In celebration of our special anniversary today, we went to watch live theater at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater. For us, nothing beats the joys of Broadway musical shows. Hamilton has been running here for several months and is slated to end next month, so we wanted to catch it before its final performance. The Pantages has always been our favorite theater since we watched Phantom of the Opera; we just love its opulent and exuberant ambiance.
The Hollywood Pantages Theater is a favorite venue for live theater and Broadway-style musicals in Los Angeles
Pantages’ Art Deco Architecture
The Pantages theater has a seating capacity of 2700. Originally built for vaudeville in 1930 by Alexander Pantages, it is also the last of the Hollywood movie palaces he would build. It was designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca, a palatial Art Deco architecture on a grand scale. It exudes fine craftsmanship, rich materials, and luxury, that one can only watch in awe. It has vaulted ceilings in gold and silver designs and starburst patterns. It has massive Art Deco chandeliers, exotic figures on the walls, and Byzantine statues. For some time, when the theater changed ownership, the Art Deco elements were covered with heavy curtains and the ceiling covered with stucco. In 2000, the Pantages was restored to its original Art Deco design and later received a Conservancy Preservation Award.
This is the entrance to the Pantages theater, the main doors leading to the inside lobby and auditorium
The low ceiling structure at the entrance is decorated predominantly of metallic silver
Inside the main doors, a vaulted ceiling in gold.
The lobby, carpeted in red has two grand staircases to the left and right side, leading up to the auditorium. It has dazzling Art Deco chandeliers.
The second-floor hallway is also carpeted in red; the doors on the right open to the mezzanine area of the auditorium; windows on the left overlook the lobby below.
This is the first-floor lobby viewed from a window on the upper floor; a bright chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
This is inside the auditorium, showing the massive chandelier in the center of the low ceiling, and the Hamilton stage framed by red curtains.
The blue backlighting contrasts beautifully with the gold, silver, and bronze colors of the ceiling.
The ornate walls on the left side of the mezzanine.
The embellished walls on the right side of the mezzanine.
During the intermission, the stage props are moved around.
After the show, the lights turn off, and the stage gives a light green glow.
On the way out, a quiet staircase; and bronze statues on the steps and against the walls.
The outside lobby and a ‘thank you’ wall, facing Hollywood Blvd.
The Hamilton Experience
Hamilton the musical has been at the Hollywood Pantages since last year, and due to an intermittent rise in omicron cases, the show has been suspended for weeks at a time. It resumed only yesterday, so it was not a surprise that tonight’s show was jam-packed with patrons. At the entrance to the theater, we had to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Masks were also strictly enforced. Ushers came in during the intermission to make sure everyone kept their masks on.
The Hamilton playbill at Pantages
Hamilton, the musical was conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda, an American actor, composer, lyricist, and writer. He wrote all the music and lyrics of the show, a two-and-a-half-hour story of the real-life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of America. Hamilton’s portrait is on the $10 bill. A poor immigrant from the islands, he used his smarts to rise into politics
The play Hamilton is not the typical Broadway musical that we are accustomed to. This one was a combination of mostly rap and hip hop with a little of Broadway. The show started with Hamilton’s raucous entrance on the stage to the excitement. of the audience. The younger crowd loudly clapped and cheered every time a major rapper hip hopped on stage! For us, we enjoyed the funny banter of Hamilton with the characters, the magical chorus of the women, and the wonderful solos. We also liked the period costumes worn by all. The show - as well as Hamilton’s real-life - sadly ended in tragedy when he loses in a duel to a long-time rival in politics.
Watching Hamilton and just being at the Pantages today surely made for a memorable night for us. We will surely return another time for another show. We heard that Moulin Rouge is coming to town in June.
Thanks for the read hivers!.
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