The Majestic Theater’s Centennial Celebration marked a powerful reaffirmation of its role as a cultural catalyst for Gettysburg—uniting world-class artists, community champions, and visionary donors to carry its creative legacy boldly into the next century.
The Majestic Theater’s 100th anniversary celebration on Nov. 14, 2025, brought together more than a century of artistry, community spirit, and shared history—illuminated by standout performances from internationally renowned fiddler Natalie MacMaster and GRAMMY Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Hundreds of spectators and supporters from across Gettysburg College, the local community, and the region gathered for a memorable evening honoring the past, while looking ahead to the Majestic’s next century.
The celebration opened with a memorable performance of specially curated works by Orpheus who was then joined by MacMaster and her daughter, Mary Frances, for a high energy set that had the audience on their feet. Their collaboration showcased the theater’s long-standing commitment to presenting world-class artists to the Gettysburg community—an ethos that has shaped the Majestic since its doors first opened in 1925.
“Hearing the remarkable Orpheus Chamber Orchestra play on the occasion of the Majestic’s 100th birthday gave me a moment to pause and reflect on the incredibly rich history and artistic legacy we have,” said Majestic Executive Director Brett Messenger. “When Orpheus was joined by Natalie MacMaster, I found that their electric performance made me imagine the future and the next 100 years of this great theater serving this community.”
Following the performance, guests walked to Hotel Gettysburg for the Centennial Gala, where more than a hundred alumni, donors, community partners, and arts supporters gathered for dinner and a celebration. In his remarks, Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano reflected on the enduring influence of the Majestic over the past century. He noted that while the world has changed dramatically since 1925, the Majestic’s core mission “to bring people together through storytelling and imagination” continues to inspire audiences today.
“The Majestic is more than a building. It’s a bridge,” he said, “a bridge between the generations, a bridge between our campus and community, and a bridge between the arts and those who bring them to life.”
During the program, Iuliano honored the many supporters whose generosity has advanced the Majestic’s mission. He recognized philanthropic leaders Mary and Jed Smith, whose recent gift will expand the theater’s regional reach through a dual centennial event with the world-renowned Martha Graham Dance Company in February 2026. That event will also feature Tony Award-winner John Rubinstein and an ensemble from the Sunderman Conservatory of Music led by Prof. César Leal. Iuliano also acknowledged Ken ’66 and Elizabeth Lundeen and David ’85 and Cynthia LeCompte ’84 Salisbury P’15, for their sponsorship of the centennial festivities and long-standing support of the arts in Gettysburg.
A particularly emotional moment came as Iuliano honored Emeriti Trustee David ’68 and Pauline LeVan for their transformational leadership and vision. More than 20 years ago, LeVan led the effort to restore the theater to its prominence as a community gathering place for entertainment, creativity, and enlightenment.
“Your leadership has allowed the Majestic to serve tens of thousands of patrons each year and to bring dynamic players in the arts and culture to our historic town,” noted Iuliano. “There simply would be no Majestic Theater as we know it without you.”
“I want all future generations to take this gem and respect it,” LeVan said. “I want them to take this gem and enjoy it. I want them to laugh in it, I want them to cry in it, I want them to build friends and relationships in it.”
To close the night, past and present Majestic leaders addressed the gathering with founding executive director Jeffrey Gabel taking the mic first. Under his leadership, Gabel helped manage the theater’s restoration and opened the doors to thousands of patrons who viewed more than 300 concerts by professional artists over two decades. The man who promoted the Majestic Theater as “the grandest small-town theater in America” retired in 2024 after more than 40 years in show business.
“The 100th birthday celebration of the Gettysburg Majestic Theater was a rare and wonderful event,” Gabel noted. “Rare because most historic theaters are torn down well before their centenary. The Majestic Theater is thriving today thanks to a visionary $16.5 million renovation and expansion in 2005 funded by the generous support of Gettysburg College, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the citizens of Adams County.”
Four months after Gabel’s retirement, Messenger was named the theater’s new executive director, carrying on his predecessor’s legacy and infusing innovative new programs to the offerings. Before arriving at the Majestic, Messenger was the curatorial director of Live Arts at the Morris Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate located in Morristown, New Jersey.
As he closed his remarks, President Iuliano looked toward the future, reminding attendees that the same sustained community investment and engagement that carried the theater through its first century will be needed as it begins its second.
“The Majestic’s next century will be shaped by our collective will and commitment,” he said. “Through philanthropic support, through attending performances, through bringing new friends into the fold—we all play a pivotal role.”
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By Corey Jewart
Photos by Tyler Caruso
Posted: 11/19/25