Going to a theater is a favorite activity for many art lovers. To them, it is not just entertainment, but also a possibility of learning about this side of art and the era where the performed play comes from. Yet some theaters go beyond drama and music — people have encountered mysterious happenings that gave these places a reputation of being haunted.
Attending plays and other performances in theaters is an exciting hobby to have and some people can’t live without it. Even though it can be fascinating, spotting an unexpected ghost on stage can be super shocking unless you enjoy experiencing supernatural events.
If you need more thrill while watching a performance at a theater, here are 5 haunted theaters for you to check out.
1. New Amsterdam Theater
Horror enthusiasts adore the idea of seeing a ghost lingering right next to them while watching a play at a theater. But for others, it’s extremely scary. In fact, some people get so afraid that they consider saying no to theaters and decide to book a private screening instead to avoid any spooky surprises. Nevertheless, the New Amsterdam Theater is still very popular, even though it has a haunted reputation.
The New Amsterdam Theater was built in 1903 in New York City and has been famous for a lot of incredible performances ever since. The viewers and performers often spotted a ghost of a woman on stage, who’s holding a bottle full of blue pills. This ghost is Olive Thomas, who was a famous Broadway actress and a member of the Ziegfeld Folies. She unfortunately passed away in 1920 by overdosing on mercury pills. Reportedly, she most likely appears to men and watches them quietly.
2. Huguan Huiguan Opera House
Huguan Huiguan Opera House is located in Beijing, China, and has existed since 1807. It attracts many visitors not just for the performances but also for its interior, representing Chinese art in bright red colors. It is also famous for being haunted.
According to stories, in the time of World War II, someone made a house near the theater to shelter poor people. However, his intentions turned out to be horrid, and instead of protecting the poor, he used them for burial rituals. The visitors to the theater claim that they can hear desperate screams and ghostly voices in the theater yard and inside the building.
3. Dock Street Theater
Dock Street Theater in Charleston is one of the oldest theaters in the US and surely has a long history. It was first opened in 1736, which unfortunately burned down. After this incident, it was restored into a hotel named Planters Inn. Later, in 1930, the building was transformed back into a theater.
The most popular ghost of this theater is Nettie Dickerson, who was a prostitute. The stories say that she died as a result of being struck by lightning while standing on a balcony of the hotel. Her ghost can be seen on the second floor of the theater dressed in red and having a strange look in her eyes.
4. Theater Royal, Drury Lane
The Theater Royal is the oldest theater that still continues to function in London. It was built in 1663 and still attracts big crowds to see live performances and perhaps spot one of its many rumored ghosts.
The most famous ghost of this theater is “The Man in Gray,” dressed in 18th-century clothes. The spectators have often noticed him on stage, but his appearance usually brings luck to the performers.
5. Palais Garnier
Palais Garnier, which opened in 1875, is one of the most visited theaters in Paris. The art of performance continues to flourish here, but this place has many mysterious secrets. In this theater was supposedly living the Phantom of the Opera, the character from Gaston Leroux’s novel of the same name. According to some allegations, a similar story had actually happened behind the doors of Palais Garnier.
There are rumors that there was a deformed man who helped with building the theater and lived below in a hidden apartment. His traces were never found, but some believe that Leroix’s novel is the proof of the story.
Bottom Line
As incredible as it can be to watch a theatrical performance, now you know that you might have a different kind of experience if the theater you’re attending is haunted. In spite of it being dangerous, a lot of theater spectators enjoy challenges when it comes to watching a play being performed.
To make your theater experience even more thrilling, you should definitely think about visiting these 5 theaters at least once. Just be prepared for an unexpected guest to share your evening.
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