National Theatre
708 E. Broad Street,
Richmond,
VA
23219
708 E. Broad Street,
Richmond,
VA
23219
5 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 26 comments
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.
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
1978 clipping of newspaper ads for Towne and other Richmond-area Neighborhood Theatres:
View link
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?
is there an Internet link to today’s newspaper article?
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:
View link
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.
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:
View link
An update on renovations at the National Theatre:
http://www.nbc12.com/news/state/4834726.html
Plan to open before the end of this year.
Today the TIMES DISPATCH outlined the new plans for the NATIONAL.Historic Richmond Foundation has signed to sell the house to Richmond Capital Ventures.Their operating arm has a good track record in other venues with musical acts and other performances.The puts the kabosh on the Arts Foundation’s hopes for the National.Most of their hopes were toilet city anyway.The group plans to work in concert with the NORVA in Norfolk,with regards to booking various groups.This all sounds good,so far.
Apparently there has been some interest in purchasing this theater, the following article outlines potential re-use. View link
Yes, the National is still there. It’s in decent shape and well cared for. The Historic Richmond Foundation is looking for a suitable tenant. There are no seats on the orchestra level.
IS IT STILL THERE?
In the not too distant past,there was a tour given.People can’t imagine the real beauty of this theater.Even pictures don’t do it justice.This house is REAL ART.The volume “Celebrate Richmond Theaters"by Dementi,Dementi and Fuller-Seely,a work of art,itself,has a lot of pictures and history.The inner dome is the biggest design feature that captures the eye,but the detailing is just so right without over doing it.(yes,some grand houses are a bit over-done)In the entire country,I don’t see another beauty like this one,namely,in good shape-and unused. Richmond has quite a few theaters of note that have not made it into this great site yet,but the National is the star.