×Pabst Theater

Pabst Theater

In 1895 brewer Frederick Pabst opened a theater on the site of the Grand opera house which had been destroyed in a fire. The venue became a major center for German residents to enjoy the familiar music, social gatherings, and foods from Europe. Opera, drama, ballet and orchestras were presented on the stage.

Pabst Theater Opening Announcement

A newspaper clipping advertising the opening of Pabst Theater on Nov. 9, 1985

Upon opening, the Pabst stage shows were competing with the Davidson on Third Street and the Bijou a block away. The Davidson’s management presented top tier shows from Shakespeare, the Barrymores, George M. Cohan and Al Jolson. Broadway thrillers like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Sherlock Holmes rounded out a schedule of 40 shows a year.

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