Rodgers Theatre

204-224 N. Broadway Street,
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

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Rodgers Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Kerasotes Theatres, Rodgers Theatres

Architects: Hugo K. Graf

Functions: Concerts

Styles: Streamline Moderne

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 573.727.9066

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News About This Theater

Rodgers Theatre

The Rodgers Theatre is a great example of late-Art Moderne architecture.

It was built for I.W. Rodgers, who opened his first theatre in Poplar Bluff in 1914, eventually acquiring almost all of the theatres in town.

The Rodgers Theatre had 1,160 ‘Bodyform’ seats in its auditorium, a balcony, and a crying room, which had a soundproof glass window which allowed mothers to still view the movie.

Early advertisements for the Rodgers Theatre made much of the fact that it was air-conditioned and heated, and was hailed as the most modern theatre between Saint Louis and Memphis when it opened.

Its front doors were made of solid walnut, and the circular shaped main lobby contained leather benches and a concession stand. Staircases led up to the balcony and down to the restrooms.

Also as part of the Rodgers Building, there was a dime store on the main floor and offices above the theatre.

The Rodgers Theatre marquee was illuminated by neon lighting, and contained a tower with the name of the theatre in large red letters, as well as multicolored panels behind the tower.

The first film shown at the Rodgers Theatre when it opened in 1949 was “Red Canyon” with George Brent and Ann Blyth. Close to 2,000 people attended the opening day festivities, including the mayor of Pine Bluff, who cut the ribbon and purchased the first ticket.

In the ensuing years, the ticket booth was closed, and the theatre was divided into two screens on January 27, 1981. It had 712-seats in twin 1 (former orchestra) and 345-seats in twin 2 (former balcony).

The theatre was sold by the Rodgers family to the Kerasotes chain in 1966, which continued to operate the theatre until it was closed in 1999, due to the chain’s opening a new multiplex theatre nearby. On July 19, 2001 the Rogers Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

After closing the Rodgers Theatre, Kerasotes donated the theatre to Butler County. Since 2007, the Rodgers Theatre has hosted ocassional live concerts with proceeds going to the theatre’s ongoing restoration. County offices are now located in the former theatre office space on the second floor.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

Recent comments (view all 14 comments)

jennlynndesign
jennlynndesign on September 26, 2008 at 8:42 pm

The Rodgers Theater is currently open! They just had a re-opening concert featuring Lily Tomlin (Sept 19th, 2008).

They are listed as a 501(3)C Non-Profit. I am so exciting and honored to be the webmaster. I remember going to the Rodgers as a teen! I will post a link to the site when it is running!

jennlynndesign
jennlynndesign on January 6, 2009 at 2:56 pm

I am happy to post that we have a site up for the Rodgers!

http://historicrodgers.org

If you would like to register for News & Events:
View link

Don Lewis
Don Lewis on April 12, 2009 at 8:43 pm

A view from 1996 of the Rodgers here and here.

bodkin6071
bodkin6071 on May 3, 2009 at 6:24 pm

Picture from October 1985:
View link

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on January 18, 2010 at 10:18 pm

I like the 1954 photo on the theater website, which was posted on 1/6/09.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on February 2, 2010 at 7:23 pm

Nice looking marquee.

Trolleyguy
Trolleyguy on August 6, 2016 at 7:18 am

Website: http://rodgerstheatre.org/

rivest266
rivest266 on May 10, 2023 at 4:42 pm

The Rodgers opened on June 1st, 1949. Rodgers Theatre openingRodgers Theatre opening 31 May 1949, Tue Daily American Republic (Poplar Bluff, Missouri) Newspapers.com

Grand opening ad posted. Will post another ad for its twinning.

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