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Pantages Theater: A Vaudeville Jewel

Experience world-class performing arts in Tacoma's historic Pantages Theater, a beautifully restored vaudeville house with a rich cultural legacy.

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The Pantages Theater in Tacoma, Washington, is a beautifully restored Renaissance Revival-style theater that opened in 1918 [5, 6]. Originally a vaudeville house, it now hosts a variety of performing arts and music events, continuing its legacy as a cultural hub [5].

A brief summary to Pantages Theater

Local tips

  • Arrive early to secure parking, especially on event nights, as the Pantages Theater does not have a dedicated parking lot [3].
  • Consider using the Tacoma Link Light Rail, which offers free transportation to the Theater District from the Tacoma Dome Station [2, 3, 4].
  • Check the Pantages Theater's schedule online for a diverse range of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts [6, 17].
  • Explore the Theater District's nearby restaurants and attractions to enhance your visit to the Pantages Theater [13, 16].
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Take the Tacoma Link Light Rail to the Theater District Station. The Light Rail provides free transportation from the Tacoma Dome Station [2, 3, 4, 12]. From the station, the Pantages Theater is a short walk away. The Light Rail runs every 12 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off-peak hours [13]. A one-way adult fare is $2 [13].

  • Walking

    From downtown Tacoma, head east on S 9th St towards Broadway [3]. Turn right onto Broadway, and the Pantages Theater will be on your left [3]. The walk is approximately 0.2 miles and should take about 5 minutes.

  • Driving

    From I-5, take the City Center exit to Highway 705 [3, 4, 12]. Follow Highway 705 to the A Street exit [3, 4, 12]. Turn left onto S 11th Street [3, 4, 12]. Turn right on Broadway, and the Pantages Theater will be on your right [3]. Several parking garages and lots are available in the Theater District [2, 3, 4]. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and all day on Sundays [2]. Paid parking options include the Park Plaza North Garage (923 Commerce Street, $4 event rate) and the Broadway Lot (916 Broadway Street, $2 for up to 3 hours) [2, 3].

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Discover more about Pantages Theater

The Pantages Theater, located in the heart of Tacoma's Theater District, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural history [3, 6]. Opened in January 1918, it was commissioned by Alexander Pantages and designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca to be both an office building and a vaudeville theater [8]. The theater's Second Renaissance Revival style, juxtaposed with Commercial style elements, creates a striking exterior that remains largely unaltered above the ground floor [8]. In its early years, the Pantages was part of the Pantages Circuit, a chain of theaters where touring acts performed [7]. Over time, it transitioned through various ownerships and names, including RKO Orpheum and the Roxy, before being purchased by the City of Tacoma in 1974 [8]. A significant renovation in 2018, costing $21.8 million, brought new seating, seismic improvements, restored plaster and paintwork, and upgraded sound and lighting systems [6]. Today, the Pantages Theater hosts a diverse range of performances, including Broadway musicals, concerts, comedy shows, ballet, and more [6, 8, 14]. With a seating capacity of 1,273, the theater provides an intimate yet grand setting for audiences [6]. Its location in the Theater District, near other performance venues and public transportation, makes it easily accessible for visitors [2, 3, 13].

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