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A Living Monument: Our Story in Three Acts
Like any great film, the story of the Dream Theatre is composed of many acts. Our history is filled with everything you’d expect from a cinematic masterpiece: the excitement of a grand opening on Main Street, the tragedy of a devastating fire, a resilient rebirth that lasted decades, and a daring rescue just as the credits were about to roll. This isn't just a history of a building; it’s a story of heroes, community, and the enduring power of the silver screen.
Dive into the acts below to discover how we’ve kept the dream alive since 1923.
Act I: The Rising Curtain & The Trial by Fire
A Global First in Russell, Kansas
When it opened in 1949, the Dream was the only theater in the world equipped with a General Electric "Mood Lighting" system. Using 5,000-pound reactors, the system could produce 15,000 different shades of light, changing the atmosphere of the room to match the tempo of the film on screen.
From Main Street's Newest Jewel to a Rebirth in Art Deco
The story begins in the 1920s when the Mainstreet Theater first graced North Main Street. Purchased by E.B. Danielson and his son Dale in 1929, the venue was reimagined and renamed The Dream Theatre in 1934. It quickly became the crown jewel of downtown Russell—until tragedy struck. On April 19, 1947, a devastating fire consumed the theater, leaving only three scorched walls standing.
Refusing to let the dream end, the Danielsons set out to build the most advanced cinema in the Midwest. Incorporating the original walls into a new, reinforced structure, they commissioned the renowned Boller Brothers and Dietz Lusk Jr. to design a futuristic masterpiece. On April 19, 1949—exactly 17 months to the minute after the fire—the "New Dream" opened its doors in a light rain to crowds that stood for blocks. It wasn't just a theater; it was a "Dream of Tomorrow."
Act II: The Heart of the Community & The Darkened Marquee
Generations of Magic and a Looming Silence
For over thirty years under the stewardship of Dale Danielson, the Dream Theatre operated not just as a business, but as a "permanent home for the best in motion pictures." During this era, the theater was a marvel of comfort, featuring a Carrier air conditioning system so powerful it was rated to melt 41 tons of ice per day. It was a place where Russell came to "fill time, not kill it," becoming a sanctuary of joy for generations of families.
However, as the century drew to a close, the landscape of cinema began to shift toward suburban multiplexes. In 1982, the Danielson family sold the theater, and by the year 2000, the once-vibrant marquee went dark. Faced with mounting back taxes and a silent auditorium, the building that was once a "futuristic monument" stood on the brink of being lost forever.
Act III: The Hero and The Great Rescue
The Legacy Spotlight: Steve Wells
"The Architect of the Modern Dream"
While many hands helped save the building, Steve Wells became the driving force that turned a rescued building back into a living theater. Steve was a visionary who understood that "keeping the dream alive" required more than just paying taxes—it required physical labor, constant innovation, and a heart for service.
From the "Great Rebuild" of the theater’s infrastructure to his work with the City of Russell and the Arts Council, Steve poured his life into these walls. He was the man behind the curtain for our legendary Halloween shows and the face of our fundraising initiatives. Steve didn't just maintain a theater; he built a legacy of community pride. Every time the projector hums to life today, it is a tribute to his tireless dedication.
A Community Reclaims its Heritage
As the new millennium dawned, the Dream Theatre sat in silence. The marquee was dark, the lobby was cold, and for many in Russell, it felt as though the soul of Main Street was fading. But the final curtain hadn't fallen yet. What happened next was a monumental undertaking that redefined our community. The "Keep the Dream Alive" committee was formed—a grassroots army of 170 Russell citizens, families, and local organizations who refused to let a National Landmark be lost to time.
This was no small task. The committee faced years of mounting back taxes, a building in need of significant restoration, and the daunting challenge of transitioning a private business into a community-owned 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They didn't just raise $20,000; they raised the spirit of the entire town. By securing the deed in 2000, they ensured that the Dream Theatre belonged to the people of Russell forever.
Spotlight on the Star of the Dream: Steve Wells
The Architect of the Modern Dream
While every great production requires a dedicated cast, the "Great Rescue" of the Dream Theatre had a true leading man. Steve Wells was more than a volunteer; he was the heartbeat behind the neon. Steve understood that a historic landmark requires more than just a name—it requires a champion.
As the primary architect of the theater’s modern survival, Steve took center stage during the "Great Rebuild." From his tireless work with the City of Russell to his legendary passion for the annual Halloween shows, he ensured the Dream remained a "living monument" rather than a memory. Steve didn't just keep the lights on; he made them shine brighter for the next generation. Though he has taken his final bow, his legacy remains the most enduring performance in our 100-year history.
It is the desire of the management, that you think of the New Dream, not as a business, but as an institution. A heritage from the past, a monument to the present, and a legacy to posterity. It is your theatre, the building of which you have made possible by your continued patronaged of the past.
The management deems it a privilege, to lay down the "Welcome Mat" to you, your friends, and their friends, every day of the year, and of the years to come.
Dale H. Danielson, Manager
The New Dream and Mecca Theatres
April 1949 Dream Souvenir Program
The Epilogue: A Story Still in Motion
The Legacy Spotlight: Steve Wells
"The Architect of the Modern Dream"
While many hands helped save the building, Steve Wells became the driving force that turned a rescued building back into a living theater. Steve was a visionary who understood that "keeping the dream alive" required more than just paying taxes—it required physical labor, constant innovation, and a heart for service.
From the "Great Rebuild" of the theater’s infrastructure to his work with the City of Russell and the Arts Council, Steve poured his life into these walls. He was the man behind the curtain for our legendary Halloween shows and the face of our fundraising initiatives. Steve didn't just maintain a theater; he built a legacy of community pride. Every time the projector hums to life today, it is a tribute to his tireless dedication.
Our Story is Still Being Written
While our history is told in three acts, the story of the Dream Theatre has no final curtain. We are a living monument, and every day our Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers, and generous sponsors work tirelessly to write the next chapter. Because of their commitment, the Dream has evolved into a state-of-the-art cinematic and event space. Through continuous technological upgrades and meticulous preservation, we ensure that the magic of 1949 meets the standards of tomorrow—keeping our downtown vibrant and our community connected.
Entertaining Audiences Since 1949
