May 10, 2021
The Tennessee Theatre will welcome the general public back to the historic venue for the first time in more than a year with the kickoff of the Classic Cinema Matinee movie series presented by Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union.
“Our beloved movie palace is ready to again welcome the community for the Classic Cinema Matinee series,” Tennessee Theatre Executive Director Becky Hancock said. “Gathering safely again in the splendor of the theatre is a tremendous milestone, and it’s a bonus that our first truly public event since the pandemic is free entertainment for the community.”
The theatre will offer multiple weekend showings to accommodate attendees since capacity remains limited for COVID-19 safety. General admission seating is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open one hour prior to the showing. Masks will be required at all times when not eating or drinking.
The three-movie series in 2021 starts with “Meet Me in St. Louis,” a G-rated classic MGM comedy featuring Judy Garland. Showtimes are Friday, June 4, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 5, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 6, at 3 p.m. Before the shows, Tennessee Theatre organist Freddie Brabson will entertain the audience with a Mighty Wurlitzer performance.
Classic Cinema Matinee series will continue when “The Phantom of the Opera” ushers in Halloween season at 3 p.m. on Oct. 24. Finally, “It’s a Wonderful Life” will warm holiday hearts with 2 and 6 p.m. showings on Dec. 12. Series details are available at tennesseetheatre.com.
City-owned parking garages are free on weekends. Find additional parking information at parkdowntownknoxville.com.
About the Tennessee Theatre
Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928 as a movie palace. The Tennessee Theatre is the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Tennessee Theatre is the region’s leading performing arts facility with advanced technology, staging and lighting that draws top entertainment to the Knoxville area. The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation is a nonprofit organization tasked with maintaining and preserving the historic theatre and ensuring diverse arts and cultural entertainment remains in downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit www.tennesseetheatre.com.
