The Maryland Theatre opened on May 10, 1915 with live performances, including the Tiller Sisters, a singing and dancing act called "The Big Surprise", and the Guzmania Trio of acrobats. This was followed by a movie, "The Commuters". The Maryland Theatre operated until November 1973. A February 8, 1974 fire destroyed the front block, which was demolished. In 1978, the front was converted into a courtyard plaza and a new, smaller lobby was constructed for the reopening. In 1994, a portion of the film "Guarding Tess" featuring Nicolas Cage and Shirley MacLaine was filmed inside the theatre.