Happy 105th Birthday Fallon Community Theatre

One hundred and five years ago, on Dec. 30, the newly completed Rex Theatre, Fallon’s first theatre, celebrated its grand opening. And very grand it was.

Constructed in 1920 as the New Rex Theatre, the building now known as the historic Fallon Theatre was designed as a place of elegance and modern entertainment at the heart of a growing desert community. Vaudeville performers John W. and Maybelle Flood built the New Rex to replace their original Rex Theatre, established in 1912. In an era when paved highways were scarce and automobiles still a novelty, audiences traveled from Reno and beyond to attend performances in Fallon.

The Floods commissioned Nevada architect Frederic DeLongchamps to design what was billed as “the finest theatre in Nevada,” sparing no expense. With seating for approximately 800 patrons across a grand main floor and an elegant balcony, the theatre opened Dec. 30, 1920, to an audience that included prominent northern Nevadans, rivaling those of much larger cities.

As motion pictures evolved, so did the theatre. In 1930, with the arrival of “talkies,” the New Rex was purchased by theater operators Stone and Hull. Recognizing Fallon as a strategic stop on the film circuit, they invested in a complete redesign, removing the balcony and reshaping the interior into a single sloped auditorium seating about 500. When it reopened Sept. 1, 1930, it was among the largest theatres in Nevada and one of only two built specifically for sound motion pictures.

The theatre endured fires in 1939 and 1943 and withstood a major earthquake in 1954. Its structural stability was credited to DeLongchamps’ engineering expertise and the Floods’ insistence on quality construction.

Ownership changed hands in 1978, when Bob and Mary Beth Erickson and Bill and Nancy Janess purchased the theatre and later updated it with twin auditoriums and modern projection and sound systems. In 2014, community members formed Fallon Community Theatre Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the theatre’s legacy. The organization acquired the building in 2017 and continues to operate the Fallon Theatre as a community-centered venue.

On Dec. 30, 2020, Mayor Ken Tedford visited the Fallon Theatre and issued a proclamation naming the day Fallon Theatre Centennial Day. He has continued to recognize the theatre annually, acknowledging its history, community importance, and status as Nevada's oldest continuously operating theatre. He returned to the theatre this year for public tours and an anniversary visit.

As renovations continue, the “Great Seat Exchange” began Monday, Jan. 5. According to Theatre Board Secretary Glen Perazzo, the board purchased 270 seats from a recently closed movie house in Mesquite. “The seats, I think, are going to be really exciting,” said Perazzo. With cup holders and added cushioning, audiences will enjoy greater comfort.

“Jesse Morrow and his crew are replacing one row at a time,” Perazzo said, “as there are enough seats for both theaters.” Work on the upper theatre will require additional remodeling. “The aisles are currently too narrow,” he said.

The Theatre Board welcomes Taylor Espinosa of First Independent Bank (Western Alliance Bank), who will organize the 5Ks (5-kilometer races), Show ’n Shine, and other events previously led by Karla Kent. Kent recently stepped down as vice chair after serving the organization since its founding in 2014. Kent will continue to volunteer, however. “She has a great crew of former high school friends,” said Perazzo, “and they work the concession stand during Friday and Saturday movies twice a month.” Also, new to the theatre family is Crystal Chavez, who works with Espinosa at First Independent and will be helping her with her events. 

Upcoming events include the annual 5K on Feb. 7, followed by a Valentine’s Day concert by the Domestic Man Band. The second Western Heritage of the West event will also return, featuring folk dancers, cowboy poetry, storytelling, and western heritage performances, primarily organized by Jessica and Tron Huckaby. This year’s event will include a film festival and filmmaking contest tied to America’s 250-year anniversary.

The community thanks the Fallon Theatre Board for its continued service. Stu Richardson serves as chairman, Glen Perazzo as secretary, and Nancy Upham as treasurer. Board members include Star Olsen, Jessica Huckaby, and Pam Meister. Support roles include Mike Berney as publicity chair, Robbie Lind as membership chair, and Kelli Perez as social media specialist. Michele Berney serves as a volunteer, while Tron Huckaby is recognized as a theatre supporter. Crystal Chavez and Taylor Espinosa assist with the 5K and Show ’n Shine events. Additional support is provided by Onika Crook, sanitation engineer; Jane Moon, City of Fallon representative; Bill Leslie, sponsor recruitment and parade coordination; and David Morgan, sound specialist.

“Thank you to every volunteer, donor, sponsor, moviegoer, performer, and supporter who has helped keep this theatre alive and thriving,” wrote Fallon Theatre on its 105th birthday. “Here’s to honoring our past while continuing to create magic for generations to come!