About the Fox Theater
Opened on September 6, 1940, The Fox Theater, a Boller Brothers Theater, quickly became an important fixture in downtown Sedalia.
Situated along the courthouse square, the theater had a distinctly visible location within downtown and boasted premium accommodations that were step up from other local theaters, such as, the Uptown Theater.
With 900 seats, grand balcony and lavish décor, The Fox Theater cost a $75,000 to build and quickly became downtown Sedalia’s premier social scene for movie entertainment. The exterior of the theater was adorned with black, reflective glass, and lighted marquee, beneath which patrons entered through the manned ticket booth.
In March 1948, the theater held the world premier of “Scudda Hoo, Scudda Hay’s”. The picture’s Hollywood stars Lon McCallister, June Harver, Jeanne Crain and Betty Ann Lynn attending the screening and took to the streets of downtown Sedalia to watch the celebratory parade in honor of the affair.
The Fox Theater continued as a working theater until the early 1980’s. The building was abandoned and, unfortunately, deteriorated due to the elements of time, destroying many of the theater’s unique characteristics.
Purchased by Furnell Companies in 2006, the building’s façade experienced a much-needed facelift to reflect the historical character the theater once possessed. The interior was transformed into a lavish event center, designed to house special occasion events, business functions or other private events.
Rental Options
The Fox Theater Event Center offers the following rental options for your special occasion event. Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties Business Meetings & Seminars, Holiday Parties – any Celebration – can be hosted at the Fox. Please contact us for additional information regarding rental accommodations.
Fox Theater Suite
$695 and deposit required
- Approx. 3400 sq. feet (see the rental guide for the floor plan)
- Includes bar area, kitchen, coat check, (2) restrooms & use of “Fox” marquee
- Includes use of (8) 5’ round tables, (5) banquet tables, (80) chairs
Additional Services
The following amenities and services are available for an additional cost:
- Table Rental
- Chair Rental
- Table Linens
- Candelabras
- Archway
- Risers
- Table Linen Setup
- Cleaning *
*Price dependent upon current labor rate.
Fox Theater Photos
Hotel & Dining Services
An individual or party who reserves one of Furnell Companies’ venue spaces may take advantage of “Group Room Rates” to accommodate their guests at the Hotel Bothwell (located at 103 E. 4th Street in Downtown Sedalia) in addition to discounts off the venue space rental! For events in the Grand Ballroom at the Hotel Bothwell, individuals or parties receive venue space rental discounts in accordance to catered food and beverage purchases through the Ivory Grille Restaurant and Lounge.
Please contact the Hotel Bothwell General Manager at (660) 826-5588 to inform them of your rental and inquire for discount opportunities!