Larcom Theatre facts for kids
The Larcom Theatre is a special place in Beverly, Massachusetts. It's an auditorium with 600 seats, located at 13 Wallis Street. This theatre hosts many exciting events. You can enjoy live music, plays, ballet, and comedy shows here. For many years, from 1985 to 2012, the Larcom Theatre was home to a famous magic show called An Anthology of Stage Magic by Le Grand David.
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The Larcom Theatre's Story
The Larcom Theatre has a rich history, starting over a hundred years ago. It was built by two brothers who loved music and entertainment.
Building a Community Landmark
In 1912, two brothers named Harris and Glover Ware built the Larcom Theatre. They were musicians from Marblehead, Massachusetts. They named the theatre after Lucy Larcom, a poet born in Beverly. The brothers wanted to create a place where people could enjoy performances.
A Magical New Beginning
In 1984, the Le Grand David Spectacular Magic Company bought the Larcom Theatre. They were known for their amazing magic shows. The company decided to give the old theatre a huge makeover. They worked hard to restore it from top to bottom.
Bringing Back the Sparkle
The restoration project was a big job. It included fixing everything from the balcony to the boiler room. In October 1985, the Le Grand David group launched their new show. It featured magic, music, comedy, and dance. The show brought back the style of entertainment from the late 1800s.
Expanding the Theatre's Magic
In 1995, the Le Grand David Company added a new section to the theatre. This new wing was next door at 9 Wallis Street. It included a beautiful lobby called the Grand Salon. This lobby was decorated with oak wood, marble, and shiny brass.
Inside the New Wing
The new part of the theatre had many useful spaces. There was a full kitchen and a place for rehearsals. It also had three galleries. These galleries displayed magic equipment and posters from Le Grand David's shows. A library, a meeting room, a guest suite, and an apartment for a caretaker were also part of the new wing.
The End of a Magical Era
The amazing Le Grand David Magic show came to an end in May 2012. This happened after the founder of the show, Cesareo Pelaez, passed away in March of that year. The theatre then began a new chapter, continuing to host various performances for the community.
See also
- List of magic museums
