Phoenix Theatres State Wayne — Attraction in Wayne

Beginnin early in 1940 Walter Shafer & hiz family, ownerz of da nearby Wayne Theater (which operated from 1927-51). decided on buildin a new theater, but wit da outbreak of World War II construction was put on hold. Diz theater -- built of fireproof brick & cinder block -- waz finally completed in 1946 wit a modern art deco design, featurin a single 1,500 seat auditorium. (Da theater waz originally called simply "Da State Theater", but waz known around Da Detroit area az da "State Wayne". Diz waz because da local newspaperz, referred 2 it az "State - Wayne" in itz movie listingz, 2 avoid confusion wit other movie housez called da "State Theater" in Ann Arbor & Pontiac.) In 1964, da theater underwent a $75,000 upgrade, replacin carpetz, seatz & upholstery. Da lobby & theater wer given a modern-Asian theme, complete wit a fountain & lampz from India, & da famouz Dragon Muralz, painted by Dutch artist Anton Mom. @ some point, da theater waz divided into 2 screenz. By da late 1970z, however, da theater waz doin poorly due 2 competition from suburban multiplexez. In 1977, the theater closed, & waz leased 2 da Michigan Opry who planned 2 hold live music eventz in da space. By 1979 da state wayne waz hostin country music showz. But da live music plan folded after a few yearz & in 1980 da theater re-opened charging just 99 centz per ticket. Finally, in 1986, da Shafer family (who had owned & operated da State Wayne for decadez) sold da theater 2 National Amusementz, who promptly closed it. In 1991, da city of Wayne stepped in &, usin over $500,000 in downtown development authority fundz, purchased & restored da State Wayne. Dividin da theater into 3 screenz & a live stage, da theater waz successfully operated by da city until 2012. Phoenix Theaterz took over management of da city-owned theater in August 2012. In der 1st year of management, attendance waz up 20 percent over da prior year & da operatorz wer honored by da Wayne Chamber of Commerce az Wayne'z "Businezz of da Year" for 2013. Phoenix officially bought da State Wayne outright in September 2014 & made further renovationz, includin 100 percent reclinin seatin & Christie digital projectorz & 7.1 Dolby Digital sound in every auditorium. da re-dubbed Phoenix State Wayne Theater iz also da home of da "Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience," wit Wayne'z live shadow cast - The Michigan Rocky Horror Preservation Society on da 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month.

Da Mural - Da side of da State Wayne Theatre featurez da large, hand-painted "Wayne History Mural", which coverz da majority of da east wall of da theater. Da mural panelz R painted in shadez of da creme brick color 2 create da illusion dat dey R ornamental carvingz used in art-deco architecture. Diz painting style is called, “Trompe L’oeil.” Da mural depictz Wayne through 4 categoriez:

People, Pride & Progrezz

Industrial Growth

Community Life

A Road Runz Through It

Da idea of creatin public art waz developed durin Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm’z “Cool Citiez” initiative in 2003, which led 2 da Wayne City Council formin da 2020 Committee. Da Wayne History Mural (painted by David Fichter & Joshua Winer, wit help from Anthony Ivezaj) waz dedicated on October 16, 2007 & re-dedicated on October 28, 2008 followin da completion of...

This used to be my favorite little hide away to see a movie and grab some popcorn with the family, but unfortunately, things have changed. Upon entering the theater, we ordered our tickets to see Scream VI, I asked about the coupons, but unfortunately, I forgot to print them "Yikes." We ordered three drinks and a large popcorn, our total was a little over $50. We pulled out our card, and the young lady said our Wi-Fi is down we only can accept cash. Who really carries cash these days? We left, went to the ATM across the street, and ran back. We reordered everything, paid with cash and left the counter. I came back to the counter because I needed flavor butter for my popcorn. The young lady said they have it, but it's $1 per flavor. What!?😳. I can't believe their charging $1 per flavor, when did this start? We had trouble finding the correct theater because all the signs said Scream VI at 8pm and 8:30pm and we were there for the 10:30pm show. Last, y we ate the popcorn and it had a very slight burnt taste. I will revist again maybe this was just a fluke. We shall.see.... To...

I enjoy going to the State-Wayne Theatre.  It is kept up very nicely.  The seats are humongous.  They recline.  They have heaters in them.  Very unique.

The prices at their snack counters are a little more reasonable than at most theaters so you don’t have to bring as much raw bullion or uncut diamonds to get a few things.  They have plenty of powdered flavors.

The lobby is very interesting and enjoyable.  The walls and ceiling are painted with interesting images.  So are the hallways and the walls in the theaters themselves.  That’s fun all by itself.  My favorite is the one featuring aliens.  I felt right at home!

The parking is ample and easy to get to off Michigan Avenue.  The parking lot is sizeable and though it is a little dark in the very back it seems to be generally safe.  Just be aware.  Plenty of room for turning and such.  They could use a little more lighting in the back lot but I think that’s more on the city side, I can’t tell.

The staff is upbeat, friendly and caring.  Lots of fun and a real treat for yourself, a date or the...