Boston’s 1928 Opera House to reopen with ‘Lion King’

A historic vaudeville and movie house in Boston’s theater district is emerging from more than a decade in the dark to once again welcome audiences under its glittering marquee.

After years of neglect that left its lavish decorations in ruins and ceiling plaster raining down on the seats, the Opera House will reopen this summer with a touring production of Broadway’s “The Lion King.”

Counting down to opening night July 16, about 150 workers are restoring the entire theater -- from its gilded wall decorations and drinking fountains to its ceiling murals and lounges -- hoping to transport patrons back to the 1920s.

The theater was built in 1928 by architect Thomas Lamb in the ornate Beaux Arts style, with Baroque and Renaissance elements.

But as movies brought an end to live entertainment in the 1940s, the subtle brown and gold colors on the ceiling above orchestra-level seating were replaced by garish blue and green. The burgundy silk wall drapings were covered up and the theater’s curved marquee was removed to make way for flashing neon.

Now, craftsmen are working seven days a week to painstakingly re-create entire chunks of ruined plaster panels, cherubs and flowers. Every wall and ceiling of the half-acre building is being cleaned and repainted.

This “palace for the people” will finally be returned to patrons of theater and art, said Tony McLean, president of Broadway in Boston, a division of Clear Channel Entertainment, which now owns the building.

Along with Broadway blockbusters like “Lion King,” McLean said he wants to stage dance and classical music performances at the 2,500-seat theater.