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The theater's construction began in April 1913, and included more than 750,000 icks and 2,000 tons of concrete to make it one of the largest theaters of its time.
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It's said that the original plan for the theater—then called The Playhouse—was to make it one that could accommodate any New York show as a dress rehearsal venue. With a stage measuring 38 feet deep and 85 feet wide, and an interior that includes more than 1,223 seats, it does just that. To boot, its original location in Pinkett's Court, in the Hotel du Pont, allowed it to offer patrons a delux Broadway experience, from lodging to dining, and of course, the show.
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The theatre acquired its new name roughly a decade ago, but operates in much the same way it originally did—as a world-class theatrical experience. One of its many claims to fame is its status as the oldest continually operating "legitimate" theater in the country; it's aptly nicknamed "Delaware's Broadway Experience," hosting an array of touring Broadway performances. In fact, the stage has played host to national acts such as Cats, Grease, and Les Miserables, and has presented legends like Bette Davis and Fred Astaire.
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And the shows do go on.
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Later this month, the theatre will continue with its host of familiar Broadway favorites with Anything Goes, but first, they'll introduce something a little different: Elvis Lives. "The show is a tribute to Elvis; it's different and fun and it seemed like a little bit of a departure from what is normally seen in the theatre," says Director of Marketing and Public Relations Carolyn Grubb. "It's a show for all ages—young people to grandparents. It really crosses all age lines."
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According to a tour press release, the production features finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises' annual worldwide "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest," each of whom will represent Elvis in a different stage of his career. The award-winning impersonators will be backed by singers and dancers, a live band, and iconic imagery courtesy of the Graceland archives, including "a never-before-seen exhibit of life-size images of Elvis' stage-wear" displayed in the lobby of each host theater.
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The show will visit more than 60 markets across the country when the national tour begins in January; however, it will debut for the season October 2nd, as it kicks off the cele ation of DuPont Theatre's 100th anniversary season.
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For more information, visit Duponttheatre.com or call 302-656-4401.