In the 1950's and 1960's, the Royal Theater (then located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland) was the place where new African-American artists made their mark in Maryland! Often considered comparable to New York's Apollo Theater, the Royal Theater featured new stars who would go on to become global celebrities such as The Temptations, The Four Tops, Ray Charles, The Supremes, and many others.
"Tickets to the Royal" is a play that will enlighten the minds and warm the hearts of many who may not have heard of the once-famous Royal Theater and also those who were lucky enough to enjoy the life and glitter of "The Royal". In the story, we meet a girl who is faced with a school Black History Essay assignment/contest. Unable to come up with ideas of her own, she meets two strangers who will introduce her to the history and glamour of the once-spectacular Royal Theater.
The actual Royal Theater was closed and demolished many years ago. On Pennsylvania Avenue, there is currently a statue of Billie Holliday and a plaque to honor the Royal Theater. In the place where the Royal Theater actually once stood, there is another building where neighborhood kids visit for recreation and skating.
Enjoy this play and the beauty and excitement of the 1950's and 1960's in Baltimore and at the Royal Theater.
