Brit Floyd - The Pink Floyd Tribute Show at The Bob Hope Theatre
Bob Hope Theatre
242 E Main St
Stockton, Ca 95202
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Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre
242 E. Main Street
Stockton, California 95202
Phone: (209) 373-1400
Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre
The Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre in Downtown Stockton, built in 1930, was one of only two "movie palaces" in the Central Valley of California. Fox Theatres was a major chain of grand movie palaces that were built on the west coast primarily in the 1920s and 1930s. Stockton's historic Fox Theatre was saved and lovingly renovated so that future audiences may continue to enjoy its beauty. Today the Bob Hope Theatre's 2,042 seats are host to year-round live theatre, musicals, concerts, family events, a classic cinema series, and comedy. The Bob Hope Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and features a marble mosaic floor that encompasses a 1,200 square foot space in the center of the lobby. This marble was imported from Italy and the mosaic was designed by a Canadian artist. The Theatre also features a 1928 Robert Morton theater organ, which came from the Seattle Fox Theatre which closed over 40 years ago. This organ was restored and donated to the theatre by The Friends of the Fox, a volunteer organization that has been instrumental in preserving the theatre. Today the Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre is managed by SMG Stockton.
Enjoy a bite to eat before or after your Bob Hope Theatre event at one of these nearby Downtown Stockton restaurants.
Check out their website for the calendar of the latest events coming to the Bob Hope Theatre!
Tip:
- The Bob Hope (Fox) Theatre is full of small, beautiful architectural and decorative details. Be sure to look up in the main theatre to see all of the paintwork. It's a stunning theatre that we are so happy was preserved for generations to come!
History at a Glance:
- 1916: The first theater in this location, the T&D Photoplay, is built on East Main Street in Stockton, California by the Wilhoit family and used for a variety of entertainment acts. The same site will later be occupied by the Bob Hope Theatre.
- 1921: Fox West Coast Theaters Inc. leases the T&D, remodels it and renames it the California.
- 1929: After several years of successful operation, the California is leveled and plans are drafted for a new theater to serve the thriving city of Stockton. Fox West Coast Theaters reaches an agreement to lease the property for a period of 50 years and invests nearly half a million dollars to build a luxurious, safe and comfortable theater - the Fox California, or the Fox.
- 1930: The opening of the Fox on October 14 is one of the most grandiose events in the region. Approximately 20,000 people attend the celebration, including some of the most famous stars of the time. Opening acts include the latest “talkie” movies and comedy skits. The Fox is the largest vaudeville house in California, with 2,170 seats. The theatre is also one of the safest buildings of the time, built entirely with cement and steel, with the ability to evacuate guests within two minutes. One of the jewels of the theatre is the $40,000 (in 1930) three manual Wurlitzer pipe organ with twin pipe lofts. Ticket prices are 50 cents for general admission and 65 cents for box seats.
- 1931: The Fox California celebrates the success of its first year in operation with a weeklong celebration. It is speculated that nearly a million people were entertained during the theatre’s first year in business.
- 1930s: The Fox California predominantly shows movies due to the owner’s close association with the large motion picture studios. However, stage acts and other variety acts are also presented at the Fox, including Al Jolson, one of the greatest entertainers of the time; the Marx Brothers; Ted Lewis, a clarinetist and member of one of the most popular jazz bands of the period; and Henry Lauder, a famous Scottish comedian.
- 1940s: Big bands of the 1940s perform at the theatre.
- 1960s: Famous bands such as Duke Ellington, Paul Whiteman and the Dorseys play on the Fox stage.
- 1971: A local company, Westland Theatres, buys the rights to the Fox California. A declining business climate and the growing competition from drive-ins and television impact the profitability of the theatre. Despite efforts to keep the theatre in business, attendance declines.
- 1973: The Fox California closes its doors to the public due to lack of business. The last shows are “Sweet Jesus,” “Preacher Man” and “Marlowe.”
- 1974: A special showing of the movie “Billy Jack” plays at the Fox. Concern rises among citizens that the Fox will be demolished to make room for a civic parking lot or other development.
- 1981-1985: Rocking Chair Productions produces a few rock concerts at the Fox.
- 1979: The building is purchased by Edward C. Merlo and Madeleine Lawton who seek to save the building from destruction. They are ultimately successful in their efforts to save the historic structure and the Fox Theatre is placed on the National Register of Historical Places. Today it is one of only two movie palaces left in the Central Valley.
- 1985-1988: Offshore Productions offers jazz and country music entertainment that doesn’t draw significant audiences.
- 1991: The Redevelopment Agency of the city of Stockton includes the Fox California as part of an effort to revitalize the downtown area and other parts of the city.
- 1995: The Redevelopment Agency leases the theatre and hires a promoter and booking agent in an attempt to develop a viable, on-going program at the theatre, and begins small renovations of the building. Several events and concerts are held at the Fox.
- Late 1990s: The mayor and city council begin a large scale renovation of the Fox. The Redevelopment Agency is the primary financial sponsor of the project.
- 2000: Anita J. Merlo and the Merlo Fox Building Trust donate the theater building to the city of Stockton in honor of Edward Charles Merlo, architect. Bob Hartzell, president of Friends of the Fox, a nonprofit organization that supports the Fox Theatre, orchestrates the refurbishment of a 1928 Robert Morton pipe organ that will be placed in the renovated Bob Hope Theatre. Once restored, the organ will be worth between $160,000 and $200,000.
- 2001 – 2002: Funding is given to the city of Stockton, with Congress awarding $290,000 in 2001, and $225,000 in 2002 to help renovate the Fox Theatre. The state of California also awards a $300,000 California Heritage Fund Grant.
- Art
- Comedy
- Concerts
- Dance
- Family Friendly
- Major Events
- Theatre
Theatre
Area: 2,042.00feet
abelardo Maldonado
Dec 28, 2019
I've been here before, and if you think down town Stockton is scary. I beg the differ. Actually very safe!, the venues are fantastic! Just saw "a Charlie brown Christmas ". Fantastic! Take the time to see the performing arts! Go to Bob hope theater! Safe, even dressed as a gentleman.
Paula Hey
Dec 7, 2019
We went to the Cirque Dreams Holidaze which was fabulous! Seats were comfortable but the rows were very close together (think airplane) but not too bad. We on ground floor under balcony. They sold cocktails, coffee & snacks...all deliciously pricey. Looking forward to next time maybe in seats closer to stage.
Marie Guasco
Mar 9, 2020
Great to have a venue like this in our community. Support it, so we can attract the best shows!
Nick Seleznoff
Feb 17, 2020
Nice comfortable seats. Great detail on the walls. Plus saw Travis Tritt. Great voice
Alexander Quinonez
Mar 4, 2020
Joe Koy put on an awesome show here. They need to set up a better snack and drink system though. They take too long and it's so chaotic.
mike hair
Feb 17, 2020
Easy access to parking, old theater that is very clean and the acoustics really nice. Not a bad seat in the house
Jamie Gibson
Nov 25, 2019
We went to see the Jokoy show and had a blast. The ushers all do a great job and are very friendly. We sat front row dead center and the view is amazing. I believe though that anywhere in this theater is good.
George Turner
Oct 11, 2020
I like this place, it looks fashion and cozy.The seats were comfortable, staffs were friendly.I‘ll enjoy to come again.
Andrew E.
Nov 15, 2019
Beautiful theater, staff was very friendly. Security took their job very seriously (almost over doing it). Area is kinda sketchy and wife didn’t feel comfortable when we were leaving the event. Lots of homeless in the area some even had tents set up right outside the theater on the way to the parking area. Event ran later than expected and by the time we were walking out to our truck, the entire “security” and parking staff was gone.
kathy waterman
Nov 22, 2020
One of the nicest venues...Rocked out to Joe Bonamassa. Can't wait to go back