Lincoln Theatre (Columbus, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Lincoln Theatre
|
|
Front and side of the theater
|
|
| Location | 77 E. Long St., Columbus, Ohio |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Architect | Carl Anderson |
| Architectural style | Exotic Revival, Egyptian Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 92001355 |
| Added to NRHP | October 8, 1992 |
The Lincoln Theatre is a special place in Columbus, Ohio. It's a performing arts center where people can watch shows. It has 582 seats and is located in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood. The City of Columbus owns the theater. A group called CAPA helps manage it. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Contents
A Look Back: The Lincoln Theatre's Story
How the Theater Began
The theater first opened on November 26, 1928. It was called the Ogden Theatre back then. A local business owner named Al Jackson created it. Carl Anderson was the architect who designed the building. At that time, the African-American community in Columbus needed its own place for entertainment. The Ogden Theatre filled this important need.
Design and Early Shows
The theater was designed in the Egyptian Revival style. This means it looked like ancient Egyptian buildings. When it first opened, it showed movies. It also had live vaudeville acts and musical performers. Vaudeville was a type of show with many different acts. These could include singers, dancers, comedians, and magicians. The theater also had a large ballroom. This space was used for many social events and gatherings.
Renaming and Famous Performers
In 1939, the theater was renamed the Lincoln. It continued to show movies through the 1960s. Many famous musical artists performed there too. These included local star Nancy Wilson. Other big names like Count Basie and Cab Calloway also played at the Lincoln.
A New Beginning: Renovation and Reopening
The Lincoln Theatre closed in the early 1970s. For many years, people tried to restore it, but it didn't happen. Finally, in 2007, a group called the Lincoln Theatre Association led a big effort. They worked with the City of Columbus, Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Franklin County, and local businesses. Together, they launched a full renovation of the theater.
The renovation brought back the original Egyptian-themed decorations. It also added modern facilities. This included new seating and stage equipment. The newly renovated theater reopened to the public on May 25, 2009. An open house celebrated its return. The first performance was on May 28, 2009. Broadway star Maurice Hines performed that night. He was also named the Artistic Director in Residence for 2009.
The Lincoln Theatre Today
What Happens at the Theater Now?
Today, CAPA manages the Lincoln Theatre. The theater works with ten local performing arts groups. These partnerships help bring many different events to the stage. For example, the Columbus Jazz Arts Group holds concerts there. This group also runs a Jazz Academy. The Jazz Academy is in a new facility on the upper floors of the Lincoln building.
Learning and Performing at the Jazz Academy
The Jazz Academy offers music education and coaching sessions. It also hosts informal performances. This helps young musicians learn and grow. The Columbus Gay Men's Chorus also performs two shows at the Lincoln each season.
A Key Part of Community Renewal
The Lincoln Theatre is still listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its restoration and reopening are very important. They are a key part of the City of Columbus's plan. This plan aims to redevelop the historic King-Lincoln neighborhood. The theater helps bring new life and culture back to the area.
