The eminent theatre is still there today — a ritzy, lightbulb-riddled sign spells out ED MIRVISH in faded gold lettering at the entrance on Yonge St. just south of Dundas St., sandwiched between an EB Games and a Tim Hortons. Famous Players commissioned the building, but Alexander Pantages, head of a massive booking company, organized the theatre’s billing. The former sailor started in show business as part owner of a small Dawson City theatre; then Toronto’s Pantages Theatre became his crown jewel. Both motion pictures and live stage performances filled the Pantages Theatre in its early days. On opening night — and for its first week in business — the Pantages ran six acts, including Sick Abed, High and Dizzy, On the High Seas and what the Star described as “unequalled” vaudeville acts.

Source: thestar August 27, 2016 03:56 UTC