Our community spotlight is another yet another classic old theatre in downtown Medford.
The Holly Theatre first opened its doors in 1930, during the Great Depression. Designed by renowned architect Frank C. Clark in a Spanish Colonial Revival style, it was the first grand movie palace in Southern Oregon built for “talking pictures”
It had an original capacity of 1,200 seats. It could accommodate one-tenth of Medford’s population at the time.
The theater served as a premier venue for decades, hosting both movies and live performances.
Like many single-screen theaters, it struggled to compete with modern multiplexes and closed its doors in 1986.
After years sitting vacant, the JPR Foundation purchased the building in 2011 and began the restoration project.
The reopening of the Holly Theatre is expected to revitalize its role as a major hub for arts and live entertainment in Medford’s downtown.
On March 13 the grand opening celebration will take place and will be headlined by The Piano Guys. This renowned group has achieved remarkable success since their 2011 debut. They have over two billion global streams of their music.
The second night celebration on the 14th features Jim Belushi and The Sacred Hearts. Belushi, an honorary Holly Theatre co-chair, is returning to the venue after performing at a benefit concert for its restoration nearly a decade ago. Local band Duke Street will open the show, which begins at 7:30 p.m.
Holly Theatre members will have early access to online ticket sales starting on February 19, with general public sales opening on Wednesday the 26th.