For the theater in California with a similar name, see Forest Theater. For the theater in New York City formerly named the Forrest Theatre, see Eugene O'Neill Theatre.
The new theatre was built in 1927 at the cost of $2 million, and was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp;[1][2] it was named after the 19th century actor Edwin Forrest, who was born in Philadelphia, and owned and lived in the Edwin Forrest House. The opening performance was The Red Robe in 1928.[1] A renovation of the theatre was undertaken in 1997, including redecoration and the addition of handicapped-accessible restrooms.[3]
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In 1925, Krapp had designed a Broadway in New York City that was also named the Forrest. That theatre has been renamed a number of times, and is currently the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.