Majestic Thalian Hall

Wilmington's Historic Theatre

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.

The 1983-84 Thalian Theater schedule included: Chicago, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Elephant Man, Cabaret, and Oh Mr. Faulkner, Do You Write? In celebration of the 125th anniversary of Thalian Hall, an original play by North Carolina playwright Randolph Umberger was commissioned as the October selection.

A Busy Performance Schedule

Today, with its Main Stage, Studio Theatre and lovely Grand Ballroom (which doubles as city council chambers) Thalian Hall 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.

Thalian Hall Main Attractions typically offers about 15 events each season. This year, entertainment that ranged from “An (Outrageous) Evening With John Waters,” the writer/director of Pink Flamingos, Hairspray and Polyester to “In the Mood, The 1940s Musical Revue,” is being staged.