The historic but long-closed Redland Theater on an obscure alignment of Route 66 in Clinton, Oklahoma, will soon reopen under the new ownership of Ryan and Natalie Houck.
Natalie Houck told the Clinton Daily News (subscription required) that they plan to turn the century-old venue into a community performance and arts events space.
That would include music shows, dramatic productions, film festivals and comedy nights, along with the theater being available for rental for private events such as weddings, receptions and parties, she said.
The Houcks intend to begin booking events in October after a few repairs, including to the roof.
They closed on the purchase of the theater in June. Houck said an Oklahoma City bank had owned the property for a few years, but the previous owners completed some renovations on it.
The theater’s marquee, which was repaired a few years ago with a $45,000 grant, will be converted to LED because it uses less power and is more durable.
The Houcks have been involved in the arts scene in western Oklahoma for over 20 years.
The theater at 608 Frisco Ave. was part of the original Route 66 until about 1935, when it was shifted one block north to Gary Boulevard, according Route 66 Deep Tracks.
The Redland originally opened as the Rialto Theatre in April 1922 with the showing of Buster Keaton and Gloria Swanson silent films, according to Cinema Treasures.
It became the Redland Theatre in the 1950s, though it’s unknown why. One fact that may be relevant: The nickname for the Clinton High School sports team is the Red Tornadoes.
(Image of the Redland Theatre in Clinton, Oklahoma, in 2009 by Jasperdo via Flickr)