Irvin R. Glazer stated in his 1994 book on Philadelphia theatres that the Grand Opera House (GOH) was the fourth largest theatre ever built in the city of Philadelphia and that it had a seating capacity of up to 4,000 people. Designed by architect
George Plowman, it was built for its first owner, the
Betz Brewing Company, in part as a home for
Gustav Hinrichs's National Opera Company (NOC). The cast was led by tenor
Eloi Sylva in the title role. Other cast members included Bertha Pierson as
Elizabeth of Hungary, Frank Vetta as
Hermann,
Amanda Fabris as Venus,
William Ludwig as
Wolfram von Eschenbach, Charles Bassett as
Walther von der Vogelweide, Joseph Pache as Heinrich der Schreiber, Alenzo Stoddard as Biterolf, George H. Broderick as Reinmar, and Attalie Claire as the Shepherd Boy. The NOC was in residence at the GOH for annual summer seasons of opera from 1888 through 1896. It was announced the following September that the theatre would undergo renovations and that its name would at a future date by modified to include the Nixon name.
Thomas W. Lamb was hired to significantly remodel the theatre in 1913. It re-opened as Nixon's Grand Opera House (NGOH) on September 1, 1913, with
Christie MacDonald as the featured performer. Under Nixon, the NGOH operated simultaneously as both a
vaudeville and film venue and was often referred to as Nixon's Grand or Nixon's Grand Theatre. Another significant remodel was undertaken by
Hoffman-Henon in 1923. Some of the entertainers who performed at the theatre included
Ethel Barrymore,
Irene Rich,
Lillian Russell,
Sophie Tucker, and
Eva Tanguay. It continued to operate as a movie theatre until 1940 when its structure was largely demolished, although its facade was left intact. The property was converted into a parking lot. ==References==