Cactus Theater

The Cactus Theater is a historic live performance venue located at 1812 Buddy Holly Avenue in Lubbock, Texas. Constructed in 1937 and inaugurated in April 1938, it was the first suburban movie theater in the area. The theater was built at a cost of approximately $30,000 and originally seated 720 patrons. It was equipped with a washed air cooling system, which was an early form of air conditioning, and its marquee was adorned with 750 feet of neon lighting. The Cactus Theater served as a movie house from its opening until 1958, after which it was closed and its interior furnishings and equipment were removed. Subsequently, the building was repurposed as a storage facility for scrap iron by Greer Iron Works. In the fall of 1993, the theater experienced a revival when Lubbock music producer Don Caldwell, along with a group of investors, purchased the property. Caldwell's vision was to transform the Cactus Theater into a venue that would nurture and showcase the talents of West Texas performers, as well as offer a new entertainment experience to the region. This initiative became a foundational element in the development of the Lubbock Depot Entertainment District. The renovation preserved the theater's balcony, sloped floor, and stage, while the projection booth was converted to accommodate spotlights and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The seating capacity was reduced to approximately 400 to ensure a more intimate atmosphere, and the lobby was updated with modern concession stands and restrooms. Artist John Russell Thomasson contributed to the theater's ambiance with caprock canyon murals, including a stage backdrop designed to give the interior an open, outdoor feel. The Cactus Theater reopened in 1995 as a live performance theater and has since hosted a wide array of events, including music productions like Nostalgia Nites, The Cactus Family Christmas Celebration, and concerts featuring legendary Big Bands such as The Glenn Miller Orchestra and The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. It has also been a stage for Texas music icons including Joe Ely, BJ Thomas, and Jerry Jeff Walker, among others. The theater has presented live plays and musicals, such as "Fiddler on the Roof," "The Odd Couple," and "Always...Patsy Cline," as well as original musical plays like "Holy Rock n' Rollers" and "Heavenly Country." On July 1, 2016, Darryl Holland, a Lubbock businessman and music promoter, acquired the Cactus Theater, continuing its legacy of promoting local talent and hosting regional and national touring acts. The theater also began screening classic and independent films with the addition of a digital projection system. Recent upgrades include a new, state-of-the-art sound system to enhance the listening experience for audiences. The Cactus Theater has welcomed a variety of performers across different genres, including world-class guitarists like Tommy Emmanuel and country legends such as Gene Watson. It has also hosted international artists like Mary Black and celebrated local talent like The Crickets. The venue has featured bluegrass acts, comedians, illusionists, dance companies, and prominent speakers. Rock, pop, Americana, and specialty genres have been well-represented, with performances by artists such as Don McLean, Kiefer Sutherland Band, and Reverend Horton Heat. The Cactus Theater remains a cultural landmark in Lubbock, Texas, known for its rich history and diverse programming that continues to entertain and inspire audiences from the local community and beyond.