Gem Theater
114 E. Hico Street,
Dubach,
LA
71235
114 E. Hico Street,
Dubach,
LA
71235
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Related Websites
Gem Theater (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Joy's Theaters Inc.
Functions: Movies (First Run)
Previous Names: Wahoo Theatre, Joy Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
318.278.2008
Nearby Theaters
Opened as the Wahoo Theatre in 1937. By 1950 it was called the Joy Theatre and operated by the Joy Theatres chain out of New Orleans. The theatre could accomodate 300 patrons. It suffered damage from a fire in 1953. Repairs were carried out and it was possibly at this time that it was renamed Gem Theatre. It was closed in 1964 with Clifford Evans in “Kiss of the Vampire”. It stood vacant until May 22, 2026 when it reopened as the Gem Theater.
Contributed by
Stephen
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
The theater actually opened in 1937. In the very early 1950’s the theater was purchased from Mr. Enloe, later the mayor, by Mr. Fontenof. A fire partially burned the theater. When the local banks refused to loan money to him to repair the damage, he turned to Margaret Sheehan, my mother. The Fonteno family were friends of the family. My mother made the loan and took a mortgage on the property. With opening of Interstate 20 in the early 60’s and increasing popularity of TV, attendance declined to the point the theater closed and my mother took possession of the theater. My mother allowed my brother and I and our rock band to use the theater to practice. I am now, with my two sons, working on securing funds for the renovation of the building. We formed a nonprofit, The Wahoo Theater, Inc.. Anyone wanting to help fund the renovation should make checks payable to The Wahoo Theater, Inc. and mail them to 1608 Ridge Drive, Ruston, La. 71270. We are searching for pictures of the theater along with newspaper clippings and other memorabilia. Contact me via email
Roland Sheehan
Reopened in May 2026. Historical information in the article:
Dubach, LA: After 60+ Years, Gem Theater Reopens [May 28, 2026]
Original owner was George L. Trammell. At some point name changed to Joy. Presumably became the Gem after the rebuild from the fire in 1953. Final movie was Kiss of the Vampire in 1964. Added to the Directory of Historic Places in April 2025.
Uploaded a photo from before the recent transformation.