The VAST Theater was recently renamed. Again. It turns out what was most recently called the “Ely Theater” was previously called the “Capitol Theater.” Built in 1929, it is a fascinating design that it blends a Spanish Revival style facade with an early Art Deco interior. As you’ll soon see, it’s the most recent of many transformations the theater has undergone over the last 100+ years. In 1938 the theater was renovated to reflect the times with art deco details on the interior and large, neon lined “blade” signs that cut across the middle of the historic facade.

Remarkably, Jennifer Toneck (the great grand daughter of the Job Foreman who oversaw the building of the nearby Hotel Nevada) discovered these extremely rare images of the theater’s main hall stored in her New York garage. Accompanied by her mother, she drove these and other historic images across country to hand deliver them to some extremely grateful locations.

You can see the nearly 600 seats and many of the late 20’s Spanish metalwork intermingled with a decidedly Art Deco layering built into the support beams.

The collision of styles in this image is striking. The Deco beams, the Spanish metal lamps suspended from the ceiling, the radial spikes emanating from the perforated sound stages. One of the most fascinating features of Western architecture is it’s ability to borrow, adapt, and make unique American architectural styles. The theater and it’s many iterations is emblematic of a young and blended country unafraid to reinvent itself on the fly.

The outer lobby , later removed, with film posters confirming the 1930 date noted on the other photos.

Interesting to note the tapestry and other Spanish Revival details throughout the theater. The rot iron table on the left and striking floor lamps compliment the ceiling fixtures. None of these original items have been found, but we are in possession of the original glass paneled doors. The inner doors are in excellent shape and finished in a deep, emerald green.

The old projectors are gone, but the projection booth still has much of its original setup. These arc projectors needed a lot of power, strong ventilation, and careful monitoring. A person stands nearby, and a hat hangs on a rack, showing it was probably a typical day for the projectionist.