The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle is perhaps the area's best place to see world-class musicals and plays, but beyond this, the 5th Avenue is a historical attraction. Built in 1926, this theatre has survived several incarnations, from a center of the vaudeville world to years spent in disrepair. This theatre is located right in the heart of downtown, and many of the best free things to do in Seattle are nearby.
With more than 2,100 seats, the 5th is a large theatre, and from the moment you approach the lobby entrance, this building is not just a venue, but an experience. The front doors and Chinese-style brackets above the entry way offer a hint of the architecture within. Deep, bold colors, sculptures of lions and dragons, and Chinese architecture are visual treats, designed by architects Robert Reamer, Joseph Skoog, and a Norwegian artist named Gustav Liljestrom. In the past, there was even a tea room and ladies lounge in the mezzanine.
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Location
Fifth Avenue Theatre
1308 5th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: 206.625.1900
Events and Musicals
The 5th Avenue Theatre puts on seven musicals in Seattle each season. These musicals are almost always well-known and often world-famous, such as "Les Miserables," "Legally Blonde," or classics like "Guys and Dolls." Some of the shows are produced by the staff of the 5th Avenue, while others are shows on national tour. An especially cool facet of the 5th is that the venue is used as a Broadway testing ground. About every two to three years, the theatre runs shows before they debut on Broadway. These have included such shows as "Jekyll and Hyde," "Hairspray," and "Shrek the Musical."
Special Programs and Classes
The theatre offers a number of special programs and classes for both adults and children. High school students ages 14 to 18 can learn the songs, choreography, and meet the faces behind productions, or learn about the technical aspects of theatre. Classes are also available for kids as young as six and old as 18 in a variety of areas, including dance, drama, ballet, and singing.
The theatre even offers an exercise program for adults called Broadway Fit.
Tickets and Seating
Tickets to 5th Avenue shows can, of course, be purchased individually via Ticketmaster or the 5th Avenue box office. If you intend to go to more than one show, you might consider a ticket subscription. Packages are available for usually four or more shows, but there are also sometimes deals on for as few as three shows. Subscriptions include discounted prices per show, first choice of seats, free parking, discounts at restaurants, and reduced rates on the educational programs at the theatre.
Parking and Directions
To get to the 5th Avenue Theatre from the south, take I-5 exit 165 for Seneca Street. The exit will be on your left. After you take the exit, make a slight left onto 6th Avenue. Take a left onto Union Street. Take the first left onto 5th Avenue.
To get to the 5th Avenue Theatre from the north, take I-5 exit 165B and merge onto Union. Take a left onto 5th Avenue.
These directions will put you onto 5th Avenue, which goes past the entrance to the theatre. Parking garages are located all around nearby. Some of the best to consider for proximity include: the IBM Garage at 1200 5th Avenue; Hilton Seattle Hotel garage at 1301 6th Avenue; and Rainier Square Garage at 409 Union Street.
Things to do Nearby
The 5th Avenue is located right in downtown Seattle so it's easy to find additional activities to pair with a show here. One of the best, of course, is dining. This area has tons of great restaurants for lunch, dinner, or even just a quick cheap bite.
For a nice sit-down meal, Benihana, Sullivan's Steakhouse, Palomino, Terrace Garden Restaurant, and Capital Grille are all within a few blocks.
If you want a cheaper meal, 5th Avenue Pizza, Chubbie's Pizza and Sub Shop, and Elephant and Castle are also close by.
Due to the central location of this venue, the area is a great place to walk around. Pike Place Market is within walking distance. There are many stores to peek into along 5th Avenue and surrounding streets. Getting around Seattle is easy thanks to the ride-free zone downtown on the buses, too.
History
The 5th Avenue Theatre was finished in 1926 after 11 months of construction. Originally, the theatre was a vaudeville venue and movie house. It remained a movie house until the 1970s, but sank into decline in that decade due to recession. By 1978, the theatre closed.
In 1979, a team of 43 business leaders from around the city came together to save the theatre and formed the 5th Avenue Theatre Association. Renovations and some redesign brought the theatre back to its former glory and brought it up to more current standards. In 1980, the 5th Avenue Theatre opened its doors again as a musical theatre. Since that time, it has staged or welcomed hundreds of performances.
