September 10, 2024
In the mood for a live play or a musical? Think you will have to drive into Houston? Not if you live in Evergreen. Our Conroe community is adjacent to “The Crown Jewel of Montgomery County” — the Crighton Theatre.
The historic theater is one of Conroe’s most beloved historic landmarks. Built during the oil boom of the 1930s, this grand theater has weathered changing times to remain a beloved venue for the performing arts.
The theater was built under the direction of Harry M. Crighton, a former Conroe mayor who found success in the oil business. Crighton loved the movies and commissioned architect Blum E. Hester to design a movie palace reminiscent of Houston’s Majestic Theatre. Anyone catching a show today is sure to be struck by the beauty of the façade that blends fossilized limestone with smooth cream limestone accents. The interior features elements of 1930s modernism alongside Italian Renaissance influences.
The Crighton Theatre opened its doors on November 26, 1935, with a screening of “Stars Over Broadway.” At the time, the building was a marvel with an acoustically perfect design, 40-foot fly space above the stage for scenery and — most importantly—air conditioning.
As time went on and wide-screen cinemas began taking audiences away from the old-fashioned movie houses, the Crighton fell into decline. The theater closed its doors in the mid-1960s.
Despite the closure, the Crighton family maintained ownership, and in 1976, theater owners Frank and Hallie Crighton Guthrie began exploring options to donate the building to Montgomery County. This led to the formation of the Montgomery County Foundation for the Performing Arts (now known as the Crighton Theatre Foundation). A major restoration project ensued.
A state-of-the-art lighting and sound system were installed, the original artwork and décor were either refurbished or recreated and the seating was upgraded. The newly restored Crighton Theatre reopened with a gala week of performances, including the Houston Symphony and local talent.
Today, the Crighton Theatre continues to serve as a vibrant cultural hub. It hosts a variety of performances, including those by Stage Right Productions, concerts by the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society, shows by Christian Youth Theatre and various music concerts and events.
This season’s productions include “The Play That Goes Wrong,” “Dracula,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Big The Musical,” “Shakespeare in Love” and “The Wedding Singer.” Tickets can be purchased here.
Interested in learning more about the cultural attractions found near Evergreen? Stop by our builders’ model homes. You can speak with a representative about nearby attractions, schools and outdoor activities. You can even find out how you can make your home with us. Visit us today.
