Joy Theater

The Joy Theater, in downtown New Orleans, opening day, Feb. 7, 1947.
Location	1200 Canal Street New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Coordinates	29°57′23″N 90°04′26″W / 29.956403°N 90.074008°W / 29.956403; -90.074008
Owner	NOLA Theatre District LLC
Type	Indoor theater
Seating type	Orchestra, balcony
Capacity	1,200
Construction
Opened	1947
Renovated	2011

The Joy Theater, named after owner Joy Houck, is a theater and historic landmark built in 1947 on Canal Street in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. Renovations in 2011 transformed the former movie palace into a multi-purpose theater for live music, stand-up comedy, private functions, and corporate events. The theater's iconic marquee sign was restored, as was the building's original art deco architecture.^[1][2]

History

On February 7, 1947, the Joy Theater opened at a cost of $275,000, with seats for 1,250 patrons. Hailed as "New Orleans' newest and most modern film temple,"^[2] the theater was equipped with a crying room, a glass-enclosed area behind the back row that enabled parents with young children to enjoy the show without disturbing the other patrons.^[3][4] The Joy was built by long-time theater operators Joy Houck (the theater's namesake) and Levere Montgomery, Sr. The architect was B. W. Stevens. Lover Come Back, starring Lucille Ball, was the opening feature.^[4]

In 2003, "finally succumbing to the competition from megaplexes with stadium-style seating and a dozen or more screens," the Joy Theater closed.^[2]

In August 2005, the flood following Hurricane Katrina inundated the structure.^[4]

In July 2011, the Joy reopened in December 2011.^[5]