Larcom Theatre for Sale
On Thursday, March 31, the Larcom Theatre, 13 Wallis Street, in downtown Beverly, Massachusetts was publicly offered for sale. Sotheby’s International Realty has been engaged to market and sell the Larcom.
The 1912, 564-seat playhouse was purchased by Le Grand David and his own Spectacular Magic Company in February 1984. After extensive renovations, in October 1985 the Larcom became the home for the company’s new two-hour show, “An Anthology of Stage Magic” that ran in tandem with their original production that opened eight years earlier at the Cabot Street Theatre, also in downtown Beverly. As respected stage magic historian, Dr. John Booth, wrote in Wonders of Magic, “Two different luxurious magic productions of Broadway calibre playing in tandem theatres in one small city constitutes a miracle no other era in time has witnessed.”
The Larcom, known as “The Jewel of the North Shore” at the time of its opening, was named for the beloved Beverly-born poet, Lucy Larcom. The theatre still retains its turn-of-the-past-century elegance and many original features, including antique pressed tin ceilings, a light bulb-studded proscenium arch, silk wall coverings, and horseshoe-shaped balcony. It also is equipped with a new digital projection system, a retractable movie screen, sound system, and extensive lighting equipment. Since the Le Grand David troupe’s last Larcom performance in February 2012, the theatre has served as a desirable venue for nationally renowned entertainers, regional talent, and corporate events.
The decision to sell the Larcom came after many months of deliberation and preparation, and marks the end of an era in stage magic history. Kenneth Leva is the listing agent for Sotheby’s. To view the Multiple Listing Service entry, and for more details, visit http://www.bostonrealestate.net/realestate/agent/kenneth-leva/
Auction of Le Grand David Collectibles
Coinciding with the Larcom Theatre sale, a special auction of Le Grand David illusions, original works of art, backdrops, curtains, costumes and memorabilia, as well as fine quality furnishings and decorations, will be conducted by Kaminski Auctions of Beverly. Kaminski Auctions conducted the previous Le Grand David auction on Feb 23, 2014 that attracted bidding by magicians and collectors worldwide, many of whom now proudly display pieces in their museums and collections.
The auction will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, at the Kaminski Auctions Gallery, 117 Elliott Street, Route 62, Beverly, MA 01915.
Previews will take place at the Larcom Theatre, 13 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA on Thursday, April 7 through Saturday, April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on the day of the auction beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Absentee, phone bids, and live Internet bidding are available by registering with KaminskiLIVE at www.kaminskiauctions.com. For further information please call (978) 927-2223
