Capitol Theater - Salt Lake City, Utah - Theater, Plays, Ballet, Opera

Salt Lake City's historic Capitol Theater is home to the Utah Opera Company, Ballet West, and the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. The theater plays host to world class Broadway productions and education programs for the community arts. Ballet West performs The Nutcracker on Capitol Theater's stage every Christmas and has been doing so for decades.

The theater's address is 50 West 200 South in Salt Lake City, Utah. Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake, the hours of operation for this historic landmark vary dependant on the current production.

Inside the building you'll find the d,cor runs heavily to red velvet and gold painted accents. Often this theater is full of fur coats and satin dresses. However as one reviewer said, "When "Les Miserables," "Phantom of the Opera," and other road-show spectacles come through town, the Capitol Theater is where they camp. Opening nights are an event; though in the way of dress, you'll see everything from furs to jeans.''

Beginning life as the Orpheum Theater, the building was completed in 1913. At the time it was recognized as an, `architectural gem' featuring some of the greatest stars of the stage. Built originally to accommodate vaudeville shows, the Theater has fulfilled its entertainment promise by accommodating silent movies, talking pictures, and musical reviews. Today Capitol Theater is Salt Lake's most prestigious venue for stage productions. In a large part this is due to Utah residents, many who take their theater very seriously. In December 1975, Salt Lake County residents approved an 8.6 million dollar bond to transform the old Orpheum into a performing arts center as part of Utah's Bicentennial Celebration. On October 18, 1978, the Capitol Theater opened its doors to a new era of performing arts in Salt Lake. One online reviewer wrote, "It (going to a performance at the Capitol Theater) was truly an unforgettable experience. The building it's self is beautiful. I honestly think every seat in the house has to be a good one. You must see a performance at this theater. We loved it and will return always!''

Another reviewer said, "This opulent old theater is a beautiful place to see the ballet, a play or a concert. The acoustics are good-Alison Krauss was wonderful when she played here-and it's the place to see touring productions like Aida and Les Miserables.''

I'd like to include my own recommendation. The Capitol Theater is ingrained in many Utah family traditions. I started taking my children to see the Nutcracker when they were toddlers. As they aged, the Nutcracker was supplemented with occasional forays to see something like Cats, or Les Mis. But no matter what you find on stage at the Capitol Theater, the old world ambience truly enhances the experience. Sitting inside this grand, velvet-coated wonder makes the outing truly memorable and leaves you feeling as if you took a short visit back in time.