Page 28 - July 2019 Conference Program Volume 42 No. 01

ConferenCe TheaTre Tours

pre-ConferenCe historiC theatre ramBle
sunDay, July 14, 2019
sponsoreD By:

Grand Opera House
Photo credit: Joe del Tufo, Moonloop Photography
Wilmington, DE

The opulent and historic Grand Opera House has
been a landmark for the residents of Wilmington
and the surrounding region for more than 140 years.
Opened in 1871 as a home for the Grand Lodge
of the Masons for the lordly sum of $100,000, The
Grand has played host to thousands of renowned
entertainers and performing artists over the years,
including Ethel Barrymore, Buffalo Bill Cody, John
Philip Sousa, political cartoonist Thomas Nast, and
the Jubilee Singers of Fisk University.
Designed by Delaware architect Thomas Dixon
in the Second Empire style, The Grand features a
distinctive façade of cast iron adorned with
Masonic images. The first season of operation
presented more than seventy performances that included everything from serious dramas to minstrel shows
to lectures and exhibitions. In 1909, The Grand was briefly converted into a regular stop on the vaudeville
circuit and then transitioned into a movie theater. Eclipsed by the more modernly lavish and larger Aldine next
door, The Grand was eventually reduced to screening second-run horror films and Westerns. The building was
allowed to fall into decline and sadly closed its doors in 1967.
“To destroy it would be a crime, to restore it would be a triumph”
So said Bill Frank of the Morning News, and other prominent citizens of Wilmington were thinking the same.
On December 22, 1971, the hundredth anniversary of its original grand opening, The Grand Opera House
was again packed with people and excitement, as plans were unveiled to renovate the theater to its former
splendor. Over the next few years, a thoughtful and complete restoration was undertaken. The Grand was
rededicated on February 1, 1973, and began again to present the finest performing artists from around the
world. Delaware historian Carol Hoffecker, described the project as “a Cinderella story, the most spectacularly
successful preservation effort in Wilmington’s history.”
The Grand and baby grand are beehives of artistic activity. The Grand presents more than 80 shows each
season, ranging from the latest rock and comedy stars to classical music, dance, traditional American music,
jazz, world arts, and family and variety performers as well. The Delaware Symphony, Opera Delaware, and
First State Ballet Theatre are all in residence at The Grand, presenting full schedules in each of their disciplines.
Between The Grand, its resident performing companies, and rentals, the building hosts more than 300 events a
year bringing more than 120,000 people into downtown Wilmington and through its doors.

The Playhouse on Rodney Square
Wilmington, DE

100 men. 150 working days. 100+ years of continuous Broadway entertainment. It all began with the dream
of three DuPont executives, John J. Raskob, Pierre S. du Pont, and R.R.M. Carpenter, who wished to provide
Wilmington, Delaware with “the finest entertainment possible.” Their plan was to construct a theatre large
enough to accommodate any New York Show as a “dress rehearsal venue,” as well as providing the
community a location for non-profit events, lectures, and business meetings.
PAGE 26 | INLEAGUE League of Historic American Theatres