The theater company was incorporated in 1891, eventually counting Myrna Loy, Cecil B. de Mille, Grace Kelly and Sarah Bernhardt among its headliners. Denver local Douglas Fairbanks famously swept the stage as a youth and became a company member in 1906. Upgrades to the facility included an enclosure, gas lamps and later, electricity.

The Historic Elitch Theatre was abandoned in 1991 after years as a national destination for actors and audiences.

This week, it will once again host live performances. After a multi-phase, years-long renovation, the theatre re-emerges as a Denver cultural landmark open to the public with the New Works Festival, Thursday through Saturday.

“You’ll still see paint peeling,” said David Nehls, vice president of the board. “It’s a perpetual project. A load-bearing test on the balcony is underway as we speak. It’s been challenging for those of us who’ve worked hard to bring this theater back to life.”

Thirty-two actors and six directors are employed for the six plays chosen for readings in the New Works Festival.

Mayor Michael Hancock and Gov. John Hickenlooper issued congratulatory pronouncements in advance of the reopening.

“The theater was a landmark within Colorado from 1891 to 1987. Today, it re-emerges, a shining example of history and tradition combining with new energy and emerging talent,” Hickenlooper wrote.

Next year will mark the 125th anniversary season. The theater, at 4655 W. 37th Ave. in Denver, originally held 1,400 seats; after several remodels it now holds 1,050 — 650 downstairs, 400 upstairs.

The new play festival leads off with “The Consul, The Tramp and America’s Sweetheart” by John Morogiello, directed by Jennifer McCray Rincon, set in Mary Pickford’s office in 1939.

It was built to be a summer venue, non-operational September through May with no heating.

“The goal is to be a year-round facility,” Nehls said.

Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830, jostrow@denverpost.com or twitter.com/ostrowdp