Capitol Theatre Turns 100; What's Your Fondest Memory?

CLEARWATER, FL — For a century, this grand lady entertained Clearwater residents with acts ranging from vaudeville in the 1920s to punk rock in the '80s. It ushered in the silent movie era, staged performances of plays by the world's greatest playwrights and introduced audiences to legendary musicians like BB King and Tony Bennett.

Now, at the age of 100, The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre at 405 Cleveland St. is being celebrated for its enduring role as one of the Florida’s oldest operating theaters and its continued place in the city's musical and cultural arts scene.

Susan Crockett, Ruth Eckerd Hall president and CEO, said the theater has been a vital part of downtown Clearwater since its opening on March 21, 1921, with the screening of the motion picture "Dinty." The 1920 American silent told the story of a brave newsboy whose fight to care for his ailing mother led to a conflict with drug smugglers.

“The Capitol Theatre is a great story and an example of trying to look in to the future," said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard as the Clearwater City Council presented a proclamation honoring the iconic structure on Cleveland Street.

"Recessions, pandemics, they don’t last forever and we have to look to the future, making certain that our community is strong and our culture is diverse,” said Hibbard. “And to save this 1921 theater and to partner with Ruth Eckerd Hall to do it was just the perfect opportunity and the perfect marriage.”

“It is an honor to be the operator and caretaker of this beautiful venue,” said Crockett. “When we think of all the world events during the past century and the memories made within its walls, the historical significance of this milestone for our community calls for a celebration.”

The neoclassical-designed theater with Art Deco elements was built by John S. Taylor, the first state senator from Pinellas County, and was hailed as one of the most beautiful playhouses in the South.

The opening night program read: “The policy of the new Capitol Theatre is to present to the public nothing but the cleanest and best entertainments, whether it be pictures or road attractions.”

Over the next 70 years, the theater presented live entertainment ranging from vaudeville stars Sally Rand, Fred Stone and Lum & Abner to the Miss Florida Pageant and the Clearwater Symphony Orchestra.

The theater also sparked its fair share of legends. Many claim it to be haunted by the spirit of Bill Neville whose murdered body was discovered in the balcony of the theater, an old man with a goatee, pea coat and fisherman's hat known as "The Captain," and a young girl. Theater goers and staff have claimed to see mysterious orbs and chandeliers swinging for no reason.

In 1995, local businessman Socrates Charos purchased the building from the Taylor family and operated the Royalty Theater Company, presenting silent films and cultural events. When the building faced foreclosure in 2009, the city of Clearwater purchased it and entered into a partnership with Ruth Eckerd Hall to manage and operate the facility.

In 2013, the Capitol Theatre underwent a major renovation expanding into the old Clearwater News building and another adjacent building. The result of the renovation was expanded seating and lobby spaces, six private loge boxes, an outdoor balcony overlooking the Clearwater Causeway, a VIP lounge and a rooftop terrace.

During the renovation, construction workers uncovered the long, lost Panel of Honor. Hidden for almost 90 years, it was a record Clearwater residents who served in World War I. Notable Clearwater names including Coachman and McMullen appeared on the list adorning the nearly 20-foot wall. A star beside a name indicates the soldier died in service to his country. The portion of the wall that was removed can be found preserved at the Clearwater Library Main Branch.

In 2013, the theater board came across another historic discovery at a Clearwater estate sale. The board acquired two of the 944 seats that were in the theater when it opened in 1921.

Rows of seats were removed in 1981 to build a larger stage, offices and dressing rooms, and the original seating was sold off, only to be rediscovered 32 years later. They are now on display in the theater's lobby.

In 2019, the Capitol Theatre was renamed The Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre after the philanthropic couple who donated $2.5 million to the Expanding the Experience Capitol Campaign, which financed the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall, which has hosted educational programs throughout the community.

Since 2009, Ruth Eckerd Hall has presented more than 1,000 performances and events at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, which is consistently ranked the No. 1 venue in Florida and among the top venues in the world by the industry trade magazine Pollstar.

Residents are invited to celebrate the theater's centennial year by submitting photos, artwork, remembrances and poetry about the theater.

Send your memories to PR@rutheckerdhall.net before April 15. For more information, click here.

See related stories:

• World War I 'Wall of Honor' Discovered Under Capitol Theatre Plaster
• Capitol Theatre Turns 90 Today
• Tampa Bay's 'Haunted' Places