JONESBOROUGH, TN — The Jackson Theatre, a cherished landmark nestled in the heart of downtown Jonesborough, is poised to make a grand comeback. With a history of over a century, the theatre is undergoing significant renovations to restore its former glory and adapt to modern entertainment needs. Once a hub for silent films in the 1920s, the building's story reflects the evolution of American entertainment and local community engagement.
Initially built in the 1800s as a furniture business, the site transitioned to the Blue Mouse Theatre in the 1920s, captivating audiences with silent black-and-white films. Despite closing its doors in 1929, the building found new life in the mid-20th century as the 400-seat Jackson Theatre. It thrived until the 1960s, when it was transformed into office space, pausing its cinematic journey.
The Town of Jonesborough acquired the property in 2015, sparking a series of renovations to revive the theatre as a cultural hub. "The rigging and the lighting for our stage is probably the biggest component," said Chuck Vest, Jonesborough’s mayor. "That should be wrapped up in May. Right now, it’s the flurry of finishing touches, like the door work and a bit of trim. They’re also putting our glass in the press box now, which is nice to see."
The renovation project, which began in earnest in 2019, includes reslanting the audience floor, installing new balcony railings and seats, and modernizing facilities to accommodate larger audiences and diverse performances. The space has been expanded to include concessions and restrooms upstairs, enhancing the visitor experience.
Adjacent to the Jackson, the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre (JRT) will benefit significantly from the theatre's reopening. "They’re going to have much more capacity to do larger shows here, especially with the type of rigging we’ll have on the stage," Vest remarked. The enhanced capacity is expected to draw larger crowds and host a variety of performances, including live music.
The emotional connection the community holds with the Jackson Theatre is palpable. Vest shared, "The biggest thing about the Jackson that I’ve heard is that there’ve been so many people, especially our older residents, who have memories of coming to this theater back in the sixties, maybe having their first date here. There’s a lot of excitement about reliving those moments."
With plans to reopen by mid-year, the theatre aims to become a beacon of nostalgia and new experiences, promising to bring joy and entertainment back to Jonesborough's residents. The town's commitment to preserving its historical heritage while embracing the future underscores a broader trend of revitalizing historic theaters nationwide, making them relevant and accessible to new generations.
The Jackson Theatre's journey from a 19th-century furniture store to a modern repertory venue encapsulates the enduring allure of places that bridge past and present, offering spaces where communities can celebrate shared histories and create new memories. As the final stages of renovation near completion, the anticipation among Jonesborough’s residents continues to build, heralding a new era of entertainment and community engagement in this historic Tennessee town.