Community Spotlight: The Majestic Theater Adapts To The Times

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Visit downtown Chillicothe and it's impossible to miss the Majestic Theater. With it's elegant arch that spans Second Street, this nearly 173 year old building is the crown jewel of the city's historic downtown. 

How does such an old theater remain relevant in an ever changing world? One thing is clear: being an antique isn't the same as being antiquated. Those who have cared for the Majestic over time have labored to keep it relevant to modern audiences. 

Majestic Theater Board President Gene Betts says the theater's roots stretch back to when it was built as a Masonic Hall in 1853. Back then, the 'M' stood for Masonic and live performances were all the rage as community entertainment. When the Masons moved out in 1904, the building sold and became the Majestic Theater. 

Over the decades, Gene said that the theater has faced substantial societal changes and challenges that have forced ownership to find ways to remain viable. "When you think about all that has happened since 1853, there have been two pandemics, recessions, a depression, wars and so many things that have changed the way we live. But we're still here. We're still entertaining audiences!"

In its prime, the major route for Vaudeville troupes ran from Washington D.C. to St. Louis with stops at the Majestic. Gene said that 88 of the top 100 Vaudeville acts played here at least once including Bob Hope, Laurel and Hardy, Milton Berle and trailblazing comedian Sophie Tucker.  "National acts just passing through brought highly sought after entertainment to this community. This was an important place!" 

Renovation projects to slant the floor, update seating, and expand the stage kept up with growing needs as focus shifted from small stage to film and larger stage performances. 

When "talkies" or movies with sound became all the rage, the theater was adapted to accommodate film as well as live performances. Up until big multiplexes became popular, the Majestic was the gathering place for anyone looking to see a movie in town including Gene who recalls seeing movies here as a youngster. 

By the nineties, Chillicothians Robert Althoff, Robert Evans, and David Uhrig saw opportunity to preserve and celebrate the Majestic Theater by purchasing it as a non-profit organization. Since then, focus has been on preservation through things like new roofing, wiring, fire safety and air conditioning. "Until recently, we had an antique cooling system that made it feel cool but didn't remove the humidity. That was causing damage to the plaster so it wasn't just about comfort, it was about preservation."

The 2018 addition of a new courtyard and box office with space for modern and accessible restrooms made a big difference for audiences.

Today, the Majestic is a prominent stop on the Annual Chillicothe Ghost Walk where costumed guides tell the theater's history, highlight architectural interest, and tell the story of a terrifying time when the Majestic had to adapt to meet community needs. 

The year was 1918. The US Army had opened Camp Sherman the previous year in an effort to train soldiers and meet the demand for troops overseas in World War I. This essentially quadrupled Chillicothe's population and gave the local economy a boost. However, the Spanish Influenza pandemic was rampant in the camp in 1918 and the mortality rate was so high that local funeral homes struggled to keep up. That's when the Majestic was transformed into a temporary morgue where bodies were embalmed and prepared for shipment home to their families. 

The role the theater played during this period in American history is gruesome but important. "Becoming a morgue and doing what they did that was a dark time in Chillicothe but it was so important."

The theater is enjoying a resurgence in live entertainment as they work with promoters who can bring popular acts back to the stage. Tribute bands celebrating  legends like AC/DC, Bob Seger and Kenny Rogers, are just a few of the acts that are packing audiences in. Plus, annual shows with Phil Dirt and the Dozers and John Berry have become holiday tradition. 

While proud of their long and distinguished past, Gene said he and other board members are always looking to the future. "We have a wonderful board.They serve on committees, sell concessions, volunteer as ushers and jump in to fill about any roll we have."

A new sound system, light system, courtyard beautification, expansion into the upper floors, and new seats are on their wish list for improvements. "We want to use every aspect of the theater and we want it to always be a community place. It just takes a lot of money to keep things going and the lights on. I'm really proud of where we are now but there's more to be done. It's a real labor of love."

"We are so fortunate to have this theater in our community. We want to make sure we're here for generations to come."