The Story Behind This Haunted Theater In Pittsburgh Is Truly Creepy
By Beth Price-Williams|Published October 01, 2016
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Nestled in the heart of Oakland sits a charming theater that has staged countless productions since its debut in the early part of the 20th century. But, perhaps just as fascinating as the stories told on stage, are the stories behind this haunted theater in Pittsburgh if, of course, you believe in ghosts.
The curtain first rose on the stage of the Pittsburgh Playhouse (now the Pittsburgh Playhouse of Point Park University) back in 1934. But, the story of the playhouse begins before it actually became a theater.
The building in which the Pittsburgh Playhouse is housed at 222 Craft Avenue wasn't always a theater and, in fact, went through numerous reincarnations during its history which, if you believe the rumors, led to several ghosts haunting the theater today.
Before serving as a theater, the building on Craft Avenue was said to have been a synagogue, a church, a restaurant, a speakeasy, and a brothel (all at different times, of course).
Some say row houses once sat upon the property where the Pittsburgh Playhouse now stands. Tragically, those row houses burned down, killing a mother and her beloved young daughter.
The devastated mother continues to mourn the loss of her and her daughter's earthly lives. Nicknamed Weeping Eleanor, the heartbroken mother's cries have been heard echoing throughout the theater.
She, however, is not alone in her despair for the spirit of the Lady in White is said to roam the balcony of the theater. The Lady in White earned her name because her story came to a tragic end on her wedding day.
The bride discovered her brand new husband having an affair on their wedding day. Distraught, the bride shot both her groom and his lover before going over the balcony and tumbling to her own death.
Listen for the echo of footsteps heading up the stairs toward dressing room number seven. The footsteps, according to local legend, belong to the spirit of a 1950s actor who, after suffering a fatal heart attack, was taken to his dressing room.
Today, the actor's spirit is said to climb the stairs toward his dressing room (but never goes in) and to watch the productions at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Are you ready for a long overdue visit to the Pittsburgh Playhouse to catch a production and to, perhaps, experience the paranormal in this allegedly haunted theater in Pittsburgh? With its rich history, it’s little surprise that the theater is only one of the many spots said to be haunted in the city.
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