Picture the Warner Theatre. Its grand entrance beckons you. A silent film era dream. This isn’t just a theatre. It’s a living legend.
The Warner Theatre. A Washington D.C. icon since 1924. Originally the Earle Theatre it was a movie palace. Vaudeville shows filled the stage. Silent films captivated audiences. Its rooftop garden offered a unique experience. A basement ballroom and restaurant added to the allure. The Washington Post called it “a pleasure to enter and a regret to leave.”
The Warner Theatre hosted the premiere of This Is the Army in 1943. A big moment in its early history. The Roxyettes. A precision dance troupe. They performed like the Rockettes. They entertained audiences before and after films. Red Skelton and Jerry Lewis even graced the stage.
In 1947 Harry Warner. One of the Warner Brothers. He claimed ownership. His name went up on the marquee. The Earle became the Warner. The theatre’s golden age shone bright. Bob Hope. Jack Benny. Sophie Tucker. Duke Ellington all performed here. Legends of their time.
The Warner Theatre adapted. The 1950s saw Cinerama. The 1960s brought Ben-Hur. Doctor Zhivago. Hello Dolly! Classic films played on its screen. By the 1970s it fell into disrepair. It even showed adult films briefly. Then came a surprise. The Rolling Stones. A secret show in 1978. Every seat filled.
The Warner Theatre closed in 1989 for renovations. Ten million dollars later it reopened in 1992. Frank Sinatra’s final D.C. performance. A true celebration. The theatre was restored to its former glory. Custom upholstery. Draperies from Portugal. Gilt adorned its walls and ceiling.
Today the Warner Theatre thrives. It hosts the Washington Ballet’s Nutcracker. The BET Honors ceremony. The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize. Countless stars have graced its stage. Liza Minnelli. Shirley MacLaine. Prince. Bob Dylan. The list goes on.
Step inside the Warner Theatre. Feel its history. Imagine the crowds. Hear the laughter. Experience the magic. This is more than a building. It’s a legacy. A treasure. The Warner Theatre. A true Washington landmark.