Dirty Dancing

Royal Alexandra Theatre

Business ProfileSaved from oblivion a few decades ago by the flamboyant discount retailer "Honest" Ed Mirvish, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, built in 1907, is the epitome of old world theatre opulence. From the thousands of single lightbulbs that make up the marquee, to waist-coated ushers and polished brass railings, hand-carved walnut and cherrywood, sumptuous red velvet seats and private boxes separated by heavy curtains, this Alex lives up to the royalty of its name. Throughout the years, the theatre has housed performances by theatre greats like John and Ethel Barrymore, Orson Welles, Deborah Kerr and Edith Piaf.When the Mirvishes purchased the theatre in 1962, it was closed for a year for repairs and restorations to return the theatre to its old splendor. The Mirvishes (Ed and his art-collector son David) also operated the prestigious Old Vic theatre in London, England. So it is not unusual for West End productions to cross the Atlantic to be remounted in Toronto.In 1987 on the Royal Alex's 80th birthday it was declared a historic monument.Getting There:By Car: The Royal Alexandra Theatre is only a few blocks north of the Gardiner Expressway (the QEW, to and from Hamilton, Niagara and Buffalo). Exit the Gardiner at Spadina and turn right (east) on King Street. By Transit: Two blocks west of the St. Andrew Subway Station (at the intersection of King Street and University Avenue), and the King Street streetcars stop in front of the building.

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