Hollywood Pantages Theatre

One more time there is one ticket window open. All of the people who work here seem to prolong every interaction1-​insufferable.

I love this place. The old elegance and great acoustics make it such a special experience. I don’t even mind the drive so much.

We’ve been here many times over the decades. This occasion we caught 42^nd street… «Those Dancin’n Feet «!
Our seats were orchestra row W left of center and row G left end. Decent or excellent perspectives … except up front in G you had difficulty seeing the FEET of the dancers as the angle so close had the stage obstructing!
Inside lobby and ornate theater décor was art deco lush. For an old timer like me it was welcoming!
Parking was $ 5 in a private garage 2 blocks diagonal across and at the left towards the 5 freeway.
I gave 4 stars cuz I consider other venues superior.

Beautiful theater. Have seen several musicals here including Wicked, Chicago and most recently 42^nd Street. $ 11 premium well drinks. Only downside is hay you mush finish alcoholic drinks in the bar area. Other drinks may be brought into the theater.

This is the second time i have been in here. First time was to watch the lion king musical and this time Chicago, the musical featuring the singer Brandy. The theatre has the antique look with a lot if intricate woodwork and ceiling. Its big yet feels intimate. You can get any seat in this place and still has a good view of the stage from any angle.

Have an afternoon you want to kill? Try finding some matinée tickets for a show at Pantages. No bad seats in the house; saw Kinky Boots, left orchestra row WW and still had a great view.
Theatre is old and if you look close, a bit run down, but I think it’s part of the old LA charm.
Parking can be a challenge, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time.

You breathe classic Hollywood Glamour as soon as you walk in to this theater. I somehow don’t remember it being so sparkly inside — it must have undergone further restoration since my last visit eons ago.
Parking is tough, especially since the lot across the street is now gone. Parking in stacked lots is available for about $ 20, but we lucked out and found metered parking a few blocks away, which was free after 8 pm.
They are VERY STRICT about outside food. Having no time for dinner I grabbed a protein shake from GreenLeaf, which is a few doors down. The attendant made me stay on the sidewalk to finish it. I found myself in a little huddle of people hurriedly polishing off sandwiches, and coffee while I gulped down my smoothie and fought brain freeze.
I’m a tall girl, so my knees were smooshed into the seat in front of me, which was less than comfortable. The chairs are otherwise clean and comfy. It may sound weird, but the intermission restroom experience was as good as it could possibly have been. Dozens of women lined up and handled our business like a well oiled machine with the assistance of staff expediting guests to the next available stall, a «one way in /​one way out» setup, and a separate powder room with mirrors so those touch-​ups didn’t waste sink time.

While I can catch a show in any other theater closer to home, I come here for the ambience and closed intimate auditorium experience. Being a season pass holder, my friends and I have enjoyed shows at discounted prices every time we are here. Also a good respite from the tourists, hawkers and heat outside. Recently went for Kinky Boots. Great acoustics wherever you are seated. Dress code is hilarious right from jean shorts and sneakers to LBDs and heels. Ahh the tourists!
Cant wait to go back for the line up this season.

Bravo! I must say this theater rocks! Absolutely loved the atmosphere and the acting… Me and my significant other came to see Kinky Boots and the show was fantastic. Our seats were excellent and the staff was friendly. Upon entering we were amazed at the overall grandiose and beauty of the place. It was sparkly, over the top, true Hollywood style. We were promptly seated and the staff helped us out as it was our first time ever visiting the theater. Parking was close, prices were decent, and the overall experience was just… Perfection. This theater has a lot of character and it shows it age well! The overall location had us in awe and we were able to explore around the theater and enjoy what Hollywood had to offer. It is worth the trip and time if you are looking for something to do, or if you want to get the true theater experience. :)

Love love love this venue!
If your sitting in the orchestra or the Balcony section, I have never had a bad view in the building.
Doors open about 30 minutes before the show so there is a small bar down a couple stairs once your inside on the left.
There are a couple fantastic Brew houses and restaurants right around the corner of this place all within walking distance. The W hotel is right next door also.
TIP — — if your coming from the valley, take the metro line, the exit if 300 feet from from the front door

The Pantages speaks of old world charm and a time when Theatre was valued and television did not exist. The plush red drapes, comfortable red velvet chairs, and gold overlay on the architecture set the mood for the show that is to take place.
Handicapped seating is easily accessible and the staff is helpful. I have heard people that have used the hearing assisted devices and were pleasantly surprised with how much it helped them understand the dialogue.
It would be absolutely perfect if there were more women’s bathrooms. Intermission is a choice of using the bathroom or getting something to drink, but not both if you have to stand in each line, which why I dropped the star rating.

One of my favorite venues to attend with the wife. We came here to see an awesome show called RAIN and it did not disappoint. Great show great venue. The seats are great. I usually get anything z or below and you see the show without issue and a great view. The staff is friendly and nice and make sure you are seated in the right spot. The lighting for the show definitely makes it a sight to see. If you ever have an opportunity to see a show at this venue, you must take that opportunity.

I have always driven by this place, but never been inside… until now lol.
Came here to watch my cousin play in the tribute band to the Beatles called Rain. What an amazing looking theatre. Right when you walk in, the high ceilings and the curtains and the rest of the décor, it is really memorizing. There is a concession stand right when you walk in, selling snakes and drinks, and If you go to the left, there is a fully stocked bar. Prices at concerts are never great so don’t complain lol. There are bathrooms both up stairs and down stairs. I recommend going up stairs because it’s less packed. You can chit chat it up and drink in the lobby before going to your seats, BUT you cannot take your drinks to your seats.
Once inside the main room, there are two levels. Seats are cushioned, and again, the décor inside is really nice. The band was awesome, the sound was great! All the singers were on point. They played all of there hits and some! They changed outfits throughout the show to represent the start and finish of the band thru the years. They played old commercials from their Era in between, and it kept me entertained. Thanks you pantages theatre for hosting them!
Shows here are usually broken up in half. If you are not in your seat when show starts, you may lose them. There is an intermission, half way through to use the bathroom or get a snack, then back to the action. There really is no dress code, but I would wear something nice, not too crazy but nice.
And of course it’s in Hollywood, so just find a structure and park.

I can never get enough of the spectacular Pantages Theater. Located in the heart of Hollywood, the Pantages is an iconic venue filled with so much history, and a long list of performances.
Let’s start at the very beginning:
Step 1 — You’re at home preparing to go to the theater. Keep it classy people! This is not just a theater, but it’s the greatest theater in all of Los Angeles! Dress to impress, the skies the limit.
Step 2 — If you’re not sitting in the first 10 rows, do yourself a favor and bring binoculars.
Step 3 — When searching for parking you’ll most likely circle the block 10 times. Meters are hard to find so save yourself the struggle and park across the street in public lot. It should be about $ 10 (more or less).
Step 4 — Take your time walking to the venue. You’ll be walking on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Read all the names, take it all in, and appreciate being in the city that people around the world dream about.
Step 5 — Walk into the grand Pantages and absorb the stunning Art Deco architecture. Appreciate the excellent acoustics. Admire the colossal chandeliers and massive curtains. Feel the soft red seats. Smile! This building has been around since 1930.
Step 6 — Most shows are about 2 hours long with a short intermission after the 1 hour mark. Expect long bathroom lines. Shorter lines on the upper level.
Step 7 — Enjoy every moment!
The Hollywood Pantages is filled with passionate theater lovers and a touch of magic. Still debating if you should go? Don’t, it’s worth every penny.

Here now for the illusionist. First intermission. Show is great. Can’t complain at all. Damn bathroom lines even long at the men’s room. Forget about trying to take a dump if you ate Taco Bell before ;).
Parking across the street is $ 15. Average price for Hollywood these days.
Oh shoot my stomach is starting to turn… not a good sign. I’m sitting in the middle of the row as well. So this could cause trouble for me and those around me. Pray that I’m OK!

First time at the Pantages theater! Came for a matinée showing of The Illusionists this weekend which happened to coincide with the Oscars right down the street. I planned ahead and gave myself plenty of time to commute and park just in case the Oscars would throw something for a loop. Fortunately, the drive to the theater is very easy right off the 101 and parking was even easier. We arrived ~1 hour prior to showtime and parked at the Sunshine parking light just 1 block south for $ 10…not sure if it’s the cheapest lot parking available but given the ease of access, it was a winner for sure.
Entry into the theater was quick and easy… didn’t interact a whole lot with staff but they seemed friendly. We also didn’t purchase anything so can’t speak on the quality of concessions.
The show itself was abosutely phenomenal and felt right at home in the gothic/​steampunk-​ish architecture of the theater. The sound was more than adequate and with the screen + camera crew of this show, I don’t think there was a bad seat in the house. The performers even interacted with audience members seated around the entire orchestra section. Highly, highly recommend the show to everyone, especially the non-​believers of magic. Very entertaining and humorous as well.
Since this review is for the theater itself, I’ll end the review here and say the theater seems to be standing the test of time. As long as Ticketmaster fees don’t become even wilder out of control I’ll keep an eye out for productions here in the future!

This is my go to for Broadway shows in LA. The theatre is elegant, beautiful, and makes me feel like I’m in NY when I’m seeing a show! I’ve been a season holder pass a couple of times, and the selection of shows are always great! (I’m especially excited for the 2016 – 2017 season. HAMILTON IS COMING!!!) :)
The seats are comfortable and no seat is a bad seat in the house. Also, can we talk about the lighting and the inside of the theatre? It’s absolutely gorgeous!
I also love the sound in the Pantages. I’ve been to the Ahmanson only once, but it was so hard to hear anything anyone was saying or singing when I was there. At the Pantages, everything is always loud enough to hear and the acoustics are great!
Some of my helpful tips:
–There used to be a small lot across the street from the W hotel that cost $ 10 (this was the original spot I would park at but as of late, it seems like they are doing some construction there). At this point, it seems like the best place to park is in the apartment complex underground parking across from the Pantages. It costs about $ 15 if I’m not mistaken. Kind of pricey, but I’m too lazy to walk that far in heels. so there you go. I’m sure there are cheaper lots a bit away if you are willing to walk!
–Stage door is around the corner of Hollywood and Vine behind the theatre. You can get there quickly and easily after the show by going past the house right door on the first floor. There’s a small door that leads directly to the barricades.

Just came here to see Dirty Dancing musical! Place is just always so beautiful, elegant, and top notch! This is definitely a location of where LA exceeds it’s modern touch. I wish we had more buildings in LA with that historic feel such as the Pantages — you will know exactly what I talk about when you experience yourself.
Show was incredible — so accurately portrayed to the movie itself except for a couple of scenes but meh, no biggie. The bathrooms are clean and tidy, the service is marvelous — the associates are always ready to help people with theiir questions and concerns. Good seat in every section! Worth every penny!

The Pantages Theater is so cool. The plays are spectacular, and the theater itself adds to the overall experience.
The inside and outside has a very old and classy feel to it. The acoustics and seating within the theater are set up well. No matter where you sit, you will have a great view.
There is parking across the street, fairly inexpensive. There are also many restaurants in the area, a nice walk and a snack after the show is always nice.
No complaints.

Bullets over Broadway was amaaaaaazing and what better venue to go watch it at than at The Pantages. The original film, written and directed by woody Allen, won 7 Academy Awards and the show cleverly reinvented the film into a fun-​filled comedy musical using talented casts and classic music to engage the audience. If you’re into the 1920s gangster themed party, then you’re in for a real fun jazz fest.
The huge parking lot across the street is now under construction so parking is a little scattered. Fortunately, there are signs to guide you to several directions so don’t settle with a parking structure nearby for $ 20. You can still find some for less than $ 10.
Because the venue is big, I wouldn’t recommend watching any show sitting far back. It takes away the experience and the sound of the music. Spend a little more ($ 100-​$ 200) and sit close to the orchestra to truly experience what the Pantages offers.

One of my fav venues to have some musical fun — perfect spot for takin out of town guests cause it’s right in Hollywood so you can grab a bite before hand, let them check out the stars and then enjoy the historic architecture. Plenty of shows run here year round.
Only a couple shows I can think of off hand that I’ve seen here that I thought «what a mistake — what did I get myself into and how do I convince my guest that this is a fluke cause they’re normally really good???» Lion king blahhh, river dance super blahhh.
Alternatively, my favs here have been Catch me if you can, ghost, Book of Mormon (funnnny funny funny), beauty and the beast (best family show)
A couple of tips for first timers. Come a bit early if you wanna drink. There are THREE bars and a beautiful entry to chill. don’t get the pre-​paid parking in the main lot: I’ve straight seen people get hit by exiting cars cause they pack em in so tight. Plenty of surrounding lots ranging from 15 – 30 $ plus, if you get there and you decide you like lil tiny spots, the price is the same day of so you can still live life on that risky risky edge.

I love live plays and live plays love meeee! Two years ago, I had the opportunity of a life time to watch a live play (Beauty and the Beast) with a friend and truly loved my experience.
Parking: $ 15 parking on Vine St.
Pricing: Look for special promotions on living social and gold star. You can also check on Pantages website. If you order tickets online, there is a convenience fee per ticket through Ticketmaster. Tickets usually ranges from $ 35 and up.
–Tip: If you want to get away with paying for the convenience fee, go to the theatre and purchase your tickets there.
Seatings: Stay close to thy neighbor. Rubbing elbows is part of the experience. Great way to defuse this situation is get isle seats! Less rubbing… More FUN!
Ambiance: Outside: Before you walk in, take in everything around you expecially the walk of fame. A lot of famous contributors to the music, film, and entertainment industry are featured on the ground. Inside: Once you walk in, you are teleported to a whole new world. Red carpet, big crystal chandeliers, artistic decorations, and feeling like an A-​lister all in one roof? Come on! What’s not to love about this place?
Overall, my experience was lovely. I would totally venture out and watch another broadway play. Due to the pricing, I usually stick with small production plays that are much cheaper.

To my fellow Unilocal friends, I saved this place for my 150^th review!!!
When I was a child, my hands-​down favorite place to see movies was the Pantages (and yes, they once showed movies there.) It was a fabulous, ornate movie palace with a circular snack bar in the center of the lobby, two majestic stairways leading upstairs to the balcony and an enormous screen. There was something reassuring about the sound of feet padding up a carpeted stairway, and a feeling of importance at any screening in this location.
I was sad when they stopped showing films there and didn’t really have occasion to see any stage productions at the Pantages until the eighties, when I landed a goldmine and purchased tickets for my favorite musical (Camelot) with my favorite King Arthur (Richard Harris– sorry, Burton fans.) Our seats weren’t fantastic, nor were they bad either. I was able to view all the nuances of expression on the actors’ faces and the dialogue came through crystal clear. So impressed was I that I went back for closing night (at the end of which Richard Burton was welcomed on stage, took his bows and then announced «Now, let me show you how it really should be done!») That night, I was nearly in the back of the theatre, and enjoyed the play just the same.
For the Phantom of the Opera circa last month June 2015, this new phantom aka Chris Mann is a reality show find from THE VOICE so he may success for anyone who followed his career on the show, but you won’t find the charisma and utter pathos that Crawford brought to the role. There’re moments he comes close, as when he offers Christine aka Katie Travis, his ring, but he still needs time to grow into the role.
As for Miss Travis, she does very well with vocally challenging part, her diction is admirable given the high tessitura, but her consonants too often interrupt sheer beauty of the vocal lines, causing them to lose
Some of their intoxicating impact.
Since that night, I’ve been to many, many performances at the Pantages, and I’ve yet to score a bad seat. I haven’t had issues with columns blocking my view (I don’t believe there ARE columns…) nor were acoustics ever an issue when my hearing was still intact. These days, I rely upon one of their free listening devices and I get along fine. The one problem with the device, I’ve found, is that it needs to be aimed at the stage, and I’ve had some instances in which the person in front of was frequently changing position and flipping her long tresses every which way, both of which caused the sound to go temporarily staticky. The listening aids aren’t quite as good as the ones at the Ahmanson, but they’re good enough.
For my own part, I really like the theatre-​going experience at the Pantages. To me, it’s an opportunity to embark upon a trip backward in time and appreciate the grandeur of Old Hollywood in its heyday. Close your eyes a little and you can easily envision this theatre hosting premieres; searchlights lighting up the entrances; limos parked out in front; ladies in elegant gowns; men in tuxedos… and then someone crosses your path in shorts and sandals and ruins the daydream.
Parking isn’t necessarily ideal with the largest lot located on Argyle, one block southeast of the theatre. Only once did we find this lot full, which required us to park an additional block to the south. For those with mobility issues, this can be a bit of a haul, so it’s best to obtain specifics from the box office or the theatre web site when you purchase tickets. Though I don’t believe there’s really a bad seat in the house, please be aware that handicap seating is only on the orchestra level and tends to be at the extreme end of a specified rows. While this may not be an issue for some, it may be that proper viewing will require a sharp turn of the head to view the stage. My nephew, as it happens, lacks the ability to turn his head to the extreme, so for him the Pantages is a poor fit– but if that doesn’t happen to be your issue, go for it.