A (Partial) History

Thanks to Todd from the Save the York Theatre Society for this info, which takes us from the beginnings of the theatre up to 1977. More to come.

In 1913 the young city of Vancouver was just riding over the crest of a period of economic and cultural growth  that had fostered a flourishing of theatre and theatre construction. No less than twelve legitimate theatres were operating at the time the Alcazar Theatre, (later known as the New York, and the Raja).

The other theatres were located in the downtown area, but the little Alcazar was built in a new and developing part of the town on the slopes just east of False Creek. The Grandview slopes were sprinkled with the fashionable homes of the newly prosperous middle class as tram lines were extended from the centre of the town. Prosperity and leisure made it possible for people to turn their attention to culture and the arts. Accordingly, in 1912, a Mr. Van Harlinger and his wife opened a music and drama recital hall on the main floor of the apartment block where they lived at 635 Commercial Drive. But their sights were set higher than a mere recital hall and they appealed to Robert MacLaren, a retired oil geologist from the Calgary living in Vancouver, to build for them an appropriate theatre, destined in their minds to become a cultural centre for the city.

A building permit was issued to the Dominion Construction Company setting the value of the proposed building at $30,000.

John Young McCarter was 27 when he designed the Alcazar Theatre. He personally selected the timbers that were used to support the roof and the balcony, and he was very proud of the way in which the loges were set down between the supporting beams of the balcony. After serving in the navy during World War I he returned to Vancouver to found, a few years later, the architectural firm of McCarter and Marine. With this firm he designed a number of Vancouver's most outstanding buildings: The Marine Building, (now designated a heritage site), the Georgia Medical Building, and Devonshire Hotel. Active with Board of Trade and other civic organizations, he was one of Vancouver's most prominent and distinguished citizens. John McCarter died in 1981 in Victoria at the age of 94.

Robert MacLaren moved to Vancouver from Calgary in 1912. His enthusiasm for the arts led him to his acquaintance with the Van Harlingers and to the building of the Alcazar Theatre. MacLaren's son, Donald R. MacLaren, was away at McGill at the time, but recalled, years later, his surprise at finding his father owner of a theatre. Donald MacLaren became one of Canada's most decorated flying aces, and in later years a funding director of Trans Canada Airlines.

Opening night of the Alcazar Theatre was on November 3, 1913. The play was "that screamingly funny and clever play" Too Much Johnson. It was presented by the Alcazar Stock Company, under the management of Mr. Van Harlinger. The reviewer for the "Vancouver World" described the new theatre as "the neatest and most completely designed theatre in the city. A very pretty, cozy little place, neat, clean, bright as a new pin."

The success of the Alcazar Theatre was, however, not to last. An economic slump in the pre-war period was causing a general falling off of theatre attendance. Not to mention the fact that a new form of entertainment, motion pictures, was making serious inroads into the popularity of live theatre. The start of World War I brought further difficulties to an already troubled scene.

The Alcazar Theatre and its resident stock company gave in to economic pressures in 1915 and closed its doors. it was soon opened again under new management, as a movie theatre called the Palace. Then, in 1923, a two-year-old amateur theatre company, the Vancouver Little Theatre Association, purchased the theatre and renamed it The Little Theatre, Their first production in their new home was Lonesomelike, starring Dorothy and Betty Somerset.

The Vancouver Little Theatre Association occupied the building continuously for the next 54 years, providing Vancouver with a yearly season of high-level amateur theatre. During much of this time, this was virtually the only theater to be seen in the city. Many well known performers received their first opportunity and experience with the Little Theatre.

In 1940, a fairly extensive renovation of the theatre was undertaken. The seats were replaced, the walls and ceilings covered with "acoustic board", new "indirect" lighting was installed, and a cement block building providing a lounge area was constructed adjacent to the original entrance. At its re-opening in 1941, the theatre was given a new name: The York Theatre.

Another renovation and redecoration took place in 1960. This time, a small building on the southeast corner of the property was added as a scene shop. By the 1970's, interest in amateur theatre had declined considerably, and attendance at the VLTA productions was dropping steadily. Discouraged by financial troubles and by the failure to carry out an elaborate renovation plan, the Association sold the theatre in 1977.