March 28th, 2010
Milton Theatre, Milton, Delaware, Art Deco Movie House, Delaware Beaches, Theater, Films, Arts & Entertainment
That’s too bad I could not find anyone to go with me to a wonderful evening at the Milton Theatre on Friday evening. The previous week, my friend, Debbie, and I attended the film Hands on Harvest at this same venue and were taken over by the beauty of this art deco theater.
I really wanted to go and take some pictures of the inside of the theater. I contacted the Theatre and Ellen Passman called me and informed me that there was a performance on Friday that I should not miss; to come a little earlier so that I would be able to take the pictures for my blog.
The performace on Friday was a live on-stage and vaudeville-themed murder mystery. Ellen wrote it and was also starring in it along with the Delaware Commedy Theatre performers. The Delaware Comedy Theatre, Improve Comedy was started in 2005 and it is a non-profit theatre company. They are located on 131 Glade Circle West, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Website is www.delawarecomedytheatre.com. Ticket Hot Line 888-446-7763 and for classes, workshops, and booking info. you may call 302-258-5443.
I can tell you that on Friday’s performance of the Mysterious Madcap Murder at the Milton Theatre, the “characters” were quirky and hilarious, mingling and interacting with the audience as they stayed in character, as well; that was part of the fun. Some of the people in the audience really got into it, and solving the murder we did.
This wonderful evening of mystery was to help support the Milton Theatre.
Vaudeville was one of the most popular types on entertainment in North America from the 1880’s until the early 1930’s. The performances were separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill. It came to be called “the heart of American show business”.
The Milton Theatre is in the heart of the historic district in Milton. It was built in 1910, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Milton.
Back in the 1930’s it was the community’s celebrated art deco movie house, featuring silent films, and then, “talkies”.
When you enter this theater, and before performances or movies start, there will be continued showings of silent movies, and “talkies”. What was so wonderful to experience was how the audience was truly laughing. And, at a time when we have so much violence and drama shown in films, it was such a nostalgic feeling to experience a good belly laugh, that I just enjoyed the moment.
The silent films, had no sound, or broken dialogue. The acting and dialogue were expressed through muted gestures and pantomime. “Talkies” followed and these were talking pictures; exclusively shorts. The first talking film was The Jazz Singer, released in 1927.
The ticket office at the Milton Theatre is inside and there are no computers; just a cash box. It is very affordable whether it is a movie, documentary or live performance.
One of the interesting aspects when attending anything at this theatre is that besides the usual soft drinks, you are able to purchase beer and wine, along with candy and other movie treats.
On Friday night’s event there was a 50/50 raffle during intermission. The winner, graciously donated her winnings to the theatre.
The Milton Theatre has entertaining stage productions, dedicated to promoting the arts, and most of all making their productions accessible to the community.
This art deco movie house has been rescued from ruin and it has gone through, and is still on going, a revitalization process with a lot of work, dedication and love from the community, who are all volunteers.
It has endured the tests of time; 3 major fires and many nor’easters. It is a community center for many events and is re-emerging as a destination attraction for a fast-growing arts community.
Note: Information for this post was taken from the www.miltontheatre.org, and http://en.wikipedia.org.
Have a good evening. See you at the Milton Theatre some time….It is only 25 minutes from Rehoboth Beach, going north. Talk to you later….
Tags: Activities, Art Deco Movie House, Art Deco Theatre, Delaware Beaches, documentaries, Events, Films, historic Milton, Milton, Milton Theatre, Movies, Theater performances, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
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Wow! This looks like a great way to spend an evening. Thanks for sharing your “discovery”!
I will make sure I will let you know in advance in case you are available. Thanks for the comments on the blog.
how many people does the theater seat? It looks inviting as well as nostalgic.
That’s a good question. Pretty many, though I don’t have an exact number. I will try to find out.
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Thx for the interesting post. I enjoyed seeing the inside of the theater through your pictures. Nice tidbit about the theater having no cash register…only a cash box. Very traditional.
Thanks for the comments to the blog. The theater is really a gem and it does transport you to another time when life was not as hectic as it is now.
My husband and I are hoping to move to Delaware next year – probably the Bridgeville area. We have lived in the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC area for many years and I have volunteered at most of the theaters here all these years (Arena Stage, Signature, Kennedy Center, Ford’s, Studio, Woolly Mammoth, etc.) so I was very happy to learn of the Milton – and hope you will have room for another volunteer!