Fox Theatre Detroit was built as the premier palace for theatrical performances and movies. Since its birth during the twilight years of vaudeville, the grand theatre saw some transformations and met difficulties to the point of closing down. Fox Theatre Detroit became a focal point of entertainment happenings in the city, partly due to its massive and palatial structure.
The advent of motion pictures inspired movie mogul William Fox, of the 20th Century Fox fame, to create a chain of movie theatres. Fox Detroit was opened in 1928, the largest of all Fox theatres across America. Its purpose was to house theatre and movies in one grand venue. The first wave of performances were mainly vaudeville, the type of variety show, which prevailed during the latter part of the 1800s until around 1950s. Fox Theatre Detroit prevailed longer than vaudeville, as critics surmised that the audience soon found movies more to their amusement.
Around the 1930s, talking motion pictures came into being. It signaled vaudeville's final act. Vaudeville performers were soon without jobs as producers were unable to find interested audiences. As the entertainment world finally bid vaudeville goodbye, Fox Theatre Detroit comfortably staked its claim as a movie palace.
From the 1950's to the 1960's, Fox Detroit showed cinematic greats until it fell to a lull when kungfu and horror movies dominated its screen in the 1970s. In 1987, a massive renovation project by its new owners resuscitated the grand dame. This move served as a catapult to Fox Detroit's return to the limelight, ensuring its unflappable legacy, which still stands true in Detroit.
Following the aesthetic appeal of the gaudy vaudeville era, Fox Theatre Detroit bears remnants of a gilded age with ornate influences of Hindu, Chinese and Persian architecture. There are notable design elements such as gold leaf, velvet throne chairs and brass ornaments. Its lit marquee which dominates the night sky is further proof of its sheer magnitude as the crown jewel of Detroit's theatres.
Some of the most famous personalities in show business have performed here including Elvis Presley, Benny Goodman, Peggy Lee, Motown artists and Cassius Clay with his bout against Sonny Liston. Today, the ten-story Fox Theatre Detroit welcomes record crowds to its concerts, Broadway shows, restored classic movies and family entertainment shows. It caters to over 5,000 people and is one of the few surviving movie palaces in the country.