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| Photograph ©National Trust for Historic Preservation |
Within the storied walls of the opera house resides a haunting tale centered around at least one known apparition. The poignant narrative unfolds with the tale of a young actress, her dreams shattered after being denied a coveted role in a play. Faced with despair, she ascended the five flights of stairs to the belfry tower, choosing to leap to her tragic demise.
This sorrowful figure, forever etched in the annals of the opera house, is none other than Elvira. Witnesses have recounted encountering her spectral presence, adorned in a dancing gown, her beautiful blond hair cascading down to her waist.
Intriguingly, the belfry tower exerts a mysterious allure on young actresses, drawing them in under what some describe as a "hypnotic state." The prevailing belief is that Elvira, long departed from the mortal realm, emanates an otherworldly force that beckons these performers up the stairwell.
Beyond her ethereal manifestation, Elvira engages in mischievous activities, orchestrating the movement of props and the untying of scenery supports, resulting in their untimely descent. Witnesses have attested to audible sighs of annoyance, emanating from Elvira when actors falter in their lines or miss their cues.
Seat 113, nestled within the auditorium, holds a peculiar significance in Elvira's spectral realm. Claimed by many as her favored vantage point, during rehearsals, this seat purportedly descends to a lowered position as she watches with an otherworldly gaze. Adding to the enigma, these seats are spring-loaded, designed to resist staying in a lowered position without external weight. Despite repeated examinations, Seat 113 remains in perfect working order, serving as an eerie testament to Elvira's enduring influence within the opera house.