Imagine jazz notes dancing in the air. They mingle with the aroma of popcorn. We are standing before the Howard Theatre. This grand old building has been a cornerstone of the community since 1910.
The Howard Theatre holds a special place in the history of Washington D.C. It was a beacon of culture and entertainment for African Americans. In a time of segregation, it provided a stage for Black artists.
Designed by J. Edward Storck, the Howard Theatre was an architectural marvel. It combined Beaux-Arts, Italian Renaissance, and neoclassical styles. Above the entrance, a statue of Apollo playing his lyre watched over T Street. Inside, the theater boasted a capacity of over 1,200. It had orchestra and balcony seats. Eight proscenium boxes added to its splendor.
The Howard Theatre quickly became known as the “Theater of the People”. It supported the Lafayette Players and the Howard University Players. These organizations showcased local talent.
Early on, the Howard Theatre hosted vaudeville acts, plays, and circuses. It became a launching pad for many legendary careers. During the Great Depression, the theater briefly became a church. But its spirit of entertainment was soon revived.
In 1931, Duke Ellington graced the stage of the Howard. His performance helped cement the theater’s reputation. Manager Shep Allen introduced amateur contests. These contests helped launch Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Eckstine to stardom.
Even Presidents Roosevelt visited the Howard Theatre. They attended balls during World War II. These events drew Hollywood stars like Danny Kaye and Abbott and Costello. Pearl Bailey even made her debut here.
The Howard shifted gears in the 1950s and 1960s. Rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues took center stage. Sarah Vaughan and Sammy Davis Jr. performed here. The Supremes and Stevie Wonder also graced this stage.
The 1968 riots and desegregation took their toll. The Howard struggled to attract patrons. It closed its doors in 1970. However, the community wouldn’t let the theater fade away.
The Howard Theatre Foundation was formed. It gained historic landmark status for the building in 1974. The theater reopened in 1975 with Redd Foxx and Melba Moore. But it closed again in 1980.
For many years, the Howard Theatre sat vacant. In 2006, a plan was set in motion to bring the Howard back to life. A $30 million renovation project began.
The Howard Theatre reopened on April 9, 2012. It was a joyous occasion. Wanda Sykes and Chaka Khan were among the first performers.
Today, the Howard Theatre continues to host a diverse array of talent. It stands as a testament to the power of art. It symbolizes the spirit of a community. The Howard Theatre is more than just a building. It is a living legacy.