Virginia Theatre & New Virginia Theatre Playbills, 1914-1924

Repository:

Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University

Title:

Virginia Theatre & New Virginia Theatre Playbills

Collection No.:

SC 0080

Date:

1914-1924

Extent:

9 items, 1 folder

Language of the Material:

English

Abstract:

This collection features nine playbills from plays and musical acts performed at the Virginia Theatre & New Virginia Theatre from the early twentieth century. The theatre was located in downtown Harrisonburg.

The New Virginia Theatre was owned by Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corporation, and opened sometime around the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. It was originally built as an old opera house and was complete with a performance stage, balcony, and private box seats. During the early twentieth century, the New Virginia Theater hosted many different stage plays and musical acts. By the year 1950, the name was changed to the Virginia Theater and it was converted into a movie theater. The theater eventually fell into disrepair, and was closed around 1986 and later torn down. During its lifetime, the theater was one of the many favorite Harrisonburg attractions, and was enjoyed by both Harrisonburg residents and Madison College students alike.

The Virginia Theatre & New Virginia Theatre Playbills, 1914-1924, are comprised of nine playbills (one folder) of the Virginia Theatre and New Virginia Theatre in Harrisonburg, VA, 1914-24 and undated. The largest size is 15" x 6". Each gives the title of the program (several specify vaudeville and minstrels), actors, and producers. Many of the playbills also include advertising by local establishments, especially W.E. Friddle's Restaurant. Most of the playbills are for plays that were performed by the theater. Two of the playbills are for concerts given by musical acts: The Lasses White All-Star Minstrels and John W. Vogel's Big City Minstrels.

Arranged chronologically.