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Majestic Thalian Hall

When Thalian Hall was constructed, Wilmington was a bustling and growing city with an active theatrical group, the Thalian Association, dating back to 1788. In response to the need for a location for the performing arts, the city built Thalian Hall as a combination opera house and a seat for local government – with a library thrown in for good measure. When the theater opened on October 12, 1858, it seated 950 people.

As a major stop on the national touring circuit, Thalian Hall hosted well-known entertainers and attractions of the period including Lillian Russell, Buffalo Bill Cody, John Phillip Sousa, Maurice Barrymore and Sir Henry Lauder. After the turn of the century, the facility was renovated and updated for electricity, but by the thirties, with the decline in traveling road shows, activity at Thalian Hall dwindled.

Thalian Hall Nearly Demolished

During the thirties and forties, Thalian Hall had a few close calls with demolition, but the citizens always rallied to its support. The theatre was restored to its turn-of-the-century splendor in 1973, and activity increased. During the eighties, with funds from the city and state plus contributions from the citizens, $5 million was raised for an 18-month renovation and expansion project.

A Busy Performance Schedule

Thalian Hall, with its Main Stage, Studio Theatre and lovely Grand Ballroom (which doubles as city council chambers) normally hosts more that 250 performance events per year, including concerts, stage plays, popular musical attractions, a children’s theatre and Cinematique, which presents artistic films.

However, after a year-long celebration marking its 150th anniversary and featuring an outstanding array of performers and performances, a much-needed renovation took place at Thalian Hall. Among the changes are new, much more comfortable seating in the Main Stage, new lighting equipment and a new HVAC system. There is much more leg room now both in the orchestra and in the mezzanine, and the freshly painted interior is grand.

In addition to events staged by Thalian Hall itself, other theater companies present their plays there. Throughout the year, Thalian Hall hums with activity thanks to the dedicated arts aficionados in Wilmington.