A Brief History of Theatre in Boyertown

In the recent production of The Opera House Fire Play presented in January of 2007, attention was drawn to the tragedy of the fire that devastated this community in 1908. Going beyond the focus of the tragedy, the play also raised awareness to theatre in Boyertown.

In a town with a population of 2500, the attendance on that fatal night, of between 315 and 350 persons of all ages, plus 60 locals participating in the cast, represents nearly a 16 per cent share who loved theatre. It is true evidence that high attendance and participation in entertainment was a common occurrence in our little town, even though for a time, it was halted by the desolation of the fire.

Using resources from The Boyertown Historical Society, my research revealed that prior to the fire, The Rhoads Opera House hosted performances of music and grand pageantry. Vaudeville and theatrical plays of visiting troupes were presented. People gathered at The Opera House for lectures, school events, choral concerts, fundraisers and community theatre. Even other forms of entertainment, such as boxing exhibitions, were held there. Months before the fire, Edgar Mauger became the manager of The Rhoads Opera House. He added moving pictures to its repertoire. Admissions were 25cents for adults and 15cents for children.

Two other halls in town were also being used for shows: the 3rd floor of the Boyer Store building and the 3rd floor of the adjoining Grim building. The Keystone Band and others presented band concerts at the ‘Hookies’. Also at that time, dance classes were held weekly, while dances and balls were a frequent activity. Boyertown was indeed a cultural town.

In the years that followed the fire, The Rhoads Opera House was rebuilt, but never again used for theatre. In 1912 the ‘Lyric Theatre’ (renamed to the ‘State Theatre’ in 1934) was built with much regard to new fire laws, spurred by the Boyertown tragedy. The Lyric hosted much of the town’s entertainment. It brought moving pictures back to Boyertown, but was also used for orchestra recitals, local talent shows, plays, lectures, high school class days, war bond rallies and fund raisers done by civic organizations. Additionally, there were two other moving picture theaters in town: one just across the county line road and a small one on Chestnut Street.

During the next few decades, Boyertown continued to enjoy their band concerts and social dances with orchestras. The State Theatre entertained record crowds for their moving pictures shown every night of the week. The weekly schedule included movie musicals which were quite popular, along with “family night’ movies and romantic and musical comedies. During the 1940’s, World War II took the focus from the entertainment world, and while there were still shows at The State, folks provided their own entertainment at home with Edison phonographs or player pianos. Bus rides were occasionally offered to see moving pictures in Pottstown also.

The next few decades provided more social opportunities of music and dance such as The Blue Note Jazz Club of Boyertown and weekly dances at The Orioles featuring live orchestras. In the early 1970’s, “Limelight Productions” was formed offering our area quality community theatre. Over the next two decades, it presented musical theatre, dramatic plays, and children’s plays. High school marching band, concert band, orchestra and chorus popularity was on the rise. Local dance schools grew and regional dance companies were formed. The performing arts was alive and well in Boyertown.

In conclusion, we know The State Theater is still popular with all ages; we love its comfort, convenience and charm. We all attend school concerts, dance recitals, and performances by local musical talent. The Boyertown School District has students excelling in music and drama. Through my experience with The Opera House Fire Play, I’ve spoken with many adults who are interested in theatre, from both sides of the stage. This writer says it’s time to nurture the talent that exists right here in our community. We can offer our town and its surrounding area the kinds of productions that were once a part of our history. We will still enjoy visiting other towns and big cities to see shows, but we can join efforts to have theatre opportunities continue to rise right here in Boyertown. Will you be part of the 16 per cent?

About the Author: Dawn Haas-Rhude is owner and director of Miracles In Motion Dance School, Founder and director of The Boyertown Community Ballet Company, Interim Director of Limelight Productions and has more than 30 years of experience in dance and performing arts.


Bibliography
• The Berks County Democrat, 1899 – 1920, Boyertown, PA
• The Boyertown Times, 1930 – 1960, Boyertown, PA
• Boyertown’s Brightest Spot - State Theatre, a scrap book collection of information and memorabilia
• Schneider, Mary Jane: Midwinter Mourning, MJS Publications, Boyertown, PA; 1991