“The Turner Opera House [later the Victoria Theater]
was hailed as the most beautiful theater west of Philadelphia” (11).
The Book
The
Victoria Theatre in Dayton, Ohio experienced name changes, disasters, renovations,
star performers, and epic performances throughout its history. Authors Bruce
and Virginia Ronald introduce this storied history in Now Playing: An Informal History of the Victoria Theatre.
In 1866,
the Turner Opera House opened after two years of construction. However, the
first disaster occurred in 1869 when the Opera House burned down with only the
front façade surviving. The Music Hall opened in 1871, was renamed the Victoria
Theatre in 1899, the 1913 Dayton flood ruined the interior, and in 1918 the
theatre burned again. In addition, the Victoria Theatre struggled with
management, theatre goers, and finances.
Despite all
this, the Theatre provided entertainment for the people of Dayton-bringing
well-known performers and lavish productions. Some of the people to perform at
the Victoria Theatre were: Buffalo Bill,
Harry Houdini, Ethel Barrymore, Helen Hayes, Henry Fonda, Rex Harrison, and
Anna Pavlowa. Lecturers also stopped at the Victoria: Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde,
Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and William Jennings Bryan.
Productions included a massive live cast for Ben-Hur, touring companies, and
stock companies.
In 1971 the
Victoria Theatre was in danger of being turn down. Residents of Dayton worked
hard to save the theatre and in 1989 a full-scale renovation was made possible through
local donations. When it re-opened in 1990, the lobby and double staircase were
close replicas of the 1871 design.
Now Playing: An Informal
History of the Victoria Theatre is just what is says:
an informal history. The book is comprised of short snippets (making for a
quick read or a coffee table book) that are organized topically and
chronologically. Readers interested in Dayton theatre history or even American
theatre history will find this book engaging. Sometimes it is difficult to
determine when the authors are discussing Dayton theatre history or American theatre
history. However, Now Playing: An
Informal History of the Victoria Theatre provides a glimpse into the development
of theatre in America, through the lens of Dayton, Ohio.
The Place
Today, the Victoria Theatre still operates live theatre, a ballet studio,
and a summer film series. Live theatre is what the Victoria Theatre was
designed for, however, for visitors on a budget the summer film series is the way
to go. For $6 you can view a classic film and have free popcorn and soda in the
lobby.
There are
ample opportunities for area residents or visitors to take in the marble grand
staircase in the lobby or the green décor in the auditorium. When you attend a
performance or summer film, make sure to take time to appreciate the architecture
inside and out. The details on the light fixtures in the auditorium reveal the
craftsmanship from years ago and the classic lobby remind visitors they are
stepping back in time.
