National magazine lauds historic Perot Theatre

Texarkana's historic Perot Theatre was named by Architectural Digest as the top theater in Texas.
Texarkana's historic Perot Theatre was named by Architectural Digest as the top theater in Texas.

Texarkana's historic Perot Theatre landed kudos last week from Architectural Digest magazine.

In a travel article with the headline "The Most Beautifully Designed Theater in Each State," the Perot was singled out as tops in Texas.

The downtown Texarkana jewel, which is located at West Third and Main streets, joined a lineup of theaters that includes the Chi Omega Greek Theater in Fayetteville, Ark., the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre in Colorado, Saenger Theater in New Orleans, Fox Theatre in Detroit and dozens of other beautiful theaters, both historic and modern.

The Perot is described as "ground central in tiny Texarkana ... for culture." Restoration funding given by the Perot family is also noted in the article.

The Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council, which manages the Perot, announced the city-owned theater's honor from Architectural Digest on Monday via social media.

The Perot opened in 1924 as the Saenger Amusement Company's "Gateway to the Southwest" theatrical venue. It later operated for many years as the Paramount. No matter the name, the theater has hosted everything from Broadway shows to vaudeville to famous comedians, movies and more over the years. The Italian Renaissance style includes an ornate interior.

Now, as the Perot, the theater hosts the TRAHC Perot Theatre Series, Texarkana Symphony Orchestra concerts, TRAHC Theatre for Young Audiences shows and rental events, such as the Dec. 28 performance by Rodney Carrington.

(On the Net: TRAHC.org)

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