Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto

The Royal Alexandra Theatre, known as the Royal Alex, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in North America. Its establishment dates back to 1907.

The architectural style of the theatre reflects the typical 19th-century British theatres, boasting a beautiful Beaux-Arts design and a proscenium-stage setup. With a seating capacity of 1,244, the venue features two levels of balconies. Construction of the theatre began in 1905 and concluded in 1907. Since 1963, ownership of the theatre has resided with Ed Mirvish Enterprises.

Mirvish Productions has been managing and operating the theatre since 1986. Fondly referred to as "the Alex," the theatre honors Queen Alexandra, a Danish princess and the wife of King Edward VII. The venue was granted letters patent by Edward VII, officially recognizing its royal designation. The current owners believe it to be the sole remaining legally recognized "royal theatre" in North America.

In 2016, the theatre underwent an extensive renovation project, spearheaded by David Mirvish. The aim was to restore the theatre's former glory and provide a heightened level of comfort, ensuring its status as the flagship venue of the 21st century. The most notable change during the renovation involved revamping the seating areas to enhance audience comfort.

The original seats were replaced with larger, modern versions that offered increased legroom. Consequently, the seating capacity was reduced from 1,497 to 1,244. David Mirvish emphasized that this decision diverged from the prevailing trend of maximizing revenue by expanding seating capacity. Instead, the focus was on improving amenities to foster customer loyalty and encourage repeat visits.