EgyptianTheatre's photostream  

The Egyptian Theatre Company: Dramatically Different.
Live theatrical performances have long been a centerpiece of Park City culture, even in the rough and tumble days of active mining. In the late 1880’s, the impressive sum of $30,000 was raised by subscription to build the ornate Opera House that housed touring companies. On a warm June night in 1898, fire roared from the American Hotel and quickly threatened to consume the town. Despite the assistance of fire companies from as far away as Ogden, most of the town was demolished and the Opera House was gutted.

Determined to have live theatre in the town, Dewey Theatre soon opened its doors on the site of what is now the Egyptian Theatre. In addition to live theatre, the Dewey was known to host grand ballroom dances, prize fighting, and boasted a bowling alley in the basement. The Dewey remained a popular cultural center until the roof collapsed under record-breaking snow.

In 1922 construction began on the site of the old Dewey Theatre. Influenced by the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, John Rugar opened the first production at The Egyptian Theatre on Christmas Eve, 1926. Supervised by an Egyptologist from Seattle, the Egyptian opened sporting lotus leaf motifs, scarabs, hieroglyphics and symbols of life and happiness. Park City was once again flush with a first class showplace, this time for films and live performance.

Surviving the Great Depression, The Second World War, and the period where Park City was officially listed as a ghost town on some historic registers, the theatre was renamed the Silver Wheel Theatre in 1963.

With the rebirth of Park City as a ski and resort town in the 60’s, the Egyptian continued to present live theatre, though old fashioned “meller dramas” were the most consistent fare. In 1978 the buildings architectural integrity was threatened. Preservation of it’s distinctive Egyptian feature was achieved in 1981 when the building became home to Park City Performances. Live theatre of all genres began to be presented on the boards of the theatre.

By the mid 90’s, the building was in need of major repair and renovation. Save Our Stage was formed by a few community-minded individuals who raised the funding for a major facelift to restore the building to its former glory. The theatre reopened February 14, 1998.

Permanent home of Park City Performances, now dba The Egyptian Theatre Company, the Mary G. Steiner Egyptian Theatre hosts a variety of musical acts, special events, community fundraisers and more. Whie money is always tight at the theatre and donations are always appreciated, the Egyptian Theatre is able to function a landmark venue on Park City's Main Street while retaining the distinctive flavor of years gone by, much like Park City itself.

Visit us online at www.parkcityshows.com