HOLLYWOOD'S EMPRESS: THE PANTAGES THEATRE

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Entertainment )



If you're traveling to Los Angeles, and want more than the usual mini-malls and modern buildings, make your way east of the famous corner of Hollywood and Vine. There stands the "grand dame" of Hollywood theatres - the Pantages Theatre.

Built in 1930 by Alexander Pantages, owner of a chain of theatres in western US and even the Pantages Theatre Toronto, the Pantages Theatre Los Angeles was considered as one of the most beautiful theatres in town at that time, with the Pantages Theater was known of its richly-detailed Art Deco Design.

The "Grand Dame's" Rich Past

The Pantages Theater Hollywood opened on June 4,1930 to much fanfare. The Pantages Theatre hosted star-studded premieres of many film classics like "Cleopatra" and "A Star is Born" and featured live musical performances by artists such as Serge Rachmaninoff, Leopold Stokowsky and Fritz Kreisler.

In 1949, Howard Hughes acquired the Pantages Theatre, through RKO Pictures. The Pantages Theater Hollywood played host to the Annual Academy Awards during this period, from 1949 to 1959, and to the Emmy Awards, which were held there each year until 1977.

In 1977, The Pantages Theatre Hollywood reopened as a live theatre, offering Broadway style musicals, the first of which was the popular "Bubbling Brown Sugar." Since then, the "grand old dame" has seen stars, movie producers and ordinary people who appreciate art and entertainment walk through its doors.

In 2000, the Pantages Theatre Hollywood received a grand $10 million makeover from its current owners, the Nederlander Organization, in preparation for Disney's live stage version of "The Lion King. Currently, the Pantages Theatre is part of Los Angeles' bustling arts and entertainment scene, which also includes the Ahmanson Theatre in Universal City and Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

What to see at the Pantages Theatre

Visit the Pantages Theatre to see its sumptuous and ornate art deco design - Its lobby has vaulted ceilings and is decorated with hand-painted murals and art deco statues. Plush carpeting and a soaring, three-dimensional ceiling welcome you as you enter the 2,700 seat theatre.

Watch first rate national tours of hit Broadway Musicals - The Pantages Theatre Hollywood has hosted productions such as "The Producers" and "Phantom of the Opera. "Cats" is showing at the Pantages Theatre from April 11-16,2006, and "Stomp" is scheduled for May 9-21,2006.

Go star-gazing - Hollywood stars are usually present on opening day. If you're lucky, you might see celebrities like Tom Hanks, Billy Joel, Carol Burnett, Mel Brooks, Tim Allen and Steven Spielberg walk through the Pantages Theatre doors.

Go on a food trip - The Pantages Theatre features a large concession stand in the main lobby, while a full bar is available in the lower alcove on the west end of the main lobby. There are also many other interesting restaurants near the Pantages, like the equally famous Frolic Room next door.

Getting there

The Pantages Theatre Los Angeles is located on Hollywood Blvd., between Vine and Argyle streets. You can look up schedules and order tickets from the Pantages Theatre by calling 323-468-1770.


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