ENTERTAINMENT IN PIERCE COUNTY
Things To Do!!
Broadway Center for the Performing Arts
1.Pantages Theater
(253)591-5894
The historic Pantages Theater is a striking example of early 20th -century Greco-Roman design. Originally built as a vaudville house in 1918 by Alexander Pantages, this lavish addition to his nationwide theater empire was inspired by the theater in France's opulent Palace of Versailles. It served as a live theater for only eight years, during which it hosted variety shows by W.C. Fields, Mae West, Charlie Chaplin, and the Marx Brothers. In 1932 it was converted into a movie theater. In 1978 a community project began to restore the theater to it's original grandeur. In 1983 it reopened, featuring nationally-known drama, dance, and comedy performances. The 1,182-seat theater now serves as one of the outstanding performing arts centers in the Pacific Northwest for national and international touring artists, plus it is home to many local arts orginizations.
2.Rialto Theater
(253)591-5890
The equally historic Rialto Theater also opened in 1918 with a Beaux Arts decor that was renovated in 1991. The 742-seat theater is now the home of the 250-member Tacoma Youth Symphony, drawing from 85 different regional schools. It performs free to the public several times a year. The theater also hosts the Northwest Sinfonietta chamber orchestra and Rialto Film Guild.
3.Theater on the Square
(253)272-2145
The new 302-seat home of the Tacoma Actors Guild opened in 1993, adjacent to the Pantages Theater. Founded in 1978, TAG is now Washington State's fourth largest professional theater. The acclaimed theater company draws from classics and new works to produce six plays annually ranging from dramas to musicals to comedies.
BalleTacoma
(253)272-9631
A respected institution in the Northwest's dance community since 1955, BalleTacoma presents classic favorites and exciting avant garde performances at Pantages Theater. They include several major dance performances each year, including the Christmas classic "The Nutcracker."
Tacoma Philharmonic
(253)591-5894
This unique presenting organization brings outstanding symphony orchestras to the Pantages Theater five times a year; they have included the Sante Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Seattle Symphony, and the Oregon Symphony.
Tacoma Symphony
(253)591-5894
Each season the symphony performs with an impressive array of guest artists at the Pantages Theater.
Tacoma Opera
(253)627-7789
Now into its second decade at the Pantages Theater, Tacoma Opera performs all works in English.
Northwest Sinfonietta
(253)591-5890
This acclaimed chamber orchestra ensemble is the newest to make the Rialto Theater its home, giving four perfomances annually.
"Wintergrass"--A Mid-Winter Bluegrass Festival
(253)871-7354
The annual three-day Tacoma bluegrass festival featuring Jim & Jesse & the Virginia Boys, Peter Rowan & the Rowan Brothers, plus other acclaimed performers, 21 headliner bands.
Tacoma Performing Dance Company
(253)588-9322
Recognized for its energetic programs in both classical ballet and jazz dance, the 20-member company has received several awards and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. It performs at the Pantages Theater.
Tacoma Little Theater
(253)272-2481
This community theater, which claims to be "the oldest continuously performing theater west of the Mississippi," produces six shows per season.
Lakewood Players
(253)558-0042
A traditional community theater, it emphasizes comedy and drama.
Performance Circle
(253)851-7529
This Gig Harbor theater offers outdoor entertainment ranging from dramas to comedy, contemporary to classic, at Celebrations Meadow during the summer months; winter performances are indoors at the Burton Park Building.
AmphiTheater
(253)848-3411
Puyallup's outdoor theater presents one of the larget passion plays in the U.S., "Jesus of Nazareth," from July through Labor Day with a cast of over 800 people plus live animals.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Visitor & Convention Bureau offers a comprehensive listing of performing arts, entertainment and events. Call (253)627-2836 or (800)272-2662 for event information.
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