Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Commodore Theatre
Photographed by Laura Troy, November 12, 2007
1. The Commodore Theatre Marker
Opened on November 14, 1945, the Commodore Theatre was designed by noted Baltimore architect John J. Zink and built and operated by William S. "Bunkie" Wilder, a Portsmouth native, as his flagship theatre. It is named for Commodore James Barron, veteran of the War of 1812, who is buried in the churchyard next to the theatre.
The Art Deco theatre has a nautical theme and two large murals depicting local and national history.
The Commodore showed motion pictures and hosted community stage presentations until 1975, when it closed for twelve years.
In 1987, Fred Schoenfeld purchased the theatre and spent two and a half years restoring it. He re-opened the Commodore on December 21, 1989 as a first-run movie theatre with full-service dining—the first such cinema-eatery in the United States.
Meeting stringent exhibition criteria for sound, image, and audience experience, the Commodore Theatre earned THX-certification for excellence.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1762.
Location. 36° 50.117′ N, 76° 18.098′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Olde Towne. It is on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads, specifically in Coastal Virginia, and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Norfolk County Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1846 Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Col. Bernard Magnien (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Trinity Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Towne Square (about 300 feet away); Monumental Methodist Church (about 300 feet away); Court Street Baptist Church (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Confederate Monument (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Laura Troy, November 12, 2007
2. The Commodore Theatre Marker
The Commodore Theatre has been registered as a Virginia Historic Landmark pursuant to the authority vested in the Virginia Board of Historic Resources.
Photographed by Laura Troy, November 12, 2007
3. The Commodore Theatre
Photographed by Laura Troy, November 12, 2007
4. Commodore James Barron's Grave
Photographed by Laura Troy, November 12, 2007
5. The Commodore Theatre Marker
Commodore James Barron, U.S.N. Senior Officer aboard the Frigate Chesapeake placed by Fort Norfolk Chapter U.S. Daughters of 1812
Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, February 12, 2014
6. The Commodore Theatre
Built 1945
Has Been Placed On The
National Register of Historic Places
By The United States Department of The Interior
Has Been Placed On The
National Register of Historic Places
By The United States Department of The Interior
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,682 times since then and 45 times this year. Last updated on July 3, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 12, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. 6. submitted on February 14, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
