Visit our website: www.foxtheatremccook.org The building known to area residents as the "Fox Theatre" was built by A. Barnett and opened its doors January 28, 1927 as The World Theatre, featuring five Vaudeville acts of live entertainment every Sunday. The World Theatres, a Nebraska chain out of Omaha, operated the theatre for about three years, then turned their lease over to the Rocky Mountain T
heatre Co., who in turn sold their lease to The Fox Theatre Corp. The building was remodeled in the late 1940's and early 1950's. The screen area was enlarged to accommodate the latest cinemascope film, seating was upgraded, and the lobby was remodeled with the relocation of the ticket booth and the addition of a concessions area. The east façade of the building was changed in 1955, with the addition of a lighted marquee, and the stage area was also remodeled at this time. The Barnett Company held title to the property until 1974, when it was purchased by Bison Enterprises, Inc., a local company that also operated the Bison Drive In Theatre. In 1978, John and Eileen Hubert bought the building, and several operators leased the theatre until 1987, when the showing of movies ceased. In 1988, the Huberts sold the building to the Alliance for the Encouragement of the Visual and Performing Arts, a non-profit corporation. The Alliance has made the facility available to Theatre Groups, The Community Concert Association, Storytelling Festivals, Church Concerts, School Movies, School Band Concerts and many other non-profit organizations. In May of 2005, a group of community-minded citizens assumed control of the non-profit corporation with the intent to completely renovate/refurbish the theatre, while preserving its historical integrity, and then to give the completed project to the area citizens as their own Community Theatre. Renovation plans and construction cost estimates are now complete, and we are initiating the fund raising process. The Fox Theatre shall once again be a "Show Place" for the Visual and Performing Arts.
