The historic Forest Theater reopens Nov. 1 (Photos by Ellicia Photos)
RICH LOPEZ | A&E Writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
Dallas is so confusing sometimes.
As the Granada Theater announced its closing last week, the Forest Theater prepares to reopen. The Granada opened 80 years ago, the Forest 77 years.
Two historic theaters in Dallas make big news on opposite ends of the spectrum.
While we mourn the Granada’s closing next year, this is a time to celebrate another significant Dallas cultural landmark and its return to recapture its legacy and future in South Dallas. The Forest Theater will reopen its doors to South Dallas on Nov. 1 with the Grand Return, a community-wide homecoming marking a new chapter for the historic venue as well.
“The Grand Return is more than a celebration; it’s a homecoming,” Forest Forward CEO Elizabeth Wattley said in a press release. “For generations, the Forest Theater was a place where South Dallas gathered, celebrated and saw itself reflected.
“On Nov. 1, after more than 50 years, we will light the tower again and invite the entire city through these doors to experience what comes next.”
Forest Forward is the nonprofit organization that spearheaded the restoration of the historic Forest Theater while preserving the rich history and cultural identity of South Dallas. The restored venue serves as the anchor of the organization’s long-term vision of creating a destination for arts, entrepreneurship, education and community engagement.
Since opening in 1949, the Forest Theater has not only reflected the evolution of South Dallas, is has also served as an acclaimed entertainment destination for marquee performers. The venue hosted artists such as Prince, B.B. King, Gladys Knight, Ike and Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett and Dallas native Erykah Badu before closing in 2008.
The reopening is seen as both the preservation of its cultural history and an investment in the future of South Dallas.
The lead-up to Nov. 1 began in August when Forest Forward unveiled For The Culture, a permanent public art installation in Constantin Corner by national public artist Jessica Bell
“This art unveiling is a declaration that Forest Forward is here for the culture,” Jiles King, interim executive artistic director said. “For every artist who has graced the Forest Theater stage and the countless community voices who found a home on this stage, and to every artist who will create and build within these walls in the years to come — we stand proudly today to permanently affirm this campus is truly for the culture.”
The expanded Forest Theater campus will include a 1,000-person concert hall, a 200-seat black box theater, a 13,000-square-foot creative education lab, recording and podcast studios, a rooftop gathering space, artist classrooms and community meeting areas — all designed to serve area residents and the broader Dallas community.
There is even a Starbucks on premises, the first in South Dallas.
“It’s inside the theater,” King excitedly said. “Bringing in a national brand to this street will help vitalize the community and provide jobs. I think it shows that they see value in our neighborhood.”
Understanding the diversity of not just the surrounding neighborhood but of Dallas itself, King asserts that the LGBTQ+ community also has a safe space at the Forest Theater.
“This is such a welcome place, and we’re ready for all of Dallas to come to the Forest. We’re not far from Oak Lawn, so I hope the community finds a place here,” King said. “I can see us having a good drag brunch or a ballroom night — something like that would be fun here.”
As part of Forest Forward’s Ambassador Program, three community members have been named to help spread the word via social media about the new Forest Theater: award-winning actor and singer Zachary J. Willis (@zacharyjwillis) who posted “The only thing more impressive than the history and legacy of the Forest is the potential of its future in South Dallas. I’m excited to witness what comes next,”
Readers Voice Award winner as “Best Local Influencer” Chris Cavanaugh (@thedevontee) stated, “This isn’t just about reopening a theater, it’s about preserving Dallas culture.”
And men’s fashion and style influencer Darius Javelle (@dariusjavelle) proclaimed, “This isn’t just the return of a theater. It’s the continuation of a legacy.”
The Grand Return will feature live entertainment, musical guests, a Vendor Village and food trucks, and it will culminate in the ceremonial relighting of the Theater’s iconic tower and marquee for the first time in more than 50 years.
“Even while closed, The Forest Theater has always been bigger than a building,” Wattley added. “It is part of the identity of South Dallas and a reminder of what is possible when we invest in people and places.
“Its return is about honoring that legacy while creating new opportunities, new economic activity and a place where generations can imagine what is possible — and have the opportunity to make it possible.”
To register for the Grand Opening, visit ForestForward.org/Grand-Return.