Okla Theatre
18 E. Choctaw Avenue,
McAlester,
OK
74501
18 E. Choctaw Avenue,
McAlester,
OK
74501
2 people
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I’ve managed to scrape together fragments of search results indicating that the Palace Theatre was built in 1910 by a Samuel O. Small, and opened as the Majestic Theatre. Although the pages the search results reference are infuriatingly unavailable, the 1914-1915 American Motion Picture Directory does list the Majestic Theatre at 18-20 E. Choctaw Avenue in McAlester, so the place did exist.
The reason why it originally closed on September 4, 1989 is because of declining ticket sales. I was trying to find the last film that closed the Okla, but I cannot find it at all. Maybe Dallas will help me figure it out.
However, I can confirm is that in 1990, the Okla Theatre was bought by Kiamichi Actors Studio Theatre Incorporated, a local performing arts group. KAST intended to restore the theater, but was unable to raise the funds and surrendered the deed to the bank. It was then purchased from the bank by the Ardeneum of Oklahoma Charitable and Educational Foundation Incorporated.
Renovating with an announced reopening in 2026.
Grand opening ad:
Okla theatre reopening 09 Jul 1931, Thu The M'Alester News-Capital (McAlester, Oklahoma) Newspapers.com
The Okla is not open yet as a theater however the gift shop is open 3 days a week with free tours.
This theater isn’t open.
I recently photographed the OKLA Theatre. Check out some photographs and a blog post on the theater here
Pic of front of theater added to Photo Section
Chuck, thanks for clarifying the theatre’s previous names. CT doesn’t list the alternate name PALACE for this hall. The Wurlitzer pipe organ factory records indicate their opus 1338, a tiny 2 manual, 4 rank (Style B) organ was installed in the Palace Theatre, McAlester, OK, in 1926.
From 2010 a photo of the Okla Theatre in McAlester.
http://www.roadsideoklahoma.com/node/440
Here it is in 2010:
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And a detail shot of one of the letters in the neon sign:
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Concession stand 2004 shot of the Okla Theatre. Modern dropped ceiling hid Art Deco detailing and the encirling mazzanine.
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1952 view …
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Some recent photos I have taken:
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what is the current status on this theatre? thanks in advance
McAlester’s OKLA Theatre was operated by United Artist Theatres Circuit.
I’m sorry for the above incorrect information. Here are correct web addresses;
1898 PALACE…
View link
FORUM (aprox c1907)…
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1927 PALACE (AKA-Grand, Okla)…
View link
CHIEF…
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Let’s croxx our fingers and press enter!!!
I’m sorry for the above incorrect information. Here are correct web addresses;
1898 PALACE…
View link
FORUM (aprox c1907)…
View link
1927 PALACE (AKA-Grand, Okla)…
View link
CHIEF…
View link
Let’s croxx our fingers and press enter!!!
I’m sorry for the above incorrect information. Here are correct web addresses;
1898 PALACE…
View link
FORUM (aprox c1907)…
View link
1927 PALACE (AKA-Grand, Okla)…
View link
CHIEF…
View link
Let’s croxx our fingers and press enter!!!
I’m sorry for the above incorrect information. Here are correct web addresses;
1898 PALACE…
View link
FORUM (aprox c1907)…
View link
1927 PALACE (AKA-Grand, Okla)…
View link
CHIEF…
View link
Let’s croxx our fingers and press enter!
Here are vintage pix of several McAlester theaters;
1898 PALACE-
View link
FORUM (aprox c1907)-
View link
1927 PALACE (AKA-Grand, Okla)-
View link
CHIEF-
View link
Look into historic photo pages to see following theaters- – -
BUSBY (exterior/interior), OKLA (exteriors), V (exterior);
http://www.mcalester.lib.ok.us/
http://www.dancingrabbitgallery.com
PLEASE! Does anyone have interior photos of that tall lobby with a mezanine surrounding three sides, and that unique atmospheric auditorium?
The Okla Theatre was a member of the United Artist Chain. Though a little shop worn, that fantastic Art Deco, atmospheric auditorium is still classy!