The MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts The Amphitheatre was first opened in the early 1920’s as a theatre for repertory actors presenting a new play each week. Families came from near and far to sit out in the open-air and enjoy the sights and sounds on a warm summer night. The theater received a major face-lift in 1997 and a new name, The MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts, in honor of P.E. MacAllister a gracious Difference-maker and longtime friend of the Park. Neighbors, families, and visitors still love the summer
fun of outdoor theater!
The MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts: Audio Script 3#
Welcome to the MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts. This historic site is presented today in honor of Dr. P. E. MacAllister and the Friends of Garfield Park. The amphitheater was first opened in the 1920s as a theater for repertory actors presenting a new play each week. To add to the history, the first production of the Starlight Musicals took place here in the Park in 1944 on this site.
It was in 1936 the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, a young organization at the time, began its tradition of playing in Garfield Park. Other notable performers who have graced the stage at the Mac include the Wright Brothers, The Guess Who, Dolly Parton, Chuck Mangione, Porter Wagoner and local sensation Kathy Morris, and a special visit by then President Jimmy Carter in the 1970s, all here at the MacAllister Center.
In 1997 the amphitheater received a major face lift and a new name, the MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts, in honor of P. E. MacAllister, a gracious difference maker and longtime friend of the Park.
It appears that this pastime is not likely to fall out of favor. Families continue to gather from near and far to sit out in the open air and enjoy the sights and the sounds on a warm summer night. Our own local Shakespeare Company here in the Park performs regularly throughout the summer.
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Thanks for visiting and tell your friends about this tour. Thanks again to P. E. MacAllister for supporting Garfield Alive. This Garfield Alive experience has been made possible through a gracious grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and the Friends of Garfield Park. To learn more about the Friends of Garfield Park and any activities here in the Park visit garfieldparkindy.org. That’s www.garfieldparkindy.org. Thank you for visiting today and have a great one.