I thought it would be fun to devote several posts to some of the Midwest’s grand old historic theatres you can still visit. This is the third of a five-part series (republished from September 5, 2009).
I was privileged to visit the lush Ohio Theatre in December, 2004, the year Columbus was the site of our annual Christmas Mystery Trip. From a traveler’s point of view, the Ohio Theatre has a perfect location in downtown Columbus.
It is literally beside (mere steps away) the Hyatt Hotel, which is, in turn, directly across the street from the Ohio State House. If this weren’t enough, the Hyatt is also adjacent to City Center—at one time ground zero for upscale shopping in downtown Columbus.
As of this writing, however, City Center has closed, succumbing to competition from sprawling shopping complexes in other areas of Columbus.
Architect Thomas Lamb sought in the Ohio Theatre “a palace for the average man,” and when it opened in 1928, most agreed that he had fulfilled his objective. Some called it a Spanish-Baroque masterpiece, and it boasted its own orchestra and theatre organ.
It could seat 2,779, and many of vaudeville’s biggest names strode its stage: Milton Berle, Ray Bolger, Jean Harlow and Kate Smith—to name a few.
The Ohio’s owners (Loews) chose the first woman to graduate from Columbia’s School of Architecture, Anne Dorman, to select art and furnishings. She even traveled to Africa to find artifacts to enliven the “Africa Corner.”
In the end, Loews spent more on the furnishings than the structure itself. Although I have been to a good many historic theatres, the Ohio is the cream of the crop for me. None I’ve seen matches it for sheer spectacular exuberance: The breathtaking 21-foot high chandelier, for example.
If you have a chance to see the Ohio, don’t pass it up. Take a trip to Columbus, stay at the Hyatt, tour the State House and see something at the Ohio. You won’t be sorry.
The story of the Ohio is like that of so many other great venues. As suburban growth siphoned off downtown traffic and vitality, the theatre fell into decline. By the late 60s, the Ohio had a date with the wrecking ball.
But that was before Ohioans launched a “Save the Ohio” offensive that raised more than two million dollars in under a year. The fledgling Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) bought the theatre and restored it.
Today, CAPA also owns and operates the Palace and Southern historic theatres in Columbus and manages the Riffe Center Theatre Complex.
As for the Ohio, she has become the busiest performing arts venue in the state of Ohio. The Columbus Symphony, BalletMet and the Broadway Series call the Ohio home. In addition, she hosts more than 100 CAPA events a year.
Not bad for an old lady at death’s door. With her superb acoustics, cutting-edge stage facilities and prime location, the Ohio Theatre has also become a favorite of artists the likes of Carole King, Kenny G., Liza Minnelli, the Boston Pops and Garrison Keillor.
Previous: Indiana’s Paramount Theatre is just that
Like what you are reading? Get our latest articles via e-mail every week!
No information will be given to outside parties. Unsubscribe
Article Comments
Leave a Reply