As I entered the Ghost Light Bourbon Bar, hidden away in the basement of the Millwald Theatre, secret password in hand, I was immediately transported back to 1928—the year this magnificent structure first opened its doors. Originally built to be a premier vaudeville theater, the Millwald never had the chance to fulfill that dream. Just one year after opening, the stock market crashed, plunging the nation into the Great Depression. Wytheville suffered like countless other towns across America. The shining new theater closed off its planned orchestra pit forever, and live vaudeville performances never took place there.
For years, I had believed—and honestly hoped—that the Millwald had once been a home for vaudeville acts. Sadly, I wasn’t the only one whose dream was dashed. According to local legend, a young woman named Mary Alexander had pinned all her hopes on making her vaudeville debut at the Millwald. After the crash, she reportedly vanished without a trace.
Where did she go? Did she leave town? Did she die? Did she go into hiding? Did she even exist? These questions have lingered for decades, adding an air of mystery to the theater’s history. Today, following its beautiful renovation completed in December 2022, the Millwald has become a true jewel of Wytheville. It spent decades as a beloved movie house, defining childhood memories for generations of locals—including my mother and me. Now, the addition of the Ghost Light Bourbon Bar brings a new layer of history, mystique, and allure to this iconic space.
The bar’s name is inspired by the “ghost light,” a single bulb left burning on every stage to keep actors safe in a dark theater. But here, the term takes on a more literal meaning. There are numerous ghost stories surrounding the Millwald. Tales circulate of children whose favorite place was the theater, and of former staff members so devoted to their work that perhaps they never truly left. And then, of course, there’s Mary Alexander. Some believe her spirit still lingers—either within the theater itself or in the secret space now known as the Ghost Light Bourbon Bar, rumored to have once been her dressing room.
The idea for this hidden space came from Technical Director Suzy Booth and Executive Director Donnie Bales. They envisioned a separate, exclusive area where patrons could enjoy an intimate experience apart from the theater itself.
“Given the Millwald’s history, a speakeasy just made sense,” Suzy told me during our conversation on September 27, as we sat surrounded by the bar’s rich atmosphere.
“When we first started, this was just a plain beige room,” she explained. “We chose the red velvet curtains, painted the walls a deep green, and brought in mismatched, vintage-inspired furniture to give it character.”
The décor includes an old film projector, books from the early 1920s, and dim, intimate lighting that evokes the Prohibition era. Though the Ghost Light Bourbon Bar is part of the Millwald, Suzy emphasized that they wanted it to have its own identity and vibe.
On certain nights, silent movies are screened for guests. Most recently, Wytheville native Chase Altizer became the bar’s first live performer, playing to a packed audience of 35. The upcoming screening of the original Nosferatu has already sold out.
“We’re still figuring out what all we can do in this space,” Suzy said with a smile. “It’s been exciting to see how people respond.”
Bartender Mike Ambrose moved to Wytheville nine months ago from Bakersfield, California. In addition to serving drinks, he helped with the painting and restoration of the bar.
The menu, curated by Brenton Underwood, is a tribute to the Golden Age of Cinema, Prohibition, and of course, the legend of Mary Alexander. Each cocktail is steeped in history and storytelling. The Millwald ‘28 is comprised of Tanqueray gin, lemon, Aperol, prosecco, and dried rose petals. The Method is a concoction of Maker’s Mark, house-made brown sugar syrup, Angostura bitters, black walnut bitters, dehydrated blood orange wheel, and soda. Matinee Mischief combines Tito’s vodka, house grapefruit syrup, lime, dehydrated lime wheel, and a Himalayan salt rim. Mary’s Prescription blends Maker’s Mark, Domaine de Canton, lemon, sugar, bitters, and dried rose petals. A wide variety of bourbons, wines, beers, and champagnes are also available.
From the moment I entered through the secret door, I was completely captivated by the space. The dim lighting, deep red curtains, and the smooth sounds of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra transported me to an era I could only dream about, and here I was, living it.
I’m deeply grateful to Suzy Booth and her husband, Dustin, for sharing their vision and passion for this project. This remarkable space is certain to become a favorite hangout for locals and visitors alike. To be part of its magic, you must join their mailing list at www.ghostlightbourbonbar.com to receive updates and access. I’m so glad I did. I’m also thankful to Mike Ambrose for his warm hospitality and conversation, as well as to Donnie Bales for giving me the chance to experience this hidden treasure. There is a $5 cover charge for entry, with special events carrying their own ticket prices. For me, the accessibility of the space made the evening even more meaningful—I was able to reach it easily by elevator. After all, no place is truly worth visiting unless everyone is given the chance to experience it.
The Ghost Light Bourbon Bar is more than just a speakeasy. It’s a living piece of Wytheville history—a space where past and present meet beneath the glow of a single lightbulb.
I look forward to watching its story unfold, and perhaps, to finally uncovering the truth about the mysterious Mary Alexander. Until then, I know this is a place I will return to again and again.
