Avalon Theatre

40 East Dover St., 410/822-7299,
www.avalontheatre.com [1]

A small-town America masterpiece that (thanks to preservationists) escaped demolition, this 1920 theater opened to rave reviews for its construction and design: glass doors, a soaring dome, a pipe organ, and other top-notch touches—which were subsequently removed and replaced with art deco designs and fixtures in the 1930s.

After an expensive renovation in 1989, the Avalon Theatre eventually found its voice and role for the region, hosting performances from all sorts of artists. Rock bands, comedy troupes, duos and trios, classical music, country, soul, Broadway revivals and “hits” shows—all manner of performers take the proscenium stage at this mid-size theater (about 400 seats).