When he went to look for where the plaster fell form the ceiling, there was no plaster to be found. General Manager Tom Bugg claims that in the mid 1990s as he was walking in the auditorium of the Bijou, a piece of plaster fell behind him. There have been reported sightings of the ghost in the second level women’s bathroom. Many people believe that it could be his ghost that haunts the theatre. During the Civil War, General Sanders died in the bridal suite of the formerly known Lamar House. Many performing artists consider it the best-sounding room in the city of Knoxville.Īn interesting fact about the Bijou that many do not know about is that the Bijou is allegedly haunted. Gold lining around the stage and balconies, gold artwork on the ceiling, and gold statues atop the galleries only add to the extravagance inside the Bijou theatre. Of the main auditorium are two three level smaller balconies, or galleries, in which certain groups may choose to be seated when purchasing their tickets, though they are generally more expensive. Above the main floor are two more balconies which provide more seating for audiences and places for lighting and sound booths. The Bijou has a seating capacity of just over 700 people. Numerous red seats line the floor of the auditorium, facing the stage on which the performing arts are displayed. Past the lobby is an illustrious auditorium in which you are overtaken by auras of red and gold. The interior of the Bijou first welcomes you with a grandeur lobby lined with lights. It was not designed to be externally eye catching, but internally entertaining. Don’t let it’s exterior simplicity fool you, though, because what is inside is the true function of the Bijou. When lit up at night, however, the Bijou becomes more easily noticed as you proceed down Gay Street. In fact, if one were just taking a day time stroll down Gay Street, there is a possibility that it could be passed by. It is simply a concrete building attached to other buildings in downtown Knoxville. The exterior of the Bijou theatre is seemingly simple. While both the Bijou and the Bistro are non smoking environments, both sell wide varieties of beverages allowed in the theatre, thus making it more of an adult environment, though many performances are family friendly. However, no matter what performance you attend, you can enjoy a nice meal in the family friendly Bistro by the Bijou before the concert. Based on these performances, it is obvious that the Bijou covers a vast area of various performances for a wide variety of audiences, particularly young adults and adults. Also, the Bijou hosts Tennessee Shines, a broadcast of music that reflects Tennessee’s culture, every last Wednesday of the month. It has also shown movies such as “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Harold and Maude”. Examples of recent performances held at the Bijou Theatre include Relient K, Dave Barnes, the UT Opera, and many more. Some of the other earlier performances the Bijou hosted included the Marx Brothers and Dizzy Gillespie. The Bijou’s first ever performance was Little Johnny Jones starring George M. The Bijou offers many various types of musical performances, including local jazz ensembles, choral and instrumental groups, opera productions, local musical theatre, acoustic groups, rock groups, and more. By 2005, the building was in danger of defaulting on its mortgage, but was once again saved by local businessmen, and the theatre now strives to stay alive and “set the stage” for 100 more years. Instead, the theatre was simply renovated, and then again 20 years later. However, a group of dedicated Knoxville civilians set up a successful campaign and saved the building from being destroyed. By 1974, the building had been threatened with being completely demolished. Over the next few years, the Bijou featured performances in Opera, comedy, and vaudeville. In 1909, the farthest back wing was turned into a theatre area, and the hotel was renamed the Bijou Theatre. Presidents including Jackson, Grant, and Hayes. During the Civil War, the hotel/theatre was occupied by Union Troops. It was operated under numerous different names, but the most commonly known one is the Lamar House. It was originally designed as a tavern and hotel. The Bijou Theatre was originally built in 1818 by Thomas Humes. Though the Bijou reached the 100 year milestone just last year, it went through much more to get to that point.
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