Seminole Theatre — Attraction in Homestead

Early pioneers James Washington English and Henry Booker Sr. built the Seminole Theater in 1921 in downtown Homestead. The silent movie theater opened Nov. 26, 1921. On March 1940, the theater burned down after a fire started on the stage causing a complete loss of the building. The replacement theater was an Art Deco building designed by noted national theater architect Roy A. Benjamin. It is noted as being the only Art Deco building in downtown Homestead. After operating for almost 40 years the Seminole closed its doors in 1979 due to financial trouble.

More trouble was in store for this theater when Hurricane Andrew in 1992 ripped off the roof and nearly destroyed the theater again. In 1993, unable to make the repairs, the owners donated the dilapidated structure to the city. Historic preservationists began working on it to bring it back. In May of 2014 Homestead voters passed a bond referendum to give 5 million dollars to renovate the theater and turn it into a cultural arts center. Another $550,000 was awarded by two state grants. With the infusion of funds, a restored Seminole Theater was able to open on December 12, 2015 for a Grand Opening Gala, "A Night on Broadway."

I love when a historic building is saved and repurposed for the arts. Especially when it is as gorgeous as this one. As I went by people were lining up for an evening performance. It is wonderful that dedicated preservationists were able to save this theater for people to...

Really love the small, hometown, humble feel of this theater, and it's one of the best entertainment values in Miami. Had to revisit this review and theater give it one more star after seeing a brilliant production of Dracula which I can add to the list of great plays and concerts I've seen here. Yes the concession stand could have more offerings, staff, and quicker service, but it's still a great experience here. As a Wedding and Event DJ in Miami and South Florida, I especially can appreciate all the behind the scenes stuff that results in a memorable production as has always been the case here. The quality of the shows they put on both on stage and flawless behind the scenes stuff is really impressive and commendable!! I paid $25 to see a very professionally done production of Grease, and have seen other equally "exceeded expectations " plays and concerts here. Not a bad seat in the house, friendly helpful staff and more. I'd give it 5 stars if there were a better "intermission over" system like blinking lights, announcements, etc and if there were more concession stand options. Highly recommend this venue, and want to re-emphasize the phenomenal entertainment value...

FUN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ! EVERY WEEK SOMETHING FUN & ENTERTAINING ! A GREAT NIGHT OUT !!!! YOU MUST GO AND ENJOY! WE GO REGULARLY. ALWAYS A GREAT TREAT IN OUR OWN BACKYARD. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS VENUE AND RELISH IT. IT'S A HISTORIC LANDMARK THAT DESERVES OUR ATTENTION AND SUPPORT. THE ACTS ARE SUPERB, UNDERRATED, AND WORTH SO MUCH MORE THAN THE FARE ADMISSION. THE STAFF IS AS WORTHY OF THE VERY FINE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTED HERE. THIS VENUE IS A LOCAL GEM IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE. WE SHOULD ALL FEEL PRIVILEGED TO HAVE THIS THEATRE THAT HAS SURVIVED AND HAD BEEN RESURRECTED FROM HURRICANE DESTRUCTION. THIS THEATRE IS THE CENTERPIECE OF HOMESTEAD, DARE I SAY, FLORIDIAN ENTERTAINMENT. CLASSICAL, CIVILIZED, ENJOYABLE...