Current website http://nationaltheatre.org/
The National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
"The Theatre of Presidents" - At METRO Center - Two
blocks from The White House
800-447-7400 - Tele-Charge for Tickets
202-628-6161 - General Information
202-628-6166 - Group Sales - or 800-432-7780
202-783-3372 - Free Outreach Programs
- Main Stage Attractions
- Seating Location Information
- Free Programs * Saturday Morning at the National * Monday Night at the National * Summer Cinema * NT Community Vaudeville * Special Ticket Programs - Annie Oakley Fund
- Facilities, Services, and Assistance for the Diabled
- Staff for the National Theatre
- Trustess of the National Theatre
- The Shubert Organization
- National Theatre Circle - Patronage Support Group
- The Dedicated Seat Program
- General Description of the National Theatre
- History of the National Theatre
- Tours of the National Theatre
- A 161-Year Theatre Saga: Quick-History Timeline
- A PHOTO ALBUM: Performers and Performances at the National Theatre Over the Years
WWW Access Counter
shows
visitors since 8/22/96.
THE WORLD PREMIERE of
Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND
Directed by Harold Prince
for a limited nine-week engagement prior to its opening on Broadway
December 6 through February 9
National Theatre Box Office: Monday through Saturday - 10 am to 6:00 pm;
Sunday - Noon to 6:00 pm.
For exact seat locations, call Tele-Charge: 800-447-7400
Click here for Seating Information
Lyrics are by Jim Steinman, and the book is by Andrew Lloyd Webber
and Patricia Kopp. The scenic design is by Andrew Jackness, costumes by
Florence Klotz, lighting by Howell Binkley and sound design by Martin Levan.
The orchestrations are by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber and choreography
by Joey McKneely. The production is directed by 20-time Tony Award winner
Harold Prince.
Set in a backwater town in Louisiana, a few days before Christmas of '59,
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND tells the story of three children who find
a stranger hiding in their barn. The trio conceal their discovery from
the town's grownups, who at the same time are "protecting" the
children with a secret of their own. The grownups choose fear. It takes
a young girl to risk a faith strong enough to redeem the whole town.
Irene Molloy, a 17-year-old Philadelphia native makes her professional
debut in the role of Swallow, the young girl who discovers the mysterious
stranger in her father's barn. David Gaines, who is currently playing the
title role in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and who has
the distinction of having performed the role more times than any other
actor to date, plays the roles of The Man. Timothy Nolen, an accomplished
opera and musical theatre performer (the title roles in the New York City
Opera production of Sweeney Todd, The Phantom of the Opera
on Broadway), plays the children's father, a farmer named Boone. Candy
Buckley, who was nominated for a 1994-1995 Drama Desk Award for her performance
in The Petrified Forest and is currently appearing in View of
the Dome at New York Theatre Workshpo, plays the children's Aunt Dot.
Lacey Hornkhol, whose recent Broadway credits include Smokey Joe's Cafe,
and Sandy in Grease!, will play the role of Candy, a spirited teen-ager
who wants to escape life in the small town. Abbi Hutcherson and Cameron
Bowen make their Broadway debuts as Swallow's younger brother and sister,
Brat and Poor Baby.
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND features a cast of 35 actors, including 14
young performers who range in age from 8 to 17 years.
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND is based on the original novel by Mary Hayley
Bell and the film produced by Richard Attenborough and directed by Bryan
Forbes from a screenplay by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall.
The musical is produced by The Really Useful Company.
Immediate reservations are strongly recommended. Approximately 50%
of the tickets for the Washington Premiere Engagement are now sold. Seats
for this show are the perfect gift for the person who already "has
everything."
The National Theatre is operated by the 501.c3 not-for
profit National Theatre Corporation.
The National is managed by The Shubert Organization.
The National Theatre joins Gerald Schoenfeld, Chair of The Shubert
Organization, all his colleagues in the company, and the theatre world
in general, in mourning the loss of Bernard B. Jacobs, President and co-Chief
Executive Officer of the Shubert Organization. Mr. Jacobs was an astute
producer whose love and passion for theatre did much to shape the American
professional theatre at the end of this century. He made a significant
contribution to the revival of the Broadway theatre, and the New York Times
Square Theatre district. Mr. Jacobs was a forceful visionary and an imaginative
champion who will be long remembered and sorely missed.
Mr. Philip J. Smith has been named President of the Shubert Organization,
and Mr. Robert E. Wankel has been named Executive Vice President, and retains
his position as Chief Financial Executive. The National Theatre wishes
each of them well in their new positions.
The National Theatre Web Site was established in March, 1995, and is sustained
and through the knowledgeable assistance and generous support of ShireNet
Communications, Inc.
Return to the top of this Web Site
Free Programs
A series of award-winning free public service
outreach programs and community services have been established over the
years. The programs were honored with the 1987 Helen Hayes Washington Post
Award for distinguished service to the Greater Washington Community and
its performing artists.
Saturday Morning at the National
Inaugurated in 1980 and continually under the
generous patronage of the J.W. Marriott Foundation, this program was initiated
and directed for 14 years by Kathleen M. Barry. The series brings children
and their families to the Helen Hayes Gallery in Fall, Winter and Spring
for theatre, music, clowning, story-telling, magic and instructional nature
and science shows. The programs run from September through April, with
performances on Saturday mornings at 9:30 am and 11:00 am, in the Helen
Hayes Gallery a t the National. Admission is free, on a first-come, first-seated
basis. Program schedules can be secured by sending a Self-Addressed, Stamped
Envelope to "Saturday Morning," National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania
Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004. Recorded program information is also
available at 202-783-3372.
Sep 21 - RED RIDING HOOD
performed by The Creative Opera Company
Sep 28 - THE MYSTERIES OF ALAIN NU
- The Magical Art of Alain Nu and Company
Oct -5 - DANCE AND MUSIC OF DAILY LIFE:
AFRICA! with Kengmo and Company
Oct 12 - TANKA TALES
- Native American Stories told by endearing puppets
Oct 19 - MR. SMITH'S UNRAVELING CIRCUS
- whirlwind clowning with Tom Dougherty
Oct 26 - THE BALKAN FOLKDANCE TROUPE
in exquisite, hand-made costumes
Nov -2 - THE WONDER OF CHINESE OPERA
- Chu Shan Opera presents "The Monkey King"
Nov -9 - ZOOTOONS: LEARN TO DRAW CARTOONS!
with Bill Costello (bring pencils, tablet)
Nov 16 - MAGICAL MYSTERY HISTORY MUSEUM
Prince George's County Centennial
Nov 23 - NATIVE AMERICAN MYTH
with Jane the Storyteller
Dec -7 - WOMEN: BACK TO THE FUTURE
with Kate Campbell Stevenson
Dec 14 - CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY MUSIC FROM
AROUND THE WORLD sung by Opera Plus
Feb -1 - THE ELEVENTH FINGER
- Blue Sky Puppet Theatre
Feb -8 - THE MAESTRO
portrayed by Mark Jaster (with YOU as the Orchestra)
Feb 15 - THE LIVING RAIN FOREST
an adventure conducted by The Learning Safari
Feb 22 - SPENCER "SPINNY" JOHNSON
- Basketball Wizard and Inspirational Athlete
Mar -1 - EINSTEIN ALIVE
brought humorously but scientifically to the stage by Marc Spiegel
Mar -8 - RADIO WOOF: WORLD OF FOLKLORE
introducing Your Announcer: Bill Wellington
Mar 15 - A FAMILY PORTRAIT
with Susanmarie Cunningham and her soft sculptures
Mar 22 - SPATS THE LOST VAUDEVILLIAN
in the person of Paul Hadfield
Apr -5 - MAGIC WITH A SOULFUL TOUCH
performed by Master Magician Phillip Jennings
Apr 12 - MASQUE ANIMAN
Unique and Extraordinary Mask and Mime Enchantment
Apr 19 - WALKING THE WINDS: AMERICAN TALES
A Musical featuring the Kennedy Center Young Players
Return to the top of this Web Site
Monday Night at the National
This free weekly showcase in the Fall, Winter
and Spring, features local performers and provides free entertainment for
many people who could not otherwise see live shows. Original plays, singers,
musical ensembles, dance, drama and comedy are on the bill. The series
was inaugurated in 1980 and directed for 14 years by Kathleen M. Barry.
Performances are on Monday evenings at 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm, in the Helen
Hayes Gallery at the National. Admission is free, on a first-come, first-seated
basis. The programs are supported by the Mary & Daniel Loughran Foundation,
the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, and the Clark-Winchcole Foundation.
Schedules can be secured by sending a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope
to "Monday Night," National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW, Washington, D.C. 20004. Recorded program information is also available
at 202-783-3372.
Sep 23 - A WHIRLWIND OF TEN-MINUTE PLAYS
The Best of the Source Theatre Company Festival
Sep 30 - DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.:
A DREAM OR A NIGHTMARE? by Kenneth Wilson
Oct -7 - FIRE IN THE SPIRIT
by Peggy Abena Disroe, Brother Ah, and Milton Russ, II
Oct 21 - THE TAKOMA MANDOLEERS
- Mandolins, guitars, mandolas, mandocellos and basses
Oct 28 - EDGAR ALLEN POE
in an uncanny Halloween reincarnation by David Keltz
Nov -4 - FIESTA!: DANZA DEL RIO SPANISH
DANCE COMPANY - Incendiary Latin dance
and music
Nov 25 - A NIGHT OF THE LEGENDS
- Female Impersonations hosted by Mr. Ella Fitzgerald
Dec -2 - FROM PARIS TO BROADWAY
- with singers Suzanne Crammond and Furman Riley
Dec -9 - A SONG OF SOLOMON
by Charisma, with Kenneth Dougherty and Diane Sommerfield
Dec 16 - HOLIDAY MUSIC
with Damien Sheppard, Ellen Gross, and the Baha'i Chorale
Return to the top of this Web Site
Summer Cinema
Free films are shown in the Helen Hayes Gallery
during summer months, through the generosity of the Clark-Winchcole Foundation.
Performances are at 6:30 on Monday evenings in the Helen Hayes Gallery
at the National. Admission is free, on a first-come, first-seated basis.
The series, begun in 1985, is directed by Anthony Michael Stewart. Program
schedules can be secured by sending a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope
to "Cinema," National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW,
Washington, D.C. 20004. Rec orded program information is also available
at 202-783-3372.
National Theatre Community Vaudeville
The Vaudeville Program, begun in 1995, sends
entertainers out to hospitals, children's clubs, shelters and senior centers.
Singers, magicians and musicians are among the popular performers. Many
people in the Greater Washington Area who are normally unable to attend
shows at the National enjoy these rousing presentations, right at their
own community centers and residences. The generosity of the Clark-Winchcole
Foundation makes these shows possible, free to the non-profit locales at
which they are performed. The program is administered by Natalie Forbes.
Return to the top of this Web Site
Ticket Programs
The Annie Oakley Ticket Fund, established
in 1984, enables the National to invite groups of disadvantaged children
and adults to see our major attractions as guests of the Theatre. In the
old days, complimentary tickets were "punched" with a hole like
those which Annie Mosee, the famed sharp-shooter, could shoot in a card
tossed into the air. Thus the Fund's name. Annie performed at the National
in the 1800's. The American Medical Association, The Marriott Corporation,
the Trustees of the National Theatre, TourMobile and The Washington Post
have made substantial contributions to this Endowment.
The Special Patron Ticket Program makes a limited number of half-price
tickets available to students, senior citizens, and some enlisted military
personnel at certain performances. The program is made possible through
the generous cooperation of the Shubert Organization, producers of shows
playing at the National, and the Trustees of the National Theatre Corporation.
Return to the top of this Web Site
The Dedicated Seat Project
Through this program, beautifully-inscribed
brass seat plates are being placed on the seats of the National Theatre
to commemorate stars of the theatre, Presidents, friends of the National
and other true theatre lovers. Among those already honored are Martin Agronsky,
Louis Armstrong, Pearl Bailey, President George Bush, Richard L. Coe, Helen
Hayes, Patrick Hayes, President Harry S. Truman, Lew Wasserman, and many
other theatre aficionados from around the country. Donors have four lines
in which to honor the "Person Who Has Everything"! The honoree
or the donor receives a handsomely-designed, custom-framed memento plaque
with an exact replica of the brass seat plate set against wine-colored
velvet in a gold frame. Contributions accompanying the seat requests go
directly to the Dedicated Seat Fund, established in 1993. This plan is
creating for the theatre an endowment to be used only in an emergency,
or for such major projects as the theatre's renovation. By creating an
ongoing endowment, the trustees are working to ensure the continuity of
the historic National Theatre for future generations. Dedicated Seats are
available for tax-deductible contributions ranging from $150 for a Side
Balcony Seat, to $1,500 for a Center Orchestra Seat. Installment payment
plans are available. Come take a seat! Information on this program is available
from Margaret E. Lynn, Coordinator of the Dedicated Seat Program, at 703-476-2296.
Return to the top of this Web Site
Description of the National Theatre
Photo of the National Theatre Interior by Joan
Marcus, 1984.
The National Theatre is the oldest cultural institution in the Nation's Capital, and one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in America.
It is located in the heart of Washington, two blocks east of the White House. Nearby are the downtown shopping district, Metro Center, the Washington Convention Center, the Mall, and the Smithsonian Institution. Next door is the J.W. Marriott Hotel, the "Flagship" of the Marriott Corporation and "The Shops at National Place," a gallery of boutiques and restaurants. With 1683 seats in the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony, the National Theatre is Washington's "Broadway-type" theatre. It is known as an "actor's theatre" because of its excellent acoustics. Words spoken on the stage can be heard in the balcony without amplification. Audiences applaud its intimacy: the mezzanine is lower and closer to the stage than in modern theatres. "Showboat" had its world premiere at the National in the 1920's. In more recent times the theatre has been host to the premieres of "West Side Story" and the American premiere of "Amadeus."
History of the National Theatre
On Pennsylvania Avenue, "The Avenue of the Presidents," stands the National Theatre, "The Theatre of Presidents." For 160 years the National Theatre has been a part of the history of this Nation. It has seen Pennsylvania Avenue grow from the muddy main street of a fledgling capital, to the ceremonial avenue of a great world power.
In 1835, President Andrew Jackson paid off the national debt...the last time that has happened. That same year the Liberty Bell cracked, P.T. Barnum organized his first circus, and the National Theatre opened its doors.
The National Theatre has operated longer than any other major touring house in the United States. Subsequent to its opening on December 7, 1835, the Building was destroyed by fire and rebuilt on the same site five times during the 1800's. Part of the original foundation can still be seen in the basement of the present structure.
The history of this theatre is a panorama of American theatre: a Who's Who of the stars of the past, the present, and, undoubtedly, the future.
Virtually every great stage performer of the past century has appeared here.
One star of the season was Junius Brutus Booth, whose three sons, including the infamous John Wilkes Booth, all played at the National.
The first performance in the theatre was "Man of the World," in 1835. When the theatre reopened its doors in 1850, after a disastrous fire, the featured performer was Miss Jenny Lind, the "Swedish Nightengale." The first attraction in 1952 when the National returned to stage performances after a short period as a movie house was "Call Me Madam" starring, of course, Ethel Merman.
Among the other celebrated stars of the theatre who have appeared here are: Helen Hayes, John Barrymore, Joan Rivers, Carol Channing, Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, Sarah Bernhardt, Spencer Tracy, and Katherine Hepburn. Playwright John Guare was an assistant manager here. Shirley MacLaine was an usher and her brother, Warren Beatty, was the stage doorman at one time.
For almost a century the National has been haunted by the friendly ghost of actor John McCullough, reputedly shot and killed by a fellow performer. The two men argued while washing clothes in the Tiber Creek, which then flowed through the basement backstage. A rusty pistol, perhaps the murder weapon, was unearthed under the stage in 1982, near where McCullough's remains are rumored to lie in the earth beneath the stage. According to legend, his spirit roams the theatre on the eve of opening nights, and was once seated in the audience.
Return to the top of this Web Site
Tours
Depending on the schedule of attractions and
rehearsals, tours of the National Theatre can sometimes be arranged. The
minimum number of participants is 10, and the maximum is 60. Advance arrangements
and reservations are required. Call 202-783-6854 for tour information.
A Theatre Saga
- 1835 - The $45,000 National Theatre opens on Pennsylvania Avenue, the only lighted thoroughfare in the District of Columbia at the time
- 1844 - The theatre refurbished: public informed that many new lamps have been added, "so that there will be no more gloom."
- 1845 - President's Polk's Inaugural Ball is held in elaborately-festooned Theatre. On the following night,, fire breaks out during performance of Beauty and the Beast; the building is destroyed.
- 1850 "New National Hall" rebuilt, enlarged to seat 3,400 for thearrival of Jenny Lind. Entire police force is called out to keep order in the crowd clamoring for tickets. Congress is adjourned and Supreme Court Justices attend.
- 1852 - Refurbished theatre reopens with President and Cabinet inattendance.
- 1857 - Building burns. Only burned-shell remains.
- 1863 - "Grover's National" opens on Shakespeare's birthday.
- 1885 - National Theatre Building reconstructed.
- 1923 - Theatre rebuilt for twentieth century.
- 1984 - Renovated theatre reopens with new lobbies, and new dressing room building.
- 1985 - National, oldest cultural institution in Washington, celebrates 150 years.
Return to the top of this Web Site
Staff for the National Theatre
General Manager: Harry Teter, Jr.
Director of Public Relations: Alma Viator
Theatre Manager: Carol M. Hayes
Box Office Treasurer: John Loomis
Dir. of Group Sales: LuAnne P. Origer
Concession Manager: Bill Conn
Head Usher: Beverly Ruffin
Head Carpenter: Richard L. Reynolds
Head Flyman: John Page
Head Electrician: Frederick A. Tepper
Head of Properties: Richardo Whitson
Asst. Department Head: Jerry Williams
Musical Contractor: Edward Walters
Stage Door Security: Robert Lawrence, Esther King
Telephone Information: Vicki Lomax
Corporate Office
Executive Office Manager: Natalie D. Forbes
Performance Coordinator: Anthony Michael Stewart
Accountant: Tracie D. Powell
Tour Volunteer: George Graham
Office Volunteer: Hannah-Leah Botsford
Return to the top of this Web Site
Board of Trustees of the National Theatre Corporation
The National Theatre is operated by the National
Theatre Corporation, a non-profit organization is dedicated to the preservation
of this historic playhouse, and to the presentation of drama, dance, and
music in downtown Washington
John B. Adams, Jr., Chair
Donn B. Murphy, President and Executive Director
Sterling Tucker, Vice President
Margaret E. Lynn, Treasurer and Coordinator, Dedicated Seat Project
John Ryan, Secretary
Martin Agronsky
Patrick J. Daly
Tom Fichander
Jack Golodner
Frances Humphrey-Howard
Carol Laxalt
Tom Mack
Robert McElwaine
Robert N. Synder
Of Counsel: Marc E. Miller, Esq.
Return to the top of this Web Site
The Shubert Organization, Inc.
The National Theatre is managed by The Shubert
Organization, Inc., which is wholly owned by The Shubert Foundation, Inc.,
a private foundation dedicated to the perpetuation of the performing arts.
Board of Directors
Gerald Schoenfeld, Chair
Lee J. Seidler
Michael I. Sovern
Irving M. Wall
Philip J. Smith, Executive Vice President
Robert E. Wankel, Vice President, Finance
Lee Silver, Corporate Relations Director
Return to the top of this Web Site
National Theatre Circle
The National Theatre Circle is a support group
whose members contribute a minimum of $1,500 during a year to the National
Theatre Corporation, a 501.c3 not-for-profit cultural and educational institution.
Contributions are deductible within the limits of the law.
Charles L. Eichenlaub, Ace World-Wide Moving and Storage Co., Inc.
Lee J. Stillwell, American Medical Association
Burson-Marsteller
Mr. and Mrs. William N. Cafritz
Clark-Winchcole Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Cohen
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.
Gannett
Logical Concepts
Mary and Daniel Loughran Foundation
J.W. Marriott Foundation
Network Video Services
The Washington Post Company
Return to the top of this Web Site
Facilities and Services
Box Office Hours: Non-performance days:
Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sunday: 12:00 noon to 6:00
pm. Performance days: Open until 9:00 pm
Tele-Charge Ticket Sales: 24 hours a day, daily at (800) 447-7400.
All major credit cards. All Tele-Charge sales are final.
Group Sales: For groups of 20 or more, call (800) 432-7780 or (202)
628-6166.
Children: Parents are discouraged from bringing very young children
or infants. Each person, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Disabled Patrons may purchase discount tickets. Elevators, rest
rooms, box-office windows, and special seating accommodate wheelchair patrons.
Hearing Impaired Patrons may secure Infra-red Listening Amplification
Headsets in the lobby at all performances. Signed performances are available
at selected Sunday matinees. Call (202)628-6161 for performance dates and
times.
Sight Impaired Patrons may hear a live Audio Description of the
show at selected Sunday matinee performances. This service is provided
by The Washington Ear Reading Service. Call (301) 681-6636 for performance
dates and times.
Assistance to our disabled patrons is made possible in part through the
generous support of the members of the National Theatre Circle, and The
Shubert Organization.
Emergency Patrons can be reached at (202) 628-6161 if name and
seat numbers are left with an usher.
Go to ShireNet Communication's Home
Page
Go to to ShireNet Communication's Greater Washington Area Arts Events Page
Webmaster for this site: Donn B. Murphy, murphyd@gusun.georgetown.edu
Donn B.
Murphy Web Site
Last update 4 October 1996 Return to the top
of this Web Site