The silent stage of the National Theatre

Paul Hitz (www.paulhitzphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org

The silent stage of the National Theatre

Paul Hitz (www.paulhitzphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org

Stairs to the balcony

Paul Hitz (www.paulhitzphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org

Fading plaster

Paul Hitz (www.paulhitzphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org

The stage from the balcony of the National

Paul Hitz (www.paulhitzphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org

Paul Hitz (www.paulhitzphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org

The silent stage of the National Theatre

Paul Hitz (www.paulhitzphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org

Paul Hitz (www.paulhitzphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org

Paul Hitz (www.paulhitzphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org

Paul Hitz (www.paulhitzphotography.com) for HistoricDetroit.org

The beautiful facade of the National

Keenan Riley for HistoricDetroit.org

The National Theatre stage from the balcony

Photo by Robert Monaghan for HistoricDetroit.org

The lobby of the National Theatre in 2014

Photo by Robert Monaghan for HistoricDetroit.org

The National Theatre's stage

Alanna St. Laurent Photography for HistoricDetroit.org

A view of the stage from the National's balcony

Alanna St. Laurent Photography for HistoricDetroit.org

The National's balcony boxes

Alanna St. Laurent Photography for HistoricDetroit.org

The lobby and stairway landing of the National Theatre

Alanna St. Laurent Photography for HistoricDetroit.org

Looking toward the main entrance from inside the lobby of the National Theatre

Alanna St. Laurent Photography for HistoricDetroit.org

The main entrance of the National Theatre

Alanna St. Laurent Photography for HistoricDetroit.org

A view of the boxes in the National Theatre's auditorium

Alanna St. Laurent Photography for HistoricDetroit.org

The view of the stage from the National Theatre's balcony

Alanna St. Laurent Photography for HistoricDetroit.org

Looking toward the balcony of the National Theatre

Alanna St. Laurent Photography for HistoricDetroit.org

Inside the National Theatre

Alanna St. Laurent Photography for HistoricDetroit.org

The National Theatre, with the since-razed Bates Garage at left, in August 2013

Photo by Dan Austin/HistoricDetroit.org