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Historic Theaters Share Their Stories

If walls could talk, historic theaters would tell countless stories.

These theaters are time capsules, capturing popular culture, societal tastes, charming architecture and fascinating traditions of bygone eras. From their opulent designs to their storied histories, theaters across the country awe groups with their stage presence.

Ford’s Theatre

Washington, D.C.

One of the country’s most famous historic theaters can be found right in its capital. While Washington, D.C., is known for its many fascinating and culturally significant theaters, Ford’s Theatre carries special significance as the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. In 1864, Lincoln was attending a play at the theater with his wife when he was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer. Lincoln later died across the street at the Petersen House, which groups can visit as part of the theater tour experience.

In addition to being an active theater, Ford’s Theatre is a museum and national historic site centered around Lincoln’s life, his assassination and the Civil War. Visiting groups can go through the museum on a self-guided tour, and park rangers are available to give presentations to tour groups about the theater, the assassination and its aftermath. The theater’s presidential box is staged to look as it did in 1864 when Lincoln was assassinated, and additional exhibits tell the story of the effect of his death in the days and years afterward. Groups also can snag tickets to one of the theater’s evening productions.

fords.org

The Lyric Oxford

Oxford, Mississippi

Oxford, Mississippi, is rich with claims to historic charm, from being the home of famous novelist William Faulkner to having the first public university in Mississippi. In its historic square, the Lyric Oxford was built in the 1800s as a livery stable and owned by Faulkner’s family. It was converted into a theater for productions, and later, films. Faulkner even got to see the movie adaptation of one of his own crime novels, “Intruder in the Dust,” at the Lyric in 1949.

The Lyric remained a theater until the 1970s but was restored to its original use as a theater in 2008. Today, it is a venue for live music, events and private functions. Groups can arrange a private tour of the Lyric to learn about its history and its significance to the historic town. One of the city’s most elegant backdrops, the theater can also host catered group meals.

thelyricoxford.com

The Apollo

New York City

A hub for Black culture in Harlem since it opened in 1934, the Apollo Theater was originally a burlesque venue for white patrons only. Its significance to the Upper Manhattan neighborhood is hard to overstate. The theater’s famous “Amateur Nights” have been responsible for the discovery of great talent; many famous Black performers debuted at the Apollo, including greats like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and even contemporary artists like Ne-Yo. Countless other stars, like Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin, gave performances there that cemented their status as stars. For this reason, the Apollo is easily recognizable for the role it has played in the development of music genres like jazz, blues, swing, gospel, R&B and soul.

Today, the theater has multiple stages for live performances. And it still hosts Amateur Night on most Wednesday evenings, which groups can attend for a night of unforgettable entertainment. Groups of up to 55 can book tours at The Apollo, which are given by its historian. These tours offer a glimpse behind the curtain of the theater’s 90-plus-year history, from exploring its legendary performers to its role in the community.

apollotheater.org

Historic Elitch Theatre

Denver

The Historic Elitch Theatre was originally opened as part of Zoological Gardens and Grand Pavilion Theater in May 1890 by John and Mary Elitch. The Denver garden was especially popular because of its animals, including lions, bears, camels, wolves and monkeys. The Grand Pavilion Theater supplied guests with open-air Vaudeville entertainment. After John Elitch’s death the following year, the property was sold and the theater reconstructed for its second season. In the years since, the property changed ownership many times and played many roles in the community, from theater to amusement park. It saw performances from some of the greats, including Grace Kelly and Robert Redford, before closing and falling into disrepair.

Restoration work to return the theater to its status as a beloved symbol of the Denver community began in the early 21st century and is ongoing. Groups of 10 or more can schedule private tours from mid-May to mid-October. These 90-minute tours tell the story of the Elitches and the evolution of the theater and surrounding gardens. Tours are volunteer-run and are also wheelchair accessible.

historicelitchtheatre.org

Homestake Opera House

Lead, South Dakota

Just outside of Deadwood, South Dakota, the Homestake Opera House was built in 1914 at the direction of Phoebe Hearst, widow of American businessman and politician George Hearst. Hearst was the developer of the Homestake Mine for which the theater was named. A multipurpose venue and community for the miners of Deadwood, it also included a library, bowling alley and billiards hall, in addition to the 1,000-seat theater. It remained an asset to the community until 1984, when much of the building burned down. The theater has been restored over the past two decades, thanks to the fundraising of a nonprofit group.

While the restoration is ongoing, the theater portion of the opera house is in use, hosting live events such as orchestra performances and theater productions. Tours of the beautiful property can be scheduled with advanced notice. The opera house’s former community center is now home to an interpretive exhibit detailing the building’s history and the impact it had on its community.

homestakeoperahouse.org

Fabulous Fox Theatre

St. Louis

On the opening night at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in 1929, St. Louis residents paid 50 cents to experience live entertainment at the opulent theater. It was built by William Fox, producer and founder of Fox Film Corporation, and for many years it served as a popular entertainment venue for the city. It experienced a decline and closed its doors in the 1970s before being restored in the late 20th century. Expansions and renovations have restored the theater to its former glory while introducing modern technological innovations. Now, the theater hosts live events, from comedy shows to theater productions. It’s also home to the Curtain Call Lounge, the first champagne bar in St. Louis, and the Stage Left Grille, which offers casual fare for preshow dining.

Groups of 15 or more can arrange private tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays. These 90-minute tours take visitors through the five-story theater for a look at its history and intricate architecture. Parking in the theater garage is free. Group dining is also available for groups of 20 or more and can be arranged pre- or post-show in a private dining room.

fabulousfox.com