Business of the Month - July 2004: Marquis Theatre

he City of Northville is known for its Victorian heritage and history. This is evident in the beautiful Victorian-style homes and historic downtown buildings. The Marquis Theatre is just one example of an era gone by and a reminder of how Americans entertained themselves long before television was a mainstay in every home.

he current Marquis Theatre was built as the P & A or Penniman Allen Theatre in 1925 by Mrs. K. E. Allen of Plymouth, and is only the second theatre Northville has known. The P & A Theatre was built at a cost of $150,000 after Northville’s first theatre, the Alseum, was destroyed by fire. A pipe organ valued at $13,000 was shipped from Germany to be installed in the new theatre. After many years of ownership by Mrs. Allen, Edward Hohler purchased the theatre and eventually sold it in 1971 to the Zayti family. The name was changed in 1972; and today the Marquis is owned and operated by Inge Zayti and her daughter, Christina. In 1978 restoration began to restore the theatre to the beautiful building it is today. Beautiful stain glass windows were designed by Inge’s mother, Meta Schmidt, and now separate the lobby from the theatre. Many original features, dating back almost 80 years, still play an integral part in the operation of the Marquis. The rich history is evident in the exterior architecture. When you first approach the theatre, your eye immediately goes to the marquee, which has graced the front of the theatre since 1925. In 1972 when the name was publicly changed from the Penniman Allen Theatre to the Marquis Theatre, there were only 26 working marquees in the United States. The three arches above the marquee hold intricate stone carvings. Entering the lobby through the black walnut doors, the wear marks where the swinging brass locks have worn away the finish, are evidence of 8 decades of patronage. The ticket booth, where early patrons purchased their tickets for a mere five cents, still welcomes today’s theatergoers. Today’s performers sing, dance, and act on the same stage as legendary stars Woody Herman, The Harmonicats, The Four Freshmen, and Count Bassie. The screen that showed Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford silent films still hang above the stage. The dimmers used to control the lights and ropes that raised and lower the curtain where Gypsie Rose Lee performed are not in use today but are still tucked behind the curtains. The pipes from the organ are still concealed behind latticework near the stage.
 

oday the Marquis Theatre is used for a variety of functions. Originally built as an opera house, the theatre is again being used for live adult productions by the Great Lakes Lyric Opera Company. Twice a year operettas are performed live on the Marquis stage. A familiar site in town is bus loads of school children coming to the Marquis to see well-known productions such as Peter Pan and Raggedy Ann & Andy. Summer Theatre Day Camps provide professional theatrical instruction for children between the ages of 6 and 14. Camps are taught by theatrical professionals such as Ernie Nolan. Ernie graduated from The Theatre School at DePaul University, formerly the Goodman School of Drama, and wrote and directed the very popular Goldilocks & the Three Bears and directed the cast of Raggedy Ann & Andy. For theatre schedules, please visit the Marquis’ website.  Many of today’s Broadway stars got their start at Northville’s Marquis Theatre. Laurie Bolovan, who has had roles on the Friends sitcom and Without a Trace, first dreamed of an acting career at only four years of age began her acting career at the historic Marquis Theatre. Laurie still comes back to visit her friends at the Marquis each year. Sutton Foster, recipient of a 2002 Tony Award for Thoroughly Modern Millie, and her brother, Hunter Foster, recipient 2 Tony nominations including one for the current revival of Little Shop of Horrors both got their start at the Marquis. David Burtka, whose quest for Broadway started in grade school with the role of John in Peter Pan followed by roles with the Peanut Butter Players, has gone on to star as Tulsa in the Broadway show Gypsy.
 

he Marquis Theatre temporarily closed its doors on January 23, 2003 after fire again tried to destroy a bit of Northville’s history. Fortunately, the fire was under control early and most of the damage was done by smoke. Half of the box office was destroyed, but has been restored to look as it was originally. Miraculously a Bible dating to 1812, which was in the box office, was untouched. The scrolled iron seat frames were not destroyed, but all new seats as well as curtains were needed. Today the theatre can seat 500 on beautiful new red cushioned seats. Armrests in the first couple of rows have metal plaques installed on them that have been purchased by either actors that have performed in the theatre or by the actor’s parents. Actresses Laurie Boloven, Katie Bondy, Kallie & Lindsay Fortune, and Ariel Lieberman are among the celebrities named on plaques. Many articles of memorabilia such as Mae West movie posters, Betty Davis costumes, and Count Bassie autographs, were destroyed by fire.

lthough the type of entertainment presented at the theatre has changed over the years, the feeling of yesterday is still very much alive at the Marquis. Inge, a native of Germany, first fell in love with the theatre in the 1940's while working in an opera house in Germany. Christina, who was born and raised in Northville, literally grew up in the Marquis Theatre at her mother’s side. Both Inge and Christina are always interested in learning more about Northville’s historic theatre. Northville’s longtime citizens will fondly remember visiting the Penniman Allen Theatre as a child. If you would like to share these memories, please take a minute to either e-mail or write Inge or Christina at the theatre. Your memories would be greatly appreciated.