Detailed Information

Auditorium

The etymology of the theatre’s name reflects that of the club, based on the principles and teachings of Adrian Ebell and founded in his name.

Ebell was a pioneer in women’s education and the organization of societies for women in the 1890s. At its forming, the Ebell of Los Angeles’ purpose was stated as being “to interest women in the study of all branches of literature, art and science and the advancement of women in every branch of culture”.

The first formal evening for the clubhouse was held on 22nd October 1927, the occasion being an International Ball. The theatre, originally called the Windsor Square Theatre, first opened to the public on 29th December 1927 with the world premiere of Sigmund Romberg’s new musical The Desert Song. The theatre’s name changed to the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in mid-1930.

The 1927 clubhouse complex, including the theatre, was designed in an Italian style by Sumner P. Hunt of architectural firm Hunt & Burns.

The theatre’s late 1920s neon sign, atop the theatre’s roof

The Wilshire Ebell has played host to many notable performances during its 95 year tenure. Judy Garland, known at the time as Baby Frances Gumm, first auditioned for MGM on the Wilshire Ebell’s stage in the 1930s. Amelia Earhart made her last appearance and public speech on the theatre’s stage before departing on her ill-fated 1937 round-the-world flight.

Igor Stravinsky conducted the premiere of Danses Concertantes at the theatre in 1942, his first major work composed entirely in the United States. Jazz great Dave Brubeck, “one of jazz’s first pop stars” according to the Los Angeles Times, performed at the Wilshire Ebell two years after forming the legendary Dave Brubeck Quartet and one year before appearing on the cover of Time magazine. The album “Dave Brubeck Quartet at the Wilshire Ebell” lives on as a jazz classic.

A major renovation of the theatre took place in 1989 which saw the stage refitted, the auditorium seating and carpets replaced, and new lighting/sounds systems installed.

Wilshire Ebell on Wilshire Blvd

The American Foundation for Equal Rights held their US West Coast premiere reading of the play “8” at the theatre in 2012. Starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Martin Sheen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matt Bomer, Kevin Bacon, Christine Lahti, John C. Reilly, and directed by Rob Reiner, the star-studded performance benefited the court fight that ultimately led to a historic victory in the Supreme Court of the United States in favor of marriage equality.

The theatre houses a 3-manual, 13-rank Barton pipe organ, dedicated on 24th November 1984 , which is owned and maintained by the Los Angeles Theatre Organ Society . The organ, originally 10 ranks, was first installed in the National Theatre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1927.

The theatre and particularly the clubhouse complex is a very popular movie and TV filming location. The general location’s headline features include: Columbo, 24, Mad Men, Feud: Bette and Joan, Ghost, Death Becomes Her, Forrest Gump, Air Force One, Catch Me If You Can, Wedding Crashers, and Oscar-winning The Artist. Specific titles filmed at the theatre are listed below.