The Moore Theatre

 

The hotel where we are staying was built in the early 1900's and the building also incorporates the Moore Theatre which opened in 1907.  The above photo, from the web, shows the building in 1910.

 

This morning we went for a guided tour around the building led by two volunteers.  It was a fascinating insight into the history of the theatre and a great behind the scenes look at how everything works.

 

  From the beginning of the tour in the grand foyer - lined with marble columns and granite paneling, it was clear that it had been lavishly built.

 

In its heyday, the theatre had space for 2,400 people and had a number of grand boxes at each side of the auditorium.

 

With new seating and different seat arrangements the theatre now seats 1500 and is a very impressive sight when viewed from the stage.

 

This photo shows the stage from the top of the high gallery, which felt very high indeed. 

 

 Originally and sadly this gallery was created, with its own separate side entrance and stone staircase, for African Americans to attend the theatre, segregated away from the main foyer and auditorium.

 

 

The gallery did have an amazing view, not only of the very ornate ceiling and chandelier but also of the semi circle of stained glass windows which are almost invisible from elsewhere in the theatre.

 

It was fascinating to see the stage from in front and behind..

 

Particularly as we were attending a performance there tonight..

 

It was performed by the Drama Group of a local high school but was very professionally done.  No photos allowed during the performance but I took a quick one of the walk down at the end..