The Coleman Theater(72)
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 16
MIAMI
I have a unique perspective on The Coleman Theater. I was fortunate enough to have performed on that stage. To say it was magnificent would be the greatest understatement I have ever uttered. The history of not only the building, but also the list of performers that occupied that stage, is overwhelming. And now that list includes me. In February of 2018, I played Dr. Montague in the adaptation of Shirley Jackson's story The Haunting of Hill House. Since I've been a playwright for years, I probably would have written that play differently, but that's not important. The important thing was being in that production with some amazing actors, directors, and crew. And I appreciate everyone not giving me any crap for blanking out and forgetting where I was in the play during the dress rehearsal. The shows went great though!
As we were building the set for the show, I was given an extra-super grand tour of the theater. The Coleman has regular tours that you can take that will show you all the magnificence that it has to offer. Honestly, I would love it if we went back to designing buildings this way. When architects cared about form as well as function, the world was more pleasant to look at and be in. Now it seems like everything is a gray, lifeless box. But The Coleman Theater is as far from that as you can get. The halls and auditorium are graced with wood and velvet, statuary and carvings. You could probably tour it a couple of times and still miss some of the subtle decor that lives in this place. It's simply gorgeous.
As I said before, I got an extra special tour since I was able to roam around in the building for a few days. I got to see parts of the theater that aren't on the public tour and I am forever grateful. I have a couple of pics that you definitely won't see in other collections of tour photos. But I don't say that to brag, I say it humbly because being in The Coleman Theater was an experience that forever changed me for the better and I want to share that. Being immersed in that history was truly an unforgettable time in my life. I included a few photos of the cast and the production from the play I was in. Why not?! It was so great!! (Photos of the play were take by a very cool guy, David Sanda. He's married to the equally wonderful Rachel, the woman in green.)
Special thanks to the Miami Little Theater for hosting the show and allowing me, an out-of-towner, to be part of The Haunting of Hill House. You're all awesome. And so is The Coleman Theater. Go tour this Route 66 icon. You'll love it. You can also get a schedule so you can go see movies, plays, concerts, comedians, and other great things in a beautiful, historic place.
103 N. Main, Miami
918-540-2425
Entry: Tours are donation based. $5 is okay, but it's great to give more to keep this wonderful place open and maintained.
Hours: Tu-Fri: 10:00-4:00, Sat: 10:00-2:00 Tours every half hour
Jonathan Elmore ©2026
