Wilma Theatre (Missoula, Montana)
The original theatre organ was replaced in the 1950s with a Robert Morton organ from the Orpheum Theater in Spokane, Washington, which had been torn down in 1958.
As originally built, the basement housed a swimming pool, the "Crystal Plunge". Condensation proved incompatible with the structure, and the pool closed within ten years. It now serves as additional storage space.
In 1982 the Cinema of the Dove opened in the basement of the building. It was also known as the Chapel of the Dove. It was operated by Edward Sharp. The Chapel of the Dove was described as a "dazzlingly eclectic space." The Chapel of the Dove was turned into a more conventional theater after Edward Sharp died in 1993.
The theatre shows a diverse range of entertainment, including independent movies, spoken word events, stand-up comedy, live and local music, plays, and other events.
The venue is equipped with a full PA system and stage monitors with Yamaha M7 consoles at the core, as well as a secondary PA for use with the main movie screen. The theatre also employs a full theater lighting system with PAR and Leko fixtures, and six Martin Mac 500 automated moving head fixtures. The lighting is controlled by a Pearl 2000 console.
Notable events
An exclusive preview of Ken Burns's 2023 film "The American Buffalo” was held June 8, 2023.
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
- ^ Mathews, Allan James. A Guide to Historic Missoula, page 82. Montana Historical Society. 2002. [1]
- ^ "Wilma Theatre History". The Wilma Theatre. October 30, 2008.
- ^ "Wilma (Missoula) Theatre History". Puget Sound Theater Organ Society. October 30, 2008.
- ^ "Spokane's grand old theaters". Inland Northwest History. The Spokesman-Review. October 30, 2008.
- ^ http://www.districtone.com/oldhistory/end1982.htm retrieved 2/152018
- ^ "The Chapel of the Dove (1982-1993) | Forgotten Wilma". forgottenwilma.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
- ^ "Edward "Eddie" Sharp (1916-1993) | Forgotten Wilma". forgottenwilma.com. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
- ^ Dempsey, Liz (June 15, 2023). "'The American Buffalo' reviews history, renews hope". Char-Koosta News. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
External links
- Media related to Wilma Theatre (Missoula, Montana) at Wikimedia Commons
- Official website