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Records from Morristown’s Community Theatre are open to researchers

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Constructed in 1937, the Community Theatre served as Morristown’s single-screen movie theater exclusively presenting first runs of films. It opened on December 23, 1937 with a screening of Nothing Sacred, starring Carole Lombard and Fredric March. The theater briefly showed live performances such as vaudeville shows in the 1940s, although the building primarily spent its first few decades as a thriving movie theater.

Photograph of the Community Theatre under construction.

While the theater did well in its early years, it experienced a decline of revenue and attendance during the 1970s amidst competition from television and newly emerging multiplexes. Amid these financial difficulties, the Community Theatre was sold by the Walter Reade Organization to Maurice Macabian in 1973 who also struggled to return the business to profitability as a movie house. In 1977 it reopened as The Morris Stage, a live performance venue that featured ballet performers, rock bands, and jazz musicians. Despite strong ticket sales, the theater eventually closed in 1987.

Customers line up to enter the Morris Stage at night, ca.1978.

1994 ushered in a new era with the assistance of hundred of volunteers who worked to restore the building’s interior, culminating in the Kirov Orchestra’s September performance while on an international tour. By 1995, the venue was reborn as a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting live musical, theatrical, and comedy shows. Major renovations followed and in 2007, the structure was renamed the Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts; shortened to the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in 2011. Notable performers have include Aretha Franklin, Liza Minelli, Joan Rivers, Bob Newhart, Kenny G., Judy Collins, and Tony Bennett.

The exterior of the Community Theatre as seen from South Street in 1983.

The materials in this collection include documents relating to its history as a movie theater, a large volume of records related to renovations in 1994 and 2001, behind-the-scenes work done by the performing arts center staff, and the performances held at the theater. Document types include programs, brochures, administrative papers, posters, audiovisual materials, and photographs. Those interested in viewing the records may consult the finding aid for a fuller description, and contact the History Center for an appointment.