Howard Theatre reopening brings pride to Shaw

For the better part of 40 years, the darkened doorways of Washington’s once-electric Howard Theatre were only a depressing reminder of just how far it had fallen since it was at the center of what used to be known as D.C.’s Black Broadway.

But on Monday, the historic landmark is scheduled to open its doors once again after a $29 million renovation project has modernized the inside and restored its exterior to the gleaming, original 1910 facade. A grand opening gala is scheduled for Thursday and the upcoming calendar features a sampling of black performers ranging from Wanda Sykes to Chuck Berry to the Harlem Gospel Choir.