[2] The Pekin became "renowned for its all-black stock company and school for actors, an orchestra able to play ragtime and opera with equal brilliance, and a repertoire of original musical comedies.

"[3] Robert T Motts, founded the theatre, and brought it to prominence by presenting an all black company, seeking out an affluent interracial audience, and using his establishment for social causes.

[3] Following a 1901 trip to France and the Parisian music hall, "Cafe Chantants", Robert T. Motts, a Chicago saloon keeper and gambling king was inspired to "make a contribution to his race by providing entertainment along more cultural and uplifting lines".

[11] Despite a decline in the overall interest in vaudeville and stock theatre, and a rise in the competition from films, nickel shows,[12] and white-owned theaters in Bronzeville, Chicago, the Pekin continued thrive under Motts' ownership until his passing in 1911.

According to J. Hockley Smiley of the Chicago Defender, "no other funeral in the memory of the writer has brought out such a vast crowd of people as that of Mr.

[13] Following his passing, the Pekin remained in the Motts' estate before being sold to various owners over the next decade, never fully reclaiming its prominent position.

[17] In 2017, a one-night revival performance "An Evening at the Pekin Theatre” was presented by the Illinois Humanities Council and featured MacArthur-awarded ragtime player Reginald Robinson.