National Theatre
708 E. Broad Street,
Richmond,
VA
23219
708 E. Broad Street,
Richmond,
VA
23219
4 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 36 comments found
On Wednesday 21 March 1951, Bela “Dracula” Lugosi presented his Horror and Magic Stage show for one night only at the National Theater. Currently I am conducting research on all things Lugosi; if anyone out there actually saw this show and/or has memorabilia (poster, handbill, photos) related to this show, please contact Bill at I already have copies of the ads that were published in the Times-Dispatch. Thanks in advance for any assistance!
Saw many movies here during its run as the Towne, including FUNNY GIRL, which played with reserved seats. Other movies there included TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN, LADY SINGS THE BLUES, THE REIVERS, LITTLE BIG MAN, and THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON’T THEY. Recently saw Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings in concert there. It is a cool venue for music and lots of fun.
Nice photos Lost Memory.
This is the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the National Theater and here are the photos that go with that form.
I’m a Three Stooges Fan Club member, trying to confirm a personal appearance by the “3” Stooges (Moe Larry and Shemp), on a bill with Wee Bonnie Baker, the Barretts and Don Hooton, after an appearance by the A.B. Marcus Revue. The movie “Queen of Burlesque” was also shown. I have a display ad, but no dates (or town shown). Believe it was the Summer of 1946, and may have been Shemp’s first appearance after Curly’s strokes. The National was advertised as air cooled and showed a phone number of JA-7863.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks Frank Reighter
LN, it is hard to believe that is the same theatre when you compare the link you posted and the ACI photo. What a job that has been done on restoration. Wonder if there are any interior photos out there.
Here is a nice 2009 photo.
1978 clipping of newspaper ads for Towne and other Richmond-area Neighborhood Theatres:
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1987 photo of the Towne Theatre.
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Another 1987 photo of the Towne Theatre.
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Nice building with good acoustics. Uncomfortable wooden seats. Better call this place a night club though. People walking around talking, eating and drinking. Not a place for a partially handicapped person. I’ll say no to going back.
WELL,A group of friends went this past eve.to see the NEVILLE BROTHERS in concert.Of,course the theater was the thing for me-although the concert was fabulous.
I have to say that,while a work in progress,the place is a thing of extreme beauty.The workmanship is awesome to behold.It is obvious that today’s custodians are aware of their stewardship.Gibsons resteraunt is not open yet,but when open,will enhance the evening,for sure.If they could get the sound system a bit better tuned in,that would add a LOT to the experience.
All in all,a great new asset to the area.A blast to all the senses.I really appreciate the effort.My only suggestion would be to add seats at the rear of the downstars.
Changes will be up soon, likely today or tomorrow.
PRECISELY,oh wise,all knowing one.How do you get the powers behind this great site to edit the headings?
Here is the link to the Richmond Times Dispatch article. A photo and a video are at that link.
is there an Internet link to today’s newspaper article?
Here is a website for the National Theater. Function should be concerts.
TIME TO CHANGE HEADING TO “OPEN”!!!!! 8 pm Fri.The lights go up and Dark Star Orchestra is opening act for this new chapter.I already have my tickets for Neville Bros.on Mar.7.Today’s WEEKEND section in Rich Times-Dispatch has great article,with layouts and pictures.
Considering the possibilities this seems to be an excellent reuse of an otherwise unusable space. Nearly no chance of it becoming a cinema again, the projection angle is extremely steep which would not work with the coming digital projection, plus Richmond is already over screened and 16 more are coming in ‘09. Standing room is also very popular for the type of shows they are bringing in. While maintenance had been ongoing, the interior would not last forever with no heat or a/c, I think these people are doing a commendable job of making it suitable for todays performances while maintaining as much as possible of the historic nature of the facility.
Great article on front page today about the impending opening of the National in February 08 in todays Richmond Times Dispatch.
Here is a link:
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Sat.9-1 Richmond Times-Dispatch had another BIOG article on the restoration/remodeling of said hous.Great picture from stage looking out.Some of the things being done are SO WRONG,but,hey,I didn’t have 10 million to do it different.
Here is a vintage photo of the National Theater.
The new issue of RICHMOND MAGAZINE has a great article on the renovation.Good pictures of interior.Detailed plans,dates and future laid out.Pictures of the visionary guys behind this project.Check it out.This is a beautiful theaster that has miraculously survived when most around it,including it’s grander neighbor,bit the dust.The interior is just elegant.I totally disagree with their plans to leave the main floor seatless,but,it ain’t my millions.
The new issue of RICHMOND MAGAZINE has a great article on the renovation.Good pictures of interior.Detailed plans,dates and future laid out.Pictures of the visionary guys behind this project.Check it out.This is a beautiful theaster that has miraculously survived when most around it,including it’s grander neighbor,bit the dust.The interior is just elegant.I totally disagree with their plans to leave the main floor seatless,but,it ain’t my millions.
Websites for The National, but currently with little content:
http://nationaltheaterva.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thenationalva
Another update:
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