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Egyptian Theatre
Proscenium arch
uilt in 1928-1929, the Egyptian Theatre was created during a time when the entire country
was caught up in the mystery of the discovery of King "Tut"'s Tomb. The entire
country was infatuated with Egyptian clothing, parties, and young Hollywood was turning
out mummy movies!
The architect, Elmer F. Behrns, had studied and loved Egyptology.
But instead of throwing together hieroglyphics, falcon wings, and other Egyptian motifs,
Mr. Behrns designed this theater with one central theme, that of Ramses ll, one of the
Egyptian pharoahs.
The Egyptian's facade is covered with light sage terra
cotta and features a 20 foot tall stained glass window bearing the ancient sacred scarab,
holding up the sun god Ra while standing on the earth.
On each side of the
stained glass window are two huge pharaohs guarding over the entrance of the theater. The
front of the theater is shaped like the gate of a great temple. The current marquee is
the fourth marquee to adorn the theater and was commissioned during a recent
restoration.
Stepping into the quiet small outer lobby is like stepping into
the outer chamber of a tomb. With huge sandstone-like blocks for walls, the only adorned
piece is the front of the ticket box office, dusky, sienna red with a golden sunburst
above the window.
Passing through the glass doors into the main lobby, one
finds the original mosaic multicolored tiled floor underfoot and the ceiling towers some
40 feet above. With cream colored plastered walls, eight towering ecru-colored pillars
with adorned cornices of golden lotus blossoms and palm leaves, this stately hall is
quietly elegant and is the setting for many private parties and weddings.
135 N. Second Street
Dekalb , IL, US | 60115
Total: 1405
Parterre: 847
Balcony: 550y
Wheelchairs: 8
