As the Crighton Theatre celebrates the 90th anniversary of its construction this year, the “crown jewel” of downtown Conroe is in need of new seats.
The theater was built in 1934 by then Conroe Mayor Harry M. Crighton. The theater experienced a major renovation in 1979 and the seating today is still from that era.
“It’s been the time for a while,” Melody Montez, executive director for the theater said of replacing the seats. “Around 40,000 people a year sit in those seats.”
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Fundraising gala planned
A fundraising gala, “Take A Seat for the Crighton” is set for Nov. 7 at Madera Estates venue in Conroe to kick off the campaign.
Those attending the gala will get the first chance to choose a seat for sponsorship. Montez said there are 520 seats in the theater. Patrons will be able to purchase individual tickets or a table at the gala.
Crighton Theatre’s history
The Crighton Theatre on Conroe’s Main Street opened on Nov. 26, 1935 as Crighton’s gift to the community.
According to a narrative by Ann Moore and Carolyn Clarke in the 1981 Montgomery County History Book produced by the Montgomery County Genealogical Society, the building was designed by Houston architect Blum E. Hester and built at a cost of $80,000.
Contrary to popular belief, the Crighton was never a vaudeville venue, but a movie theater. The narrative reported that the old theatre was in constant use after its opening until 1967. After that it closed and fell into disrepair.
In the mid-1970s the theater’s renovation became a community project and the theater opened to new life in January 1979 and has been considered “The Jewel of Downtown Conroe” ever since.
Recent renovations
In 2020, the lobby was expanded into the adjacent Muse Building and additional restrooms were added downstairs. This was the first major renovation of the space since 1979.
The theater is home to Stage Right of Texas theater group and Christian Youth Theater performs many of its show there as well. Throughout the year many traveling music acts also perform at the theater and it is the home of the Young Texas Artists Music Competition each March.
The current seats are made of steel with an orange velour-style fabric covering. The bottom portion of the chair flips down when occupied and its the hinges that give Montez the most trouble.
She estimates she fixes four or five seats a month, with the most common fix being the bolts coming off where the seat portion flips down.
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Finding the right replacements
When looking into replacements, she was disappointed to find the theater seats no longer come in metal.
For the replacement, she worked with a manufacturing company in Michigan and the board has selected a wood-backed seat with a red velvet-type material covering the chair to match the red velvet main curtain.
A sample of the new seat style is on display in the Crighton lobby. She estimates approximately $280,000 is needed to replace the seats. She said new flooring beneath the seats is needed as well and that could cost up to $100,000.
Members of the community can purchase and name a new seat and have a plaque on the back of the seat recognizing his or her contribution. Montez said seats may be purchased in memory of others.
Purchasing a seat will range from $2,500 on the lower floor to $500 per seat in the balcony.
When the transition takes place, she estimates it could take several weeks and it will take place following the end of Stage Right’s holiday show.
The community will also get a chance to own a piece of Crighton Theatre history. Montez expects to have the old seats available to the public when they are removed.
More information on the gala and the campaign will be available soon on the Crighton Theatre Facebook page.
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