1.8 Million Restoration of The Marion Palace Theatre

posted by ThrHistoricalSociety on February 18, 2016 at 1:56 pm

The Marion Palace Theatre in Marion, Ohio is undergoing a $1.8 million restoration of the marquee, blade sign and front facade.

Built in 1928 and renovated in 1976, this atmospheric theatre surrounds the audience with a Moorish architectural courtyard and the feeling of being entertained under twinkling stars and circulating clouds at dusk. The effect is produced by the original (reconditioned) revolutionary cloud machine in a hidden location.

The original Page Organ (photograph included below) was sold in the early 1970’s to help pay the bills. For the reopening in 1976, a “mighty” Wurlitzer theater organ was installed. It sits in the orchestra pit upon a rising hydraulic platform. Pipes for the organ are hidden behind a great screen on either side of the stage, built to look like courtyard windows.

You can learn more about this great theatre on their website: http://www.marionpalace.org/history.php

Or visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/marionpalace/?fref=ts

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ABOUT THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded by Ben Hall in 1969, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) celebrates, documents and promotes the architectural, cultural and social relevance of America’s historic theatres. Through its preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, its signature publication Marquee™ and Conclave Theatre Tour, THS increases awareness, appreciation and scholarly study of America’s theatres.

Learn more about historic theatres in the THS American Theatre Architecture Archives and on our website at historictheatres.org