The Fox Theatre Complex consists of three major buildings: The Theatre proper, the Tea Room, and the Firestone Building.
THEATRE
Built in 1925 as a combination vaudeville/silent movie house by prominent local businessman C. Stanley Chapman, the Fox was originally named Chapman’s Alician Court Theatre in honor of his wife, Alice Ellen.
Often called a “theatre with a pedigree,” the Fox is the work of Meyer and Holler, the firm that designed and built the Grauman’s Chinese and the Egyptian Theatres, as well as hundreds of other famous southern California landmark buildings. The Fox Fullerton remains the firm’s major architectural contribution to Orange County.
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Fox Fullerton Circa 1930's
Known as The Mission Court Theatre |
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When it opened, the Italian Renaissance-inspired Theatre was the show place of Orange County, representing the height of Hollywood glamour and sophistication. It was the largest structure of its kind in northern Orange County, and was an integral element in the social fabric of downtown life, where people gathered for news, entertainment, and socializing.
In addition to its shows, the Alician Court offered a unique atmosphere - from its courtyard “lobby” to its lavish interior. The open courtyard was an innovation in theatre design that took advantage of outdoor spaces and their visibility to the street, creating a sense of excitement as passers-by witnessed large crowds gathering for a show or premiere.
Another special feature of the theatre is six large murals created by Anthony Heinsbergen and Company, one of the foremost building decor firms of the era. The firm’s work includes art at Los Angeles City Hall, the Biltmore Hotel, and the Wiltern Theatre. (Interestingly, Fullerton is becoming known as a destination for mural art due to its unique historic and contemporary mural works. If restored, the Fox murals would pre-date all others in the city.)
It has been recently discovered that the building decorator for the theatre was John Gabriel Beckman, who was then working for Meyer and Holler. He was responsible for the elaborate artwork in both lobbies, and the design for the original curtains. He went on to design the extensive mural work at the Avalon Casino, and later became a set designer for Paramount Pictures.
Other special features of the theatre are the large, handcrafted wrought-iron chandeliers, dimensional plasterwork, and hand-stenciled artwork throughout the building. Unlike most older theatres, the original proscenium (stage opening) has been protected for decades by drapery, and is intact. Original dressing rooms and an orchestra pit are also in place, as well as “lofts” for a pipe organ, which could be replaced by a donation offered by the Orange County Theatre Organ Society. The outdoor rooftop scaffolding sign is unique as it was originally lit, not by neon, but by dozens of incandescent light bulbs.
Through the years, the theatre changed owners and names several times. After a 62-year run, the Fox Fullerton closed in 1987. |
