Bad actor: Burglar breaks into Elitch Theatre through its roof

Preservationists very much want Denverites to return to the long-shuttered Elitch Theatre. But not just yet, and not by kicking in the door at the very top of the 133-year-old theater’s roof.

One or more suspects broke into the building at West 38th Avenue and Vrain Street in northwest Denver sometime Monday or Tuesday and spent “a fair amount of time” rummaging around, according to a Denver police report.

Elitch Theatre officials say the unknown perpetrator(s) caused $1,000 damage to the door and stole eight cases of alcohol that was being stocked for upcoming events, including a free outdoor screening of the film "Barbie” coming up Friday. The alcohol was valued at $200. Fortunately, officials added, no damage was done to the theater itself.

Elitch Theatre board member Ellie Walker called the theft “a significant setback for us as a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers.”

The once glorious Elitch Theatre, modeled in 1891 after Shakespeare's Globe in London, is Denver’s oldest cultural venue. It once anchored the original 32-acre Elitch Gardens amusement park and housed the nation’s oldest summer-theater company until going dark in 1991. The theater has been undergoing an excruciatingly slow restoration ever since. President Greg Rowley said it will take another $3 million to complete the project.

“The Historic Elitch Theatre has a legacy of resilience,” added Walker. “We are determined to continue our work and ensure our events proceed as planned.”

Just two weeks ago, The Denver Gazette reported that the Elitch Theatre will host a play called “The Bonfils Girl” on Aug. 17 – making it the first full, live ticketed theater performance to be presented on the hallowed stage since 1991. Stars who have appeared on the Elitch Theatre stage over the years have included Cecil B. DeMille, Grace Kelly, Douglas Fairbanks, Robert Redford, Edward G. Robinson, Julie Harris and many more.

Until those responsible are identified, officials have requested additional police patrols past the theater, which is now mostly surrounded by high-density condos.

Anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to the incident is asked to contact Denver police on the non-emergency line at (720) 913-2000.

Walker said that while the break-in feels like a violation, she also expressed concern for the safety of the vandal(s), who most likely were familiar with the layout of the building. According to the police report, once inside, the perpetrator(s) had to climb down a very long ladder from the roof to the stage – “which is not a safe climb without rigging,” said Walker. “We are very thankful that they mostly just looked around.”

She added a personal message to the as-yet unidentified perpetrators: “We do monthly history tours. If you want one, just ask!”