Lore Episode Summary
Title: Legends 58: Take a Bow
Host/Author: Aaron Mahnke
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Description: Lore delves into dark historical tales, exploring mysterious creatures, tragic events, and unusual places that populate the pages of history. In "Legends 58: Take a Bow," Aaron Mahnke uncovers the haunted history of several iconic theaters, revealing the spirits that linger behind the curtains.
The Curse of Macbeth
The episode opens with a discussion on the infamous curse associated with Shakespeare's Macbeth, widely known as "The Scottish Play." According to superstition, uttering the name "Macbeth" within a theater invites disaster.
Theater Historian: "Superstition claims that saying the word Macbeth in a theater will result in disaster." [01:27]
Urban legends suggest the curse stemmed from a coven of witches angered by Shakespeare's incorporation of real spells into his script. However, practical explanations point to financial hardships faced by theaters during downturns, leading them to blame unfortunate events on the play.
Notable historical incidents linked to the curse include:
- 1947: An actor playing Macbeth was fatally injured during a sword fight on stage.
- 1964: A Portuguese theater burned down during a production of Macbeth.
- 1980: A production company dissolved shortly after staging the play.
Theater Historian: "But when that isn't enough to save them from ruin, at least they now have a convenient scapegoat." [01:57]
The Ghost of Louis Bosellina at the Palace Theater
Transitioning to the haunted Palace Theater, Aaron Mahnke introduces Louis Bosellina, an acrobat whose tragic accident left a lasting spectral presence.
Theater Historian: "One visiting psychic revealed that she sensed exactly 103 souls." [04:47]
Louis Bosellina's Tragedy
On August 27, 1935, during a performance by the Forecasting Pearls, Louis attempted a double somersault but tragically missed his partner's hand, falling 18 feet and sustaining severe injuries. Although he survived, the traumatic event is believed to anchor his spirit to the theater.
Theater Historian: "Stagehands say that they frequently see a man in an old fashioned white acrobat costume spinning around on the dress circle." [06:48]
Witnesses report seeing Louis performing his acrobatics in the afterlife, often ending in perilous falls that mirror his real-life accident.
Theater Historian: "He fell 18ft, hitting the stage with a sickening crash." [05:58]
The Ghost of David Belasco at the Belasco Theater
David Belasco, an influential actor, producer, and playwright, left a profound legacy with the Belasco Theater, which he built in 1907. Known as the "Bishop of Belasco," his dedication to the theater extended beyond his lifetime.
Theater Historian: "He came to be called the Bishop of Belasco." [09:24]
After Belasco's death in 1931, his spirit remained a fixture in the theater. Reports include:
- Sightings of him in his signature black suits, shaking hands with patrons.
- Instances of mischief, such as dressing room disturbances and unexplained noises from his rooftop apartment.
- 2010 Renovation Impact: Post-renovation, sightings of Belasco have diminished, possibly indicating his contentment with the theater’s continued success.
Theater Historian: "She's seen as a friendly, benevolent spirit." [17:46]
The Haunting of Olive Thomas at the New Amsterdam Theatre
Olive Thomas, once celebrated as "the most beautiful girl in New York City," has become one of Broadway's most active and benevolent spirits at the New Amsterdam Theatre.
Olive's Rise and Tragic Demise
After winning a beauty competition in 1914, Olive became a Ziegfeld girl, captivating audiences with her charm and talent. Her promising career was cut short when she tragically died in 1920 following complications from syphilis contracted from her husband, Jack Pickford.
Theater Historian: "Olive was nothing if not driven. She wanted to make an even bigger name for herself." [12:23]
Hauntings and Interactions
Since her death, Olive's presence has been a common sight:
- 1952: A handyman saw Olive in her iconic green dress carrying a blue bottle.
- 1993: A security guard encountered her on stage, leading him to quit after a chilling interaction.
Olive typically appears to men, offering playful gestures like winks and kisses, though she occasionally manifests as a crying woman in her burial dress.
Theater Historian: "Olive is a welcome presence at the New Amsterdam Theatre." [18:19]
Notable Incident: During a 2025 preview of Aladdin, a female conductor sought Olive's luck, resulting in subtle supernatural acknowledgments that indicated Olive's supportive spirit.
Theater Historian: "She probably was. After all, a Ziegfeld girl has got to support her fellow women." [20:35]
The Haunted Little Black Jacket at the Trafalgar Square Theater
The final tale explores the mysterious occurrences surrounding a vintage little black jacket in London's Trafalgar Square Theater.
The Jacket's Curse
Originally part of a Victorian-era production, the jacket began exhibiting strange behaviors:
- Understated wearers, like Erica Foyle, experienced tightening sensations reminiscent of strangulation.
- Reports included visions of previous wearers and physical marks appearing after removal.
Theater Historian: "The medium said that she had a vision of Derek attacking Edith, wrapping his hands around her throat." [29:31]
Attempts to Break the Curse
Attempts to rid the theater of the jacket included:
- 1949 Experiments: Sending the jacket to Mount Whitney and Death Valley for spiritual cleansing, after which the jacket's whereabouts became unknown.
Thora: "No one has heard of the jacket's whereabouts ever since, and honestly, that's something that I'm totally okay with." [31:36]
Conclusion
"Legends 58: Take a Bow" masterfully intertwines histories of haunted theaters with personal tragedies and supernatural lore. From cursed plays to benevolent and vengeful spirits, Aaron Mahnke paints a vivid picture of the unseen dramas that play out behind the stage. Whether it's the lingering presence of performers like Louis Bosellina and Olive Thomas or the enigmatic curses cast upon iconic garments and plays, this episode underscores the enduring magic—and mystery—of the theatrical world.
Notable Quotes:
- Theater Historian: "It's one of the only places where magic is still possible." [01:02]
- Thora: "But if you can find magic in a theater, then you can find curses as well." [01:22]
- Theater Historian: "Olive is a welcome presence at the New Amsterdam Theatre." [18:19]