| Located just three blocks from the White House, Washington's National Theatre has been "The Theatre of Presidents" since 1835, the same year the Liberty Bell cracked and President Andrew Jackson paid off the national debt - for the last time. Consequently, the theater has been in operation longer than any other major touring house in the United States, but not without experiencing its share of struggles. It has been burned to the ground and was rebuilt on the same Pennsylvania Avenue site five times during the 1800s. Part of its original foundation still remains and can be seen in the basement of the structure. Naturally, the theater has seen countless acclaimed performances and stars, from John Wilkes Booth (yes, the Lincoln assassinator) to Katharine Hepburn to Cab Calloway. In fact, Shirley MacLaine was an usher here and her brother, Warren Beatty, was the stage doorman at one time. Besides the renowned performances that are continuously presented here, the theater has an additional attraction - one not so conspicuous. About a hundred years ago, actor John McCullough, a renowned thespian of the 1800s, was arguing with another actor over a coveted role in one of the performances, so it is said. The words led to violence and the less reputable actor shot and killed McCullough in the backstage area. The theater claims McCullough's (friendly) ghost has been haunting the premises ever since. |
