Carolina Theatre 

Part III

The original building's design as an "atmospheric" theatre was the joint effort of preeminent Charlotte architect Charles Christian Hook who designed such notable buildings in Charlotte as City Hall, the Mecklenberg County Federal Courthouse and the Duke Mansion.  

For the exterior, Hook used four separate architectural styles, applied like stage sets to create the illusion of four separate buildings and incorporated a variety of Mediterranean and Spanish motifs to reflect the theatre's Southern location. Entering from North Tryon Street, patrons first experienced Hall's interior designs in a luxurious lobby, all gilt and palatial Venetian.  

The mezzanine lobby featured low, exposed ceiling beams with geometric patterns and Art Deco tyle stenciling in shades of gold, green and pink.  The interior of the 1,450 seat theatre was ornately columned, displaying intricately detailed murals of dark cypress trees and flowering vines reminiscent of a mediterranean palazzo under a darkening blue sky just before dusk.  The balcony, resting upon gargolyed brackets, swept over the back of the orchestra level, creating a low ceiling lined with small, twinkling "star" lights. The outdoor illusion was completed with stuffed pigeons and peacocks perched from the balustrades framing the murals closets to the stage and garlands of flowers, chambering vines and tropical foliage at the base of each mural. An orchestra pit fronted the three-story stage.  The backstage area included several upstairss and downstairs dressing rooms.  

Besides Elvis Presley performing on the The Carolina Theatre stage, the Carolina hosted such other prestigious stars as Bob Hope, Guy Lombardo, Orson Welles and Ethel Barrymore.  The iconic movie, "Gone with the Wind" premiered at the Carolina Theatre on January 29, 1940.  This film event marked a significant moment in the theatre's history.

Circa 1939

For upcoming programing and possible tours call 704-828-6220.