OUR HISTORY

​Located at 315 North High Street in downtown California, Missouri, the Finke Theatre was originally built in 1885. The two-story brick building was designed by Jerome Bibb "J.B." Legg, a prominent St. Louis architect known for his work on Missouri courthouses, opera houses, theaters, churches, schools, and public buildings. Notably, he also remodeled the Missouri State Capitol in 1887. The Finke Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 for its significance in entertainment and recreation.

As the only opera house and theater in California, Missouri, the building served as the community’s central entertainment venue. From 1885 to 1897, it operated as the California Opera House, and from 1897 to 1922, it was known as the Finke Opera House. During these years, it hosted stage productions, plays, musical performances, and school events. Noteworthy moments in its early history include a piano performance by Blind Boone in 1893 and a lecture by Cole Younger, an associate of Jesse James, in 1909.

From 1922 to 1937, the venue operated as the Finke Theatre, showcasing vaudeville acts and motion pictures. In 1937, the building underwent a renovation that transformed its Victorian design into an Art Deco style, reopening as the Ritz Theater. It continued under that name until 1978.

After a period of closure and restoration, the theatre reopened for the 2009–2010 season under its original name, Finke Theatre, continuing its legacy as a cultural and entertainment hub for the community.

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RESTORATION 

The restoration of the Finke Theatre was initiated by California Progress, Inc. (CPI). While planning and fundraising progressed slowly, they remained steady thanks to the dedication of countless volunteers who invested innumerable hours into demolition and rebuilding. In 2006, a visionary and generous benefactor donated the adjacent Finke Building with the idea of expanding the theatre’s lobby.

To honor the theatre’s historic character, great care was taken to reclaim as much of the original hardware and fixtures as possible. Today, the beautifully restored Finke Theatre features refinished original floors, reclaimed and reupholstered seats with restored aisle floor lighting, intricately painted wall details, and original Art Deco sconces. The stage was expanded and upgraded with modern sound and lighting systems. The new lobby includes a charming wood and textured glass ticket booth, while the first floor of the adjoining Finke Building houses a spacious concessions area and accessible restrooms.

In 2009, the fully restored Finke Theatre reopened with its first season of performances.

In 2010, the Friends of the Finke board and volunteers assumed responsibility for maintaining the physical building and managing ongoing construction projects, proudly continuing CPI’s exceptional vision. With the completion of the city’s updated sewer system, full accessibility became possible, paving the way for the long-awaited construction of the theatre’s marquee. Faithfully modeled after historic photographs, the illuminated marquee provides a distinctive, welcoming entrance for patrons and passersby.

Though much has been accomplished, work continues. Future plans include restoring the space on the second floor of the Finke Building, pending available funding.