Peabody Auditorium facts for kids
| Address | 600 Auditorium Blvd Daytona Beach, Florida  United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 29°13′38″N 81°00′38″W / 29.22735°N 81.01057°W |
| Capacity | 2,521 |
| Opened | October 6, 1949 |
The Peabody Auditorium is a famous place for shows in Daytona Beach, Florida. It has been a home for amazing performances for over 60 years! Imagine seeing a big show in a theater that can hold 2,521 people. This special place hosts everything from Broadway musicals to concerts and comedy shows.
The Peabody Auditorium is also used for many other events. These include ballet shows, school events, cheerleading, and dance competitions. It's a busy spot for entertainment in Daytona Beach!
Contents
A Look Back: The Peabody's Story
How the Peabody Auditorium Began
Did you know there was an older auditorium in Daytona Beach? It was built in 1919. Many famous artists performed there, like the dancer Rudolph Nureyev and the musician Sergei Rachmaninoff. Sadly, a fire destroyed it in 1946.
After the fire, the city wanted a new, even better place for shows. So, the Daytona Beach City Commission and many kind people worked together. They built the current Peabody Auditorium. It cost a lot of money back then, about $750,000!
Who Was Simon J. Peabody?
The new auditorium opened on October 6, 1949. It was named after a very important person: Simon J. Peabody. He generously gave the land for the first auditorium. He also helped a lot to get it built.
Outside the building, you can see beautiful sculptures. These were made by an artist named Frederick Dana Marsh. They show four muses, who are goddesses of art and inspiration.
Fun and Famous Shows
The Peabody Auditorium has a long history of hosting amazing stars! Many international artists have performed here. Imagine seeing legends like Elvis Presley, Tony Bennett, James Taylor, Liza Minnelli, and Frank Sinatra. Even famous comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and magicians like David Copperfield have graced its stage.
The theater is also a popular spot for big Broadway shows. Some of the famous musicals that have been performed here include CATS, 42nd Street, Chicago, STOMP, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Riverdance. It's a great place to see a live show!
