On This Date in Minnesota History: August 29

August 29, 1910 - The Fitzgerald Theater, the oldest active theatre in Saint Paul, Minn., opened its doors on this evening as the Sam S. Shubert Theater with the play “The White Sister.”

Some unique innovations were offered to gain favor and publicity for the theater, including using “girls” as ushers instead of “boys,” an idea that had worked in theaters in the East, and making it easier for Minneapolis theater-goers by providing free automobile delivery of tickets, a cutting-edge idea never tried before in before in any city. All seats ordered by telephone were delivered, collect.

The Fitzgerald Theater1

The building was purchased by Minnesota Public Radio in 1980 and restored with a stage in 1986 as a site for Prairie Home Companion, and was renamed in 1994 after St. Paul native F. Scott Fitzgerald.


The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; Girl Ushers for Shubert; First Tickets Are Sold. New Theater Announces an Innovation in Service for Minneapolis. Svening J. Bang Heads the Line Seeking Seats for the Opening.”; August 26, 1910; p. 7.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; Sam S. Shubert Theater Opens; “The White Sister” Is Played. Viola Allen, James O’Neill and a Notable Cast Present Artistic Production Before a Capacity Audience.”; p. 4.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitzgerald_Theater

¹http://sheamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/fitzgerald-theater.jpg

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