[1][2] The theater had a half-barrel foyer ceiling, a carved ornamental plaster with a continuous row of Cupid heads, a lobby decorated with a sunburst chandelier, marble floors, and polished oak doors; and three painted stage curtains with pictures of Betsy Ross, Nathan Hale, and Patrick Henry.

[3] After inspecting the theatre the state fire marshal remarked, "Until now the Colonial of Dayton was the finest theater in Ohio, but it now must take second place to this fine amusement palace.

I have seen many large crowds - some of them at the world's series netting me thousands of dollars—but none gave me the real pleasure I got Wednesday.

The fire is believed to have started from a burning cigarette thrust against the motion picture screen.

[6] Notably, local filmmaker Kroger Babb's controversial 1945 exploitation film Mom and Dad was shown several times in the Murphy Theatre, featuring live appearances by "hygiene commentator" Elliott Forbes, played by various Wilmington residents.

On September 18, 1999, the Murphy Theatre hosted the wedding of actors John Ritter and Amy Yasbeck.

In 2010, the Murphy hosted conservative commentator Glenn Beck and broadcasts of his radio and television programs.

[9] Every year around Christmas time, the theater holds a show called The Murphy Christmas Show, showcasing such acts as dance troupes, barbershop quartets, children's choirs, and the Wilmingtones from Wilmington High School.

Also is a significant location in the plot of Nutcrackers (2024), the family comedy-drama, starring Ben Stiller.