Do you know what has long been the centerpiece of Park City’s enigmatic culture? It’s the live theatrical performances that take the breath away of the viewers.
The Egyptian Theatre is one of the oldest and most historic theatres of Park City that holds a special place in the hearts of theatre-goers.
In the late 1800s, The Park City Opera House was located where Egyptian Theatre has now been established. During the summers of 1898, a fire roared downhill from the American Hotel and consumed most of the town which included the iconic Opera House.
The management of the city was determined to open its doors back to the live theatre which is why they quickly established the Dewey Theatre which is now known as the Park City Egyptian Theatre. The Dewey remained a popular cultural attraction for all the tourists among Utah until, in 1916, a record-breaking snow load caused its roof to collapse.
After waiting for a couple of years, in 1922, when the tomb of King Tut was recovered near the sight, it influenced the city manager to bring back its cultural heritage. Thus, Egyptian Theatre was inaugurated on Christmas Day in 1926 that was then supervised by Egyptologists.
At that time, the Egyptian Theatre was adorned with scarabs, hieroglyphics, leaf motifs and symbols of happiness and life. Park City again regained its lost cultural touch with the ongoing live theatrical performances and showcasing of films.
Since that day, the theatre has acted as a place for community gatherings and even famously known as Sundance movie theatre. There have been minor modifications with the Egyptian Theatre over the years and the name has also been changed several times. However, the theatre continued to host live performances and movie displays on the Main Street of Park City.
When Park City was reborn back in the 1960s as a ski-resort, a huge tourist population came to town to experience what the rich culture the city offered them with. The theatre was then known as The Silver Wheel Theatre continued to host love performances for the incoming tourists.
By 1978, the integrity of the theatre’s architecture was again threatened and it was necessary to take imminent steps at once. Through a lot of local effort and fundraising, the theatre was refurbished and became home to Park City Performances in 1981. Live performances and theatre were again represented on the boards of the theatre. The same year, the US Film Festival now known as the Sundance Film Festival moved to Utah and The Egyptian Theatre became its original home.
The building again needed major fixation in the mid-1990s. Save Our Stage Foundation was formed back then by a few community members who raised funds for a major renovation so they could restore the building to its former glory.
Today, the May G Steiner Egyptian Theatre holds a variety of performance that includes comedy, theatre, musical arts, community functions, special events and much more. The Egyptian Theatre is a landmark venue on Park City’s Main Street and has been retaining all the standout features of the hundreds of years that have gone by.
Let’s wait and see how many movies are going to be screened at this theatre during Sundance Film Festival 2020. We will keep you updated during the festival about what is playing at the Egyptian theatre.
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