5th Avenue Theatre

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Coordinates: 47°36′33.65″N, 122°20′3.2″W

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The 5th Avenue Theatre
The 5th Avenue Theatre

Contents

[edit] Overview

Since 1926, the magnificent 5th Avenue Theatre, located in Seattle, Washington, in the United States, has captivated audiences with music, drama and laughter. In the early days, people eagerly lined up for first-class vaudeville shows, featuring top entertainers. The theatre later transformed itself into a popular movie palace. The 5th fell on hard times in the late 70’s—but fortunately, was saved from a wrecking ball by a visionary group of businesses and community leaders. Following a spectacular $2.6-million renovation, the theatre re-opened in 1980, more beautiful than ever.[1]

[edit] Quick facts

  • It has 2,130 seats [2]
  • The 5th brings approximately 150 live musical theater performances to the stage each year [1]
  • Annually, it attracts over 200,000 patrons from the Pacific Northwest, across the U.S., and around the world [1]
  • It's the largest theatre employer in the Puget Sound region, annually employing up to 600 actors, musicians, directors, choreographers, designers, technicians, stage hands, box office staff, and administrators [1]
  • During each performance, 30 to 50 people are working behind the scenes [1]
  • The 5th Avenue's education and outreach programs serve over 55,000 students, professional performers, and audiences each year [1]

[edit] History

After 11 months of construction, The 5th celebrated its grand opening on September 24, 1926[3] and lived up to its promise as a magnificent showplace. Under the guidance of architect Robert C. Reamer and Gustav F. Liljestrom, of the S. & G. Gump Company of San Francisco, a firm famous for its hotel and theatre interiors. The ornate interior was modeled after three of Imperial China’s architectural achievements: the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heavenly Peace, and the Summer Palace. The theatre was also considered a technical marvel at the time, thanks to its state-of-the-art sound, lighting and ventilation systems.

The attention to detail is incredible, from the intricate organ grilles graced by Ho-ho birds to the coffered ceilings and the balcony walls covered with orange blossoms, chrysanthemums and lotus flowers.

One of the most stunning features is the auditorium’s center dome, a replica of the one from the palace’s throne room (only twice the size). The “Pearl of Perfection” chandelier is held in the teeth of a great coiling dragon, which has five toes—each toe representing an evil spirit that must be vanquished. The elaborate proscenium arch that frames the stage features a myriad of Chinese design motifs, including bas-reliefs of the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. The theatre’s constant residents are a pair of Fu Dogs, which have traditionally stood guard in front of China’s imperial palaces.

Following the grand opening, The 5th served as a venue for vaudeville, then operated as a movie palace until the 1970s. Facing severe financial difficulties, The 5th was forced to close its doors in 1978 along with neighboring theatres the Metropolitan and the Orpheum. Possibilities for the site included a Chinese restaurant, a triplex movie theatre, an office building, and a shopping center.[4][5][2]

[edit] Restoration

43 business leaders banded together in 1979 and underwrote a $2.6 million loan to save this cultural treasure.

Several changes were made during the painstaking renovation: the orchestra pit and auditorium seating were rebuilt, the dressing rooms moved, and the technical systems updated. However, the furniture, fixtures and signage are original. Even the paint was carefully restored to its original luster.

June 16, 1980 marked the theatre’s rebirth and a new chapter in Seattle’s arts community. Now a historic landmark, The 5th continues to thrive with the assistance of many generous donors and volunteers.[4][2]

[edit] Post-1980 history

Following the renovation, The 5th Avenue has become one of Seattle's most established theatres. In 1989, The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company was established as a resident non-profit theatre company.[6] Since 1980, The 5th Avenue Theatre has produced or presented more than 3,000 performances of nearly 100 productions, attended by over 5.5 million people.[citation needed] Today, The 5th Avenue Theatre proudly produces top-quality musical revivals, premieres of bound-for-Broadway shows, and present touring Broadway musicals. They also host a variety of special events, and offer a number of education and outreach programs to school-age children and adults.

[edit] Productions by Season

2006 – 2007

A 5th Avenue original musical Cry Baby (based on the Jonny Depp movie) was originally scheduled for the fourth spot in the season but was replaced by Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.[7]

2005 – 2006

Dr. Dolittle was originally scheduled for the third slot in the season but was replaced by The Sound of Music.[8] Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story was originally scheduled for the fifth spot in the season but was replaced by Wonderful Town before the season began.[9]

2004 – 2005

2003 – 2004

2002 – 2003

2001 – 2002

2000 – 2001

1999

1999 – 2000

1997 – 1998

1996 – 1997

1995 – 1996

1994 – 1995

1993 – 1994

1992 – 1993

1991 – 1992

1990 – 1991

1989 – 1990

1986 – 1988

  • No musicals presented/produced; outside rentals only.

1985

1984

1983

1982

1981

1980

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f About Us. 5thAvenue.org. Retrieved on February 28, 2007.
  2. ^ a b c Historic theaters still in operation. seattletimes.nwsource.com. Retrieved on March 24, 2007.
  3. ^ Fifth (5th) Avenue Theatre opens in Seattle amid gala celebration on September 24, 1926.. historylink.org. Retrieved on March 24, 2007.
  4. ^ a b Our Historic Theater. 5thAvenue.org. Retrieved on February 28, 2007.
  5. ^ Fifth (5th) Avenue Theatre. historylink.org. Retrieved on March 24, 2007.
  6. ^ Founders. 5thAvenue.org. Retrieved on February 28, 2007.
  7. ^ a b Seattle World Premiere of Cry-Baby Delayed. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Added to Season. 5thAvenue.org (2006-10-11). Retrieved on February 19, 2007.
  8. ^ The Sound of Music Replaces Doctor Dolittle as The 5th Avenue Theatre’s Holiday Musical. 5thAvenue.org (2005-10-18). Retrieved on February 19, 2007.
  9. ^ 5th Avenue Theatre's 2005-2006 season. seattletimes.nwsource.com (2005-02-26). Retrieved on February 19, 2007.
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