Fischer Theatre
Updated: June 23, 2011
Few places have housed as many famous faces as the historic Fischer Theatre in Danville.
From opera to theater to motion pictures, the Fischer has seen it all. It's been closed for almost 30 years, but those who love it aren't willing to let it go.
Danville's opera house was built in the late 1800s. Then a wealthy investor with an eye for theatre came to town.
In 1912 it was sold to Mr. Fischer who did a major renovation to it.
The current Fischer Theatre still has a lot of the original woodworking.
It also has celebrity connections. Dick Van Dyke was a part of the theater, as well as Jerry Van Dyke and Bobby Short. Gene Hackman was the assistant manager for a while.
And no historic place is complete without a ghost story or two.
One of the stories is there's a little boy who lives in the theater. Some say they hear noises, or things move on their own.
The inside of the theater may look like it's frozen in time, but those who love it say it won't be that way for long.
The Vermilion Heritage Foundation owns the theater. The goal is to reopen after renovations. Board members hope to kick off a fundraising campaign next year.
From opera to theater to motion pictures, the Fischer has seen it all. It's been closed for almost 30 years, but those who love it aren't willing to let it go.
Danville's opera house was built in the late 1800s. Then a wealthy investor with an eye for theatre came to town.
In 1912 it was sold to Mr. Fischer who did a major renovation to it.
The current Fischer Theatre still has a lot of the original woodworking.
It also has celebrity connections. Dick Van Dyke was a part of the theater, as well as Jerry Van Dyke and Bobby Short. Gene Hackman was the assistant manager for a while.
And no historic place is complete without a ghost story or two.
One of the stories is there's a little boy who lives in the theater. Some say they hear noises, or things move on their own.
The inside of the theater may look like it's frozen in time, but those who love it say it won't be that way for long.
The Vermilion Heritage Foundation owns the theater. The goal is to reopen after renovations. Board members hope to kick off a fundraising campaign next year.
