20th century
The McSwain Theatre is housed in a three-story, Spanish Colonial Mission Revival Style building, that opened on March 30, 1920. [2] The first silent film screened in the McSwain was Suds , starring Mary Pickford, on July 19, 1920. [3]
In 1935, the theatre underwent its first renovations. New equipment to accommodate the evolution of movies with sound was installed, along with air conditioning, a balcony, and new seating. [3] Roy Rogers and Dale Evans appeared at the theatre on October 30, 1946 for the world premiere of their film Home in Oklahoma. [4] In 1949, Robert Preston and Susan Hayward attended the world premiere of Tulsa at the McSwain. [5]
Due to competition and economic difficulties, the McSwain Theatre was closed in 1988. In 1991, Paul Alford purchased the property in order to transform it into a musical venue hall, holding its first performance on October 17, 1992. Under Alford's ownership, the theatre showcased performances by local musical acts, and stars from Nashville, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri. [3]
21st century
In 2002, upon the death of Alford, the theatre was acquired by the Chickasaw Nation and underwent five years of renovations. [1] [3] An art gallery was added in 2009. [6] The McSwain Theatre held a ribbon cutting with Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby on July 17, 2009, and its grand re-opening on the evening of July 25, 2009. It featured a concert by country artists Jeff Bates, Mark Wills, and Trent Willmon. [5]
