Park City Egyptian's Ghost Light
As a rule, theatre people have a reputation of being superstitious. The belief that saying 'Good Luck' directly to an actor will bring the opposite, led to the English idiom “Break a leg” being used as a substitute.
Whistling backstage is a harbinger of doom as well, but for practical reasons. Stagehands often cue each other with whistles as to when to lower a curtain or drop scenery or a sandbag. A random whistle could ruin a scene or get someone hurt.
Shakespeare's dark tragedy Macbeth, created its own evil aura and it is strictly taboo to utter the name of the Scottish King inside a theatre, unless the play is in rehearsal or production in fear the play and or theatre will be cursed.
It may be impossible to separate the superstition from the tradition but one of the most observable ritual right now, in theatres all over the country and the world including our own historic Egyptian Theatre is the burning of the 'ghost light'.
According to Randy Barton, Theatre Manager, The Egyptian has had a ghost light burning every night after theatre staff has gone since 1981. Since the performance schedule was canceled mid-March and the theatre officially dark for most of the last 9 months, our ghost light is working overtime.
In addition to the superstitions related to the ghost light, Barton admits there are some practical reasons too. “ It does also add light to a dark room for navigating in and out when the house lights are off. It's very romantic and memorable and adds an element of anticipation for when the theatre is “lights up.”
A ghost light is often an exposed incandescent bulb in a wire cage mounted on a stand placed front and center on the stage and left burning whenever a theatre is dark and unoccupied. Obviously, there are practical safety reasons why this is a good idea but the reputation of the ghost light goes beyond that, hence the name.
Many theatres have the reputation of being haunted. Some argue the function of the light is to chase away pesky spirits and others feel it is to appease them so they can make their way around the stage and even perform in the vacant space.
Barton has no knowledge of any ghosts haunting The Egyptian. “No ghosts here-unless they only appear to others more fortunate than me. But the allure of a ghost is needed. Why ruin it with my opinion?”
Perhaps, Randy himself might consider haunting our theatre many years in the future? If he does, how will we know it's him? “I would shout out “Showtime” at awkward moments,” he declared.