The Fabulous Fox Theatre Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Summer

This September the Fabulous Fox Theatre will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its 1982 re-opening. Over the past three decades, the Fox has become the premiere arts venue in St. Louis, the cornerstone of the Grand Center Arts District and a nationally-recognized presenter of concerts and Broadway touring shows.

The Fabulous Fox Theatre opened in 1929 as a movie palace in William Fox’s motion picture empire. After entertaining millions of people for nearly 50 years, the theatre closed in 1978. In 1981 the Fox was privately purchased by Fox Associates and underwent an incredible one-year restoration. The Fox reopened its doors with the musical “Barnum” on September 7, 1982.

Since 1982 more than 16.5 million guests have passed through the brass doors of the Fabulous Fox to see Broadway shows, concerts, dance, family productions, gospel plays, and classic movies; and to attend tours, private events including weddings, graduations and proms. There have been 6,156 performances and 1,565 acts and productions presented.

Renovation and improvement projects have continued throughout the past 30 years including the opening of the Fox Club, a luxurious box seat level in 1988; a $2 million, 20-foot stage addition in 1995; a major lobby renovation in 2000; the addition of a state-of-the-art video marquee in 2005; the installation of a new historically accurate vertical blade sign in 2008; and in 2011 the installation of a new energy efficient air conditioning system, LED lighting and a new front façade.

In addition to its ownership of the Fox Theatre, Fox Associates has experienced tremendous growth over the last 30 years. Fox Concerts books performances at the Fox and other venues while Fox Event Services provides full in-house catering and event planning services. MetroTix, an independent ticket company, was formed in 1989 and serves The Muny, The Sheldon, Chaifetz Arena, the St. Charles Family Arena and many other venue and event clients throughout the region. Fox Theatricals was established in 1997 and has produced 23 Broadway plays, musicals, national tours and West End productions including Thoroughly Modern Millie and RED. Fox Theatricals has received 80 Tony Award® nominations and won 24 Tony Awards.