Desert Star Theater, Art Moderne movie theater in Murray, United States
The Desert Star Theater is an Art Moderne movie house in Murray featuring architecture from that distinctive mid-century style. The venue accommodates stage performances and offers dinner service to patrons seated throughout the auditorium during shows.
The building opened in 1930 under the name Gem Theater before adopting its present identity. Recognition came in 2001 when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its historical importance.
The venue stages parody musicals rooted in Utah culture, with each performance concluding in musical numbers called olios. Audiences experience comedy mixed with local references that keep the hall entertained throughout the evening.
The location sits on State Street where parking is readily available, and comfortable seating is arranged to give audiences good views of the stage. Visiting during off-peak hours in the early evening tends to provide a more relaxed experience.
During the Great Depression, the theater creatively accepted scrap metal from children as payment for movie tickets. This unusual arrangement showed how deeply the place was woven into the fabric of its community during hardship.
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