National Theatre – Washington D.C.
Enter the world of the theatre with the National Theatre which opened its doors in 1835. Every President of the United States has attended performances at the theatre which has given the theatre the title: "Theatre of Presidents."
Growing with the capital from the muddy main street of a fledging capital to the ceremonial avenue of a great world power the theatre has been there, growing right with the District.
The National Theatre is just three blocks from the White House. In the year the theatre opened President Andrew Jackson paid off the national debt (and the last time it has ever happened!) He then came to the theatre. The same year the Liberty Bell cracked, P.T. Barnum organized his first circus, the first sugar cane plantation was started in Hawaii, the Merrick wrench was patented and The Treaty of New Echota is signed, ceding all the lands of the Cherokee east of the Mississippi River to the United States.
The National has operated longer than any other major touring house in the United States. Subsequent to its opening on December 7, 1835, the building was destroyed by fire and rebuilt on the same site five times during the 1800′s. Part of the original foundation can still be seen in the basement of the present structure, which was rebuilt in the 1920′s, and given a major renovation which was completed in 1984.
Nearly every great stage performer of the cast century has appeared at the National Theatre. History tells us that one star of the first season was Junius Brutus Booth, whose three sons, including the infamous John Wilkes Booth, all played at the National.
The first performance in the theatre was "Man of the World," in 1835. When the theatre reopened its doors in 1850, after a disastrous fire, the featured performer was Miss Jenny Lind, "the Swedish Nightingale."; The first attraction in 1952 when the National returned to stage performances after a short period as a movie house was Call Me Madam, starring, of course, Ethel Merman.
Now, if you are into ghosts, then you may be interested to know that for almost a century the National has been haunted by the friendly ghost of actor John McCullough, reputedly shot and killed by a fellow performer. The two men argued while washing clothes in the Tiber Creek, which then flowed through the basement backstage. A rusty pistol, perhaps the murder weapon, was unearthed under the stage in 1982, near where McCullough’s remains are rumored to lie in the earth beneath the stage. According to legend, his spirit roams the theatre on the eve of opening nights, and was once seated in the audience.
Tours of the National Theatre can be arranged when the house is "dark." However, when touring attractions are resident in the house, last-minute rehearsals and technical work make tours impossible to schedule. The minimum number of participants is 10, and the maximum is 60. Tours are for any age group — so long as any children included are mature enough to listen quietly to the descriptions of the guide. Of course, if the group is all children, the discussion will be aimed at their age level, but polite attention is still expected.
Tours last approximately one hour and include history of the National and discussion of the technical aspects of putting on a show here. A Question-and-Answer period is included if time allows. It is generally possible to go backstage and onto the stage. Children should be cautioned in advance to watch their step carefully, especially backstage, and to not touch props, ropes, tools or anything else in the theatre.
Most tours are conducted by volunteer tour guides, so arranging a tour date depends on the availability of a guide. (Individuals with some background in theatre, who are available during the day, and who might like to conduct tours, can send a letter of application to the National Theatre describing their experience and interest – find our address on the contact info page.)
Tours are available only on business days between 11:00 am and 3 pm (ending around 4 pm). Advance arrangements and reservations are required. Call John Loomis at 202-783-6854 for tour information and bookings.
Enjoy a performance at the theatre with showings on Monday, Saturday and special event days. Arrive in the theatre lobby not later than 7:30 if you are picking up tickets and 7:45 if you have tickets. Parking and traffic are going to slow down your trip in so be sure to plan on that by coming early and perhaps getting dinner in the area or having a beverage at the theatre before the show.
Children under 4 are not allowed to come to the theatre.
The National Theatre schedules shows on a show by show basis, not on a seasonal schedule. There is NO season schedule to give out. Check to see what is playing on the National Theater.org website.
Dress code: You can attend the theatre in business casual or be formally dressed. Either is acceptable in the elegance of the theatre. There is limited coat closet space so please wear the least bulky coat you can and still be comfortable.
The National Theatre seats 1,700 people.
Location: The National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington DC 20004
Phone:
Tickets: 1-800-447-7400
Information: 202-628-6161
Email: dbm@nationaltheatre.org
No related posts.
About Editor
Comments