Civic Pride

This season, Civic Theatre turns 100. Here, a scrapbook of its first century—that’s entertainment!
Ginger Rogers Civic Theatre

Ginger Rogers came to Civic to star in a January 1983 musical.

 

The “New Civic,” then located at 1847 North Alabama Street, where Footlite Musicals now resides, was written up in an undated Indianapolis Star story.

The New Civic Theatre

 

Indiana-born composer Cole Porter sent his “heartiest greetings” in this undated telegram from New York.

Cole Porter Civic Theatre

 

In a telegram sent from Beverly Hills, silent-film star Mary Pickford remarked that “it is to be hoped every city in our great country will follow your example” in developing a strong community theater.

Mary Pickford Civic Theatre

 

In true the-show-must-go-on fashion, a production of Sweet Charity (featuring Holly Stults Haas, pictured here) opened just three days after 9/11. At curtain call, the audience joined the cast in singing a rendition of “God Bless America.”

Sweet Charity  Civic Theatre

 

A subscription card for Civic’s very first season, in 1915.

Civic Theatre

 

H.M.S. Pinafore was part of Civic’s 1944–1945 season.

H.M.S. Pinafore Civic Theatre

 

Broadway star extraordinaire Carol Channing said she “wouldn’t think of not doing” the song “Hello, Dolly” at a Civic benefit, according to this undated news clipping.

Carol Channing Civic Theatre

 

Kathy Jordan and Bill Myers starred in 1986’s Guys ‘n’ Dolls, one of several “ventures in black theater the Civic has undertaken,” said the Indianapolis Star.

Guys N Dolls Civic Theatre

 

 

The Ticket 2015This article appeared in The Ticket, a 2015 special publication.