The Plaza Theatre opened its doors in 1935 backed by Paramount Pictures and operated by a subsidiary. Seating 900 at its opening, the novelty of being the first air conditioned theater in Oklahoma drew large crowds. The theater also boasted a massive Spanish Deco fireplace for the cold winter months. The Plaza fit right into this bustling commercial area of Oklahoma City.
A fun feature of the theater was the Rock-Ola Jukebox, a new innovation in 1935. The jukebox majestically rose from a hidden compartment onto a scalloped draped stage, and played amplified music during intermissions. Instead of records, this jukebox delivered the latest hit parade tunes via telephone line, while colorful "dancing" lights kept time with the melody. The theater closed its doors in 1979.
The Plaza District, one of Oklahoma City's earliest commercial corridors, has retained a distinctive identity and a strong sense of place. The integration of elements of both past and future creates an attractive environment for residents and businesses alike. Lyric Theatre's plan to transform the Plaza Theatre into a musical theatre space will contribute substantially to keeping the special quality of this neighborhood alive for future generations.
