The Park Avenue Theater, at 722 Park Avenue in Norton, VA, was conceived as a venue for live stage shows in the early 1990's.  Don Wax originally purchased what was formerly the Cohen department store building in 1993, and renovated the structure to house the WAXM 93.5 FM broadcast studios in one half, and the other half, he built as a theater to showcase local artists and other live entertainment.

The VA-KY Opry, as it was originally known, held its Grand Opening in January, 1995, and operated in conjunction with WAXM, hosting both local and nationally known artists, whose sounds were broadcast live via 93.5 to its Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee listening area.  In its history, The Opry hosted such notable artists as Dr. Ralph Stanley, Larry Sparks, and country-rock legends Goose Creek Symphony, just to name a few.

Both WAXM and the VA-KY Opry were purchased by Valley Broadcasting and Communications, Inc. in October, 1995.  The Opry operated continually, although on a somewhat limited engagement basis, up until 2009, at which time management deemed it unfeasible to continue to host events.  The venue sat dormant until winter 2013, at which time it was re-imagined into Park Avenue Theater as it stands today.  While extensive work was done to the infrastructure, including completely new lobby and concession area, and the addition of the necessary equipment to screen movies, special efforts were made to keep as much of the venue original as possible.  Park Avenue Theater has a look and feel of a mid-20th century movie house, giving patrons an experience unlike any other in the region.

It is the intent that Park Avenue Theater become a place where the young and young at heart can come to enjoy movies, concerts, and other live performances in a way they may have never experienced them before.  Thus our motto:

"Vintage Theater, Timeless Experience." 

We hope you will visit us very soon. If it’s your first visit, it’s our goal to make sure it won’t be your last!