I'm speaking of Ford's Theatre, naturally. One of Washington's most successful theatres in the 19th century, it was frequented by the society elite, regular folk, international dignitaries, and Presidents. Even if you only know the story from Assassins, you know that at the height of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln occupied the stage left box, attending one of the final performances of the hit comedy (though NOT a critical darling), Our American Cousin. One of the actors in the show, part of one of America's greatest acting families, John Wilkes Booth, was, on that night, April 14, 1865, destined to become famous for something far bigger than any show he would ever be in.
Ford's Theatre in the mid-1800's |
That same building, circa 2010 |
Having been there to see it in person was truly an experience. The theatre, while modernized with central air, lighting and sound systems, has been left remarkably intact. We sat in the balcony, a cozy space with great leg room, and a perfect view of the stage. And of that Presidential Box, which is sealed off to the public and arranged as it was that historic night. The downstairs with the same spacious seating affords all an excellent view. Seems there ain't a bad seat in the house. Exiting the house onto the street even has an historic feel to it, as you step through the large wooden doors and into the street.
The Presidential Box, much as it was on April 14, 1865 |
The House of Ford's Theatre |
Old and New: The theatre's signage as it was (foreground) and as it is (background). |
The lobby of the new building |
The exhibits in the Lincoln Museum in the basement of the Ford's Theatre |
For much more information, go to http://www.fords.org/.
(Photos of theatre exterior and interior, Getty Images; museum exhibit photos by Ben H. Rome, welovedc.com)
Rate this blog below and leave your comments here, by email at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com or Tweet me!
Jeff
3.051
No comments:
Post a Comment