Long Center

After the Dryfus Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1914, Lafayette was without a legitimate playhouse until 1920 when the Luna Amusement Company announced plans to construct a new theatre. Designed by Nicol, Scholer and Hoffman and built by A.E. Kemmer, the building is a significant architectural example of the Neo Classical design. It was christened the Mars Theatre after a rural Lafayette woman submitted the name in a contest that won her $25. Opening night April 19 th , 1921, featured comedian Ed Wynn’s traveling show, Carnival . Wynn, who was billed as “The Perfect Fool,” experienced a long career on stage screen and television. He is perhaps best known for his comedic portrayal of Mary Poppins’ uncle who levitated when he laughed.