The National Theatre has operated longer than any other major touring house in the United States. Subsequent to its opening on December 7, 1835, the Building was destroyed by fire and rebuilt on the same site five times during the 1800's. Among the celebrated stars of the theatre who have appeared here are: Helen Hayes, Jenny Lind, John Barrymore, Ethel Merman, Joan Rivers, Carol Channing, Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, Sarah Bernhardt, Spencer Tracy, and Katharine Hepburn. Playwright John Guare was an assistant manager here. Shirley MacLaine was an usher and her brother, Warren Beatty, was the stage doorman at one time.