Here stands the Royal Alexandra Theatre a testament to Toronto’s vibrant cultural history. Commonly known as the Royal Alex this grand building has been entertaining audiences since 1907. It is located at 260 King Street West.
The Royal Alexandra Theatre is not just old it’s the oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in North America. Imagine the countless stories echoing within these walls. The Royal Alex is a 1244-seat beaux-arts style theatre. It has two balcony levels.
Back in 1907 this area was quite different. The Royal Alexandra Theatre stood near the mansion of Ontario’s lieutenant-governor and other significant buildings. It was even close to a tavern frequented by actors adding a dash of “damnation” to the neighborhood.
Cawthra Mulock a young foundry owner spearheaded the project to build the Royal Alexandra Theatre. His vision was to create the finest theatre on the continent. He hired John McIntosh Lyle a talented architect to bring his vision to life. Mulock’s instruction to Lyle was simple. “Build me the finest theatre on the continent.” He also wanted a steel frame.
Lyle exceeded his budget. He created an Edwardian jewel-box. The Royal Alexandra Theatre boasts an Italian marble lobby Venetian mosaic floors and ornate woodwork. It also features a mural by Frederick S Challener. The Royal Alexandra Theatre was ahead of its time. It was North America’s first air-conditioned theatre thanks to a large ice-pit. It also had cantilevered balconies which meant no pesky pillars blocking the view.
The grand opening of the Royal Alexandra Theatre was on August 26 1907. The first show was a pantomime called “Top O’ Th’ World.” The Royal Alex faced challenges early on. It had trouble booking acts due to a powerful theatrical syndicate that favored its rival the Princess Theatre.
In 1915 a fire destroyed the Princess Theatre. The Royal Alexandra Theatre became Toronto’s only first-class playhouse. The Royal Alex went through some tough times in the mid-20th century. It struggled to compete with cinema radio and television. The surrounding neighborhood declined too.
In 1962 the Royal Alexandra Theatre was nearly demolished for a parking lot. Thankfully Ed Mirvish stepped in and bought it in 1963. He knew nothing about theatre but he saw potential. Mirvish renovated the Royal Alexandra Theatre and reopened it in 1963 with the comedy “Never Too Late”.
Mirvish rarely produced shows himself. He focused on booking touring productions. He also supported local companies like the Canadian Opera Company. The Royal Alexandra Theatre became home to the annual Toronto revue “Spring Thaw”.
Ed Mirvish bought the buildings west of the Royal Alexandra Theatre. He opened colorful restaurants to revitalize the neighborhood. Today this area is a thriving entertainment district.
The Royal Alexandra Theatre is recognized for its historical significance. It was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1975. In 1987 it became a National Historic Site of Canada.
Ed Mirvish’s son David Mirvish expanded the family’s theatrical empire. In 1982 they bought the Old Vic in London. In 1986 David Mirvish created Mirvish Productions. In 1993 he built the Princess of Wales Theatre nearby.
In 2016 the Royal Alexandra Theatre underwent a 2.5 million dollar renovation. The goal was to improve audience comfort. The original seats were replaced with larger ones. Legroom was increased. The seating capacity was reduced to 1244. The Royal Alexandra Theatre reopened in November 2016 with “Come From Away.”
Many famous people have graced the stage of the Royal Alexandra Theatre. These include Lucille Ball, The Marx Brothers and Lady Gaga. The Royal Alexandra Theatre has seen over 4000 shows.
But the Royal Alexandra Theatre is also rumored to have a few ghosts. Some have seen an apparition of Al Jolson. Others have heard odd sounds behind Dressing Room 14. A stagehand is said to have fallen to his death. Some have seen a lady in a white gown.
The Royal Alexandra Theatre is more than just a building. It is a living piece of Toronto’s history. It is a place where stories come to life and where memories are made. Take a moment to appreciate the grandeur and the history of this magnificent theatre.