How lucky we Columbusites are to have such a diverse collection of historical theatres in our midst. From the Ohio, with its lavish Spanish baroque architecture and 21-foot-high chandelier, to the Palace, designed in the spirit of France’s Palais de Versaille, and the Southern – the oldest surviving theatre in Central Ohio, having opened in 1896.

Of course there is also the majestic Lincoln, which once thrived courtesy of performances by jazz legends Count Basie, James Brown, Etta James, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Columbus native Nancy Wilson.

The Lincoln (originally the Ogden Theatre and Ballroom) opened in late November 1928, at 771 E. Long St., and included offices, retail space, a ballroom and theatre. The venue was at its height in the 1930s and ‘40s, when the African-American community formed its own entertainment district after being excluded from other theatres in the city.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the city’s infrastructure grew and many residents migrated to suburbs. The Lincoln Theatre took a big hit, as did the surrounding district.

The theatre was scheduled for demolition in 1991, but was deemed worthy of preservation the following year when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was being used as a movie house until 2000, when then newly-elected Mayor Michael B. Coleman unveiled a plan for the King-Lincoln District’s revitalization, anchored by the theatre’s overhaul.

In 2007, the $13.5 million project began, with an objective of returning the Lincoln, and its surrounding neighborhood, to its former glory. There has been no skimping on the details during the renovations, which have kept much of its historical integrity intact – including the Egyptian Revival motif, elaborate ceiling, columns and proscenium arch.

The 12,000 square feet that were added to the original structure will be used for the main entrance area, concession area, bathrooms, offices and box office. The original lobby is now being used as a meeting space. The Lincoln now entails three highly functional levels, the auditorium, ballroom and Jazz Arts Group’s Academy.

Theatre
The Lincoln’s marquee will light up again on Memorial Day. The facility is nearly 80 percent booked through July 2010. New artistic director-in-residence, and Broadway superstar, Maurice Hines promises to keep a slate full of energetic productions for the 574-seat venue.

The new and improved theatre features state-of-the-art equipment for film screenings, sound and lighting techniques and broadcasting capabilities.

“Shows that are too small for the Southern, Palace and Ohio theatres can come here. The stage is wider and there is more technology – you can really get creative on that stage,” says CAPA’s Emily Hickman, producing/programming assistant.

Ballroom
The second-floor ballroom, which fits 200 guests, will host 10 resident liturgical dance companies, as well as private parties, meetings, wedding receptions and more. It is open to the public seven days a week.

The ballroom includes many original details, including windows and exposed brick, but also boasts a new hardwood (sprung) dance floor and lighting. It also includes a balcony, stage, bar and food prep area.

Columbus Jazz Academy
The third floor is devoted to the Columbus Jazz Arts Group’s Jazz Academy, complete with various sizes of classrooms, rehearsal rooms and a recording lab.

“Our purpose with this space is to reach out and talk about jazz and American music in all of its forms. It’s not just for kids, we will develop programs from preschool through seniors and that is the key to making it successful,” says Robert Breithaupt, executive director of the JAG.

There are only a handful of similar jazz academies in the country – in places such as Nashville and San Francisco. Columbus’, however, is the largest and the JAG intends to continue its success with this space, which allows for an increase in participation, programs and outreach.

“We are intended to be broad based and focus on jazz, blues, hip hop, everything. If we just focused on jazz, there would be less of a draw. This is all about audience development – getting the young and old and everyone in between to enjoy music,” Breithuapt says. “The Lincoln is so much more than just a space to see concerts. It’s a place to educate and celebrate music.” 

Of Note: The interior of the restored Lincoln Theatre is done in Egyptian Revival Style, reflecting the exact details of the original venue. Construction on the original theatre began in the mid-to-late 1920s, shortly after King Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered (1922). Because of this discovery, the Egyptian theme was very popular during throughout the era.

Sammy Davis Jr.’s very first performance took place on Thanksgiving Day, 1928 on the Ogden stage. He was just 3 years old.

Alicia Kelso is editor of CityScene.