatre opened on June 19, 1930, with Al Jolson in Mammy. Its original interior featured Moorish styling, bringing a little movie-palace atmosphere to this Northern California town.
UPDATE: The Broadway closed in 2012 and is no longer showing first-run movies. Another small-town cinema whose regular coming attractions have stopped, although photographs preserve its place in Yreka’s downtown scenery. 10-26
Fox Oakland
Oakland, CA Photo courtesy Kallisti
Welcome to the Fox Oakland Theatre, where the towering sign and glowing marquee make quite an entrance before the show even begins. This is the kind of downtown landmark that rewards a second look, especially after dark when the lettering lights up Telegraph Avenue. Even without a ticket, there’s something to admire out front.
The Fox opened on October 27, 1928, with movies, music, and live entertainment beneath an elaborate interior blending Indian, Moorish, and other exotic influences. Opening audiences saw The Air Circus, accompanied by a stage revue and music from Hermie King’s band. Apparently, simply putting a movie on the screen wasn’t enough for this grand opening.
Fox Theatre Entrance
Oakland, CA Photo courtesy Kallisti
Inside, the ornate surroundings gave patrons plenty to look at between performances. Outside, the big vertical sign announced the theatre to passing traffic. Together, they made the Fox a destination that could put on a show before the opening credits.
Its fortunes faded, and regular movie operations ended in 1968. Years of neglect followed, but the building escaped demolition. The restored marquee was relit in late 2001, giving Oakland an encouraging glimpse of what might return. The lights were back before the audiences, but it was a promising start.
Fox Oakland Marquee
Oakland, CA Photo courtesy Kallisti
UPDATE: The Fox Theatre in Oakland, CA is set to open its doors again on February 5. This historic theatre which has been closed since 1970 will host an opening night gala followed by various music actsthroughout the month. According to the San Jose Mercury News, the Fox Theatre which opened in 1928 was once one of the areas fine movie palaces but fell on hard times in the 1960's. The Fox became an Oakland city landmark in 1978 then was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. 01-09
UPDATE: Following a $75 million restoration, the Fox reopened on February 5, 2009. It remains an active concert venue operated by Another Planet Entertainment. The crowds are back beneath the ornate ceiling, and the familiar neon welcomes another evening’s audience. Quite a comeback for a movie palace that spent decades waiting for its next act. 10-26
Fairfax Theatre (Closed)
Oakland, CA Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Check out the old Fairfax Theatre in Oakland. This sprawling former movie house has the kind of facade that makes a passerby wonder what opening night must have looked like. Once upon a time, this was a neighborhood destination for a ticket, some popcorn, and an evening beneath the big screen.
Designed by the Reid Brothers, the Spanish-style theatre opened in June 1926 with nearly 1,500 seats. The Fairfax switched to Spanish-language films around 1969, but its cinema days were nearing their final reel.
UPDATE: The Fairfax closed as a movie theatre in 1972 and later became a church. The old building survived the change, leaving a substantial reminder of the days when Oakland’s neighborhood theatres drew the evening crowds. 10-26
Noyo Theatre
Willits, CA Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Just off the main drag in Willits, the Noyo
Theatre gives moviegoers a little Deco welcome. Its modest facade doesn’t shout quite as loudly as some of California’s grand movie palaces, but the marquee makes the purpose of this old building clear enough. Here’s a place where the evening still comes with a movie ticket.
Built by Redwood Theatres, the Noyo opened in May 1940 with John Wayne and Claire Trevor in Dark Command. Originally a single-screen house, it later gained two smaller auditoriums during a renovation that brought it back into business in January 1997.
The theatre has weathered plenty along the way, including a 1976 arson fire. Fortunately, that wasn’t the end of its run.
UPDATE: The Noyo remains open under Jim Devine and Michelle Hutchins, who purchased it in 2024. Their “Noyo’s Next Stage” project is raising money for a stage, lighting, and sound equipment to bring more live performances into the old movie house. Looks like another act is taking shape beneath the familiar marquee. 10-26
Curran Theatre
San Francisco, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The lights outside the Curran Theatre give San Francisco’s Theatre District a familiar evening glow. Here’s a marquee that has welcomed generations of audiences, with the promise of a big production waiting beyond the doors. The sidewalk gets its own little preview before the curtain goes up.
Built in 1922 and named for showman Homer Curran, the theatre became a longtime stop for major stage productions. The Phantom of the Opera was one of its memorable attractions, while Wicked made its world premiere here in 2003 before heading to Broadway. Not bad company for an old theatre on Geary Street.
UPDATE: The Curran remains open for live theatre, and there’s an unexpected new name behind the scenes. The San Francisco Giants purchased the building in 2026, with BroadwaySF continuing to operate the venue. Baseball owners, Broadway productions, and an old theatre marquee. Quite a lineup. 10-26
State Theatre
Woodland, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Check out the tall sign at the State Theatre in downtown Woodland. The illuminated tower gives Main Street a familiar movie-house landmark, recalling the days when the marquee was a regular stop to see what was playing. Fortunately, this one has another chapter beyond its original single-screen days.
The State opened in 1936 and expanded to three screens in 1977. After decades of entertaining local moviegoers, it closed in 2010. For a while, the old theatre’s future looked considerably dimmer than its sign.
UPDATE: The State reopened on June 28, 2017, as a ten-screen movie theatre and remains in business. 10-26
Broadway Theatre (Closed)
Fairfax Theatre (Closed)
Curran Theatre
State Theatre
