Welcome to Star Theatre PA
Established 1911
Located in the heart of downtown historic Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, we are a stage and screen venue. Our movies and live shows will captivate and enlighten audiences of all ages. If you are looking to enjoy an entertaining outing suited for the entire family, you’ve come to the right place.
About Us
The theatre was built in 1911 and opened to the public in 1912. It was the home of events such as live productions, silent movies and matinees.
Academy Award Winner, Jimmy Stewart, would frequent the theatre as a teenager while he was a student at the Mercersburg Academy in the 1920's.
Fire damaged the theatre in the 1930's, after which a decorator from Philadelphia was called in to restore the damage. A massive overhand was done which included Art Deco light fixtures and Flocked wallpaper.
In the late 1970's local residents Phil and Jeanne Rader purchased the theatre and operated it as a movie house for close to seven years before closing down due to a lack of business. They retained ownership of the theater until the year 2000 when it was purchased by new owner, Jim Bailey.
Mr. Bailey was looking for a permanent venue for his Country Music Jamboree Show which had been playing at theaters in Chambersburg and Gettysburg, PA. The Star Theatre soon became the home of the Pennsylvania Opry. Jim also continued to show movies for many years. He renovated the theatre again, creating three sections of seats, adding a concession area in the front and 3 dressing rooms, a "green room", and a 1 bedroom efficiency apartment in the back of the theatre.
The Star Theatre is now under new ownership, with Marcus and Bobbie Abernethy taking over in April of 2019. Plans for the theatre include more stage and screen productions, as well as a home for a community theatre, Gospel music expos, Talent shows, and more.
Gallery
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717-977-0823