The History of The Malco
The Historic Malco Theatre: A Legacy of Resilience and Wonder
For over a century, the corner of Central and Broadway has been the heartbeat of entertainment in Hot Springs. While the neon marquee you see today is an icon of the Art Deco era, the soul of the theatre runs much deeper.
A Phoenix from the Ashes
The site originally housed the Princess Theatre, a vaudeville house built in 1910 that brought silent films and traveling acts to the Spa City. On Christmas Eve in 1935, disaster struck when a massive fire consumed the Princess, leaving only the foundation and masonry walls standing.
From those ashes, a new vision emerged. Utilizing the surviving shell, architects Brueggeman & Swaim designed a modern marvel. In 1946, under the ownership of M.A. Lightman (the namesake of the Malco chain), the theatre was reimagined as a dazzling Art Deco showplace, complete with the neon signage that still lights up Central Avenue today.
A Witness to History
The Malco is more than just a venue; it is a time capsule.
- A Presidential Past: A young Bill Clinton frequently attended films here, nurturing a love for cinema in the darkness of the auditorium.
- The Cold War: Due to its reinforced steel beams and fourteen-inch concrete walls, the theatre was designated as an official fallout shelter during the atomic age.
- A Lesson in Civil Rights: Perhaps most historically significant is the preserved entrance on Broadway. Originally a segregated entrance, it remains one of the few surviving architectural examples of this era in the United States—kept today as a vital reminder of our journey toward equality.
A Global Stage: The Documentary Film Festival & Maxwell Blade
In the 1990s, the Malco evolved from a local movie house into a cultural destination on the world stage. It became the longtime home of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival(HSDFF), the oldest all-documentary film festival in North America, and the magic of Maxwell Blade.
During this era, the Malco welcomed Academy Award winners, Hollywood legends, and international storytellers. For years, the theatre buzzed with the energy of premieres and Q&As, cementing Hot Springs' reputation as a hub for the arts and playing a pivotal role in the revitalization of the downtown historic district.
A Legacy of Wonder: The Maxwell Blade Era
Following the festival era, the theatre entered its most transformative modern chapter. In 2017, Master Illusionist Maxwell Blade, in partnership with Rick Williams, spearheaded a massive renovation project to save the historic gem.
Together, they peeled back decades of changes to reveal the theatre’s original beauty. They removed the dividing walls that had split the auditorium in previous decades, restoring the single, grand hall and returning the interior to its 1940s Art Deco glory.
For over three decades, Maxwell Blade transformed the Malco Theatre into a place of wonder, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Through his masterful magic, musical talent, and one-of-a-kind storytelling, he captivated audiences of all ages and made the Malco a true landmark of entertainment. Beyond the illusions, Maxwell touched countless hearts—welcoming every guest with warmth, inspiring young performers, and creating a community around his stage. While his recent retirement marks the end of an extraordinary era, his impact remains forever woven into the spirit and history of the Malco Theatre.
The Magic Continues: A Vibrant Future for the Historic Malco Theatre
Today, the Historic Malco Theatre stands not just as a monument to the past, but as a living, breathing center for the arts in Hot Springs. While the architecture preserves the "Showplace of the South" legacy, the energy inside is thoroughly modern. The Malco has evolved into a premier multi-use venue, hosting a diverse calendar of live concerts, theatrical performances, and community celebrations that keep the marquee bright year-round.
Anchoring this new era is The Magic of Jonathan Erlandson, who has been a vital part of the Malco family since 2017. As the theatre's resident artist, Jonathan carries the torch of wonder, performing an acclaimed magic show that blends modern illusions with the venue's classic charm. His residency ensures that the tradition of mystery and delight remains a staple of Central Avenue, while the theatre itself continues to expand its horizons.
From intimate acoustic sets to private galas, the Malco is busier than ever—proving that while history is preserved in our walls, the future is happening on our stage.