(Photos by TK Kuo, cellist with Shen Yun Performing Arts Orchestra)

What was once a giant limestone hulk of an old church became the unique Fox Theater in St. Louis, Missouri. Constructed in 1927, St. Louis' most famous theater, dubbed the "Fabulous Fox" by locals, was definitely one of our most interesting hosts. Supported by grand columns and adorned with glittering pieces of Byzantine art, the Fox is definitely a treat for first timers.

Among the decorative themes are Indian styles, Greco-Roman pillars, and even elephants, lions, and goddesses.  

One of the most famous attractions of the theater is the 80-something-year-old house curtain embellished with sparkling jewels and archaic designs, including a couple of dragons.

When it first opened, the theater was used to screen movies, with an exorbitant entrance fee of 25 cents. Later it became home to rock 'n roll concerts, and damage to the theater led to its temporary closing. While some wanted to shut it down for good, several St. Louis philanthropists rose to the occasion and renovated it, bringing us Fox Theater as we now know it.

By: Annie Li, projection engineer with Shen Yun's Touring Company

February 4, 2011