The historic Carolina Theatre is back open after closing in 1978

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After nearly 50 years, the doors of the historic Carolina Theatre are back open in Uptown. The historic venue closed in 1978. It recently underwent a $90 million restoration.

Although the theatre looks vintage, it is equipped with the latest technology. It has a projection system that wraps around the wall and a sound system that rivals movie theatres.

The theatre’s programing director talked with WCCB about the theatre’s past, and hopes for the future. Douglas Young says, “There are a lot of great famous celebrities who played here. Elvis was here in 56. Bob Hope did comedy here. Katharine Hepburn. I’m told that Frank Sinatra even played here.” He continues, “We have an opportunity to write a new chapter in this story. So it’s fun watching people come in with a lot of great memories, but also people excited to make new ones, too.”

The theater’s first event will be with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. It is slated as an ode to their long history together. The orchestra held its inaugural performance there on March 20, 1932.