July 20, 2025

Capri Theater in Shreveport Set to Reopen After Two Decades

News Summary

The iconic Capri Theater in Shreveport, Louisiana, is preparing to reopen its doors after a 20-year hiatus, aiming to reinvigorate the local entertainment landscape. Under the guidance of technical director John Lomax, renovations are in progress to modernize the historic venue, which originally opened in 1911. The venue plans to host a variety of events, including concerts and special gatherings, appealing to all age groups and addressing past entertainment gaps in the area. The reopening is scheduled to coincide with the Geek’d Con event.

Downtown Shreveport’s Historic Capri Theater Set to Reopen After Two Decades of Inactivity

The Capri Theater in Shreveport, Louisiana, is preparing to welcome audiences once again, poised to reopen for the first time in over 20 years. Located at 620 Milam St., this beloved venue has a rich history and is set to revitalize the local entertainment scene.

John Lomax has been appointed as the technical director overseeing the rehabilitation of the theater. With a strong sense of nostalgia, Lomax recalls his first visit to the Capri as a nightclub in the mid-1980s and is eager to bring the venue back to life. The Capri initially opened in 1911 as the Saenger Theater, created by pharmacist brothers Julian and Abraham Saenger. The theater originally featured live performances, pantomime, and movies for just a quarter.

In 1967, the building underwent significant remodeling and was renamed the Capri. It transformed into a popular dance club by 1989, further evolving into a versatile event space in the early 2000s. However, due to various circumstances, the theater has remained inactive for the past two decades.

Tim Huck, a downtown bar owner, is currently negotiating a lease agreement for the Capri, with aspirations for future ownership of the property. His vision includes not only the financial success of the venue but also a commitment to enhancing community engagement through the arts.

Plans for the revitalized Capri Theater include a wide array of upcoming events, ranging from special occasions and dance parties to weddings and live music performances. Aiming to cater to all age groups, many events will be designed as all-ages experiences, addressing a previous gap in the Shreveport entertainment market.

Lomax envisions integrating unique programming, such as movie showings that include cult classics and a special focus on “bad movie nights,” which would feature midnight screenings of films like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” This initiative aims to appeal to both nostalgic fans of classic cinema and a new generation seeking varied entertainment options.

Additionally, the Capri aims to stimulate the local music scene, which has faced challenges due to a previously enforced 21-and-over age limit in bars and clubs. The theater is seen as a potential stopover for traveling musicians and bands moving between major cities like Atlanta and Dallas, as well as north Texas, creating an attractive venue for diverse talent.

The renovation of the Capri is extensive, requiring significant work to address water damage and modernize sound and lighting systems. Updating the interior will also involve repainting the walls from their current red hue to a more neutral palette, giving the space a fresh and inviting atmosphere.

The first event on the Capri’s new calendar is scheduled for August 23, 2025, aligning with the Geek’d Con. This all-ages “Nerd Rave” will feature a K-Pop deejay and is expected to draw in a wide variety of attendees, showcasing the venue’s commitment to being a versatile community hub.

As the reopening approaches, Lomax emphasizes the Capri’s intention to establish a vibrant entertainment venue for all, insisting that “having fun is the point.” With its storied history and bright future, the Capri Theater is well on track to reclaim its place as a cornerstone of Shreveport’s cultural landscape.

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Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

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