Uptown Theater

120 E. Main Street,
Grand Prairie, TX 75053

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Uptown Theater (Official)

Additional Info

Firms: Killis Almond & Associates

Functions: Concerts, Live Performances, Live Theater, Special Events

Styles: Streamline Moderne

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 972.237.8409

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News About This Theater

Uptown Theater© Grand Prairie TX Don Lewis

The Uptown, which originally opened on March 17, 1950 with 1,100 seats, is situated on Main Street in the old downtown section of Grand Prairie. You can’t miss if drive this area. It has a huge red and white vertical sign spelling out “Uptown”.

After closing as a movie house, the theater served for periods of time as a church. In November, 2008, the Uptown Theater reopened after a renovation and restoration project that began in May 2007 after the City of Grand Prairie purchased the theater building in 2005.

The Uptown Theater hosts live performances, including concerts, live theater and dance. It is also the home of the Grand Prairie Arts Council.

Contributed by Don Lewis, Cinema Treasures

Recent comments (view all 11 comments)

Don Lewis
Don Lewis on March 5, 2007 at 11:47 pm

2004??….so much for the renovation.

Also there was a “TEXAN” theater in Grand Prairie, but I don’t know of a “TEXAS” theater having been there.

Here is a rare image of TEXAN.
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/343670367

drivein2001
drivein2001 on June 28, 2007 at 3:57 am

Went by this Theatre about a Month ago. I was told that the City of Grand Prairie has either taken it over or bought it. It will be renovated into a Live Theatre type venue. Hopefully, they’ll keep the Marquee intact! I’m Glad to see at least, something is being done to save it instead of Demolishing it!!
Way to GO Grand Prairie!! I took a few photos of this theatre just before the City blocked off the Entrance of the Theatre with Plywood. To view them, click here:.. View link

Randy A. Carlisle
“Preserving AMERICAs History Thru Photography”

Elspethm99
Elspethm99 on August 13, 2007 at 10:29 pm

The Uptown Theater is coming alive again as a multi-use performing arts center. See press release below:

NEWS RELEASE AUGUST 13, 2007

CONTACT: Elspeth McDonald 972-237-8409

CITY CELEBRATES UPTOWN THEATER RESTORATION WITH STREET PARTY

People will be dancing in the streets from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, at a free block party in Grand Prairie when the city celebrates completing the exterior restoration of the Uptown Theater, located at 126 East Main Street.
The Uptown Theater originally opened in 1950 as a movie theater. In 2005 the City of Grand Prairie purchased the theater and two adjoining buildings to create a multi-use performing arts center. In addition to being the home for the Grand Prairie Arts Council (GPAC) productions, the City of Grand Prairie will present a series of performances featuring regional and national touring productions.
“Lights, Camera, UPTOWN: A Marquee Celebration” will feature free entertainment throughout the evening from local performance groups including Children of the Strings Orchestra, Amandaâ€\s Dance, and a theatrical presentation from GPAC. Food and beverages will be offered for sale by local restaurants. Free face painting â€" with entertainment themes â€" will be available for kids of all ages.
After dark a brief program will culminate in the lighting of the new digital marquee and the restored pink and green neon. Grand Prairie favorites The Fugitives will perform immediately after the lighting ceremony.
Join the City of Grand Prairie in celebrating this important milestone in the rebirth of the historic Uptown Theater. The street party will be a peek into what the future holds for this important artistic landmark.
For more information please contact Elspeth McDonald, Managing Director of the Uptown Theater at 972-237-8409 or

#

Elspethm99
Elspethm99 on September 5, 2007 at 6:51 pm

It looks like there will be about 400 seats once the restoration is complete.

Don Lewis
Don Lewis on April 16, 2008 at 10:08 pm

A 1986 view of the Uptown Theater here and here showing a double feature, “Violets are Blue” with Sissy Spacek and Kevin Kline along with “Knights of the City” with Leon Kennedy and Nicholas Campbell.

kpdennis
kpdennis on March 19, 2017 at 11:36 pm

Stayed in Grand Prairie and saw the very cool Uptown at night – impressive marquee lighting! Unfortunately I had no camera, but drove by the next morning and got some pictures. New pics on the Photos page.

L. Jean
L. Jean on March 22, 2018 at 3:06 am

1983 news story about the movie theatre restoration! https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc974683/

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on April 4, 2020 at 7:52 am

The Uptown’s web site says the house opened on March 17, 1950.

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