Setting the Stage

“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.