5th Avenue Theatre
5th Avenue Theatre marquee, Holiday 2016
Address1308 5th Avenue
Seattle, Washington
98101
Coordinates47°36′33″N 122°20′02″W / 47.6092°N 122.3340°W / 47.6092; -122.3340
OwnerUniversity of Washington
Operator5th Avenue Theatre Association
Capacity2,130
Construction
Built1925 (1925)
OpenedSeptember 24, 1926 (1926-09-24)
ArchitectR.C. Reamer
Website
www.5thavenue.org
Skinner Building / Fifth Avenue Theater
5th Avenue Theatre is located in Seattle WA Downtown
5th Avenue Theatre
5th Avenue Theatre is located in Washington (state)
5th Avenue Theatre
Area1 acre (0.40 ha)
Architectural styleLate 19th and 20th century revivals, Italian Renaissance
NRHP reference No.78002756[1]
Added to NRHPNovember 28, 1978

The 5th Avenue Theatre is a landmark theatre located in the Skinner Building, in the downtown core of Seattle, Washington, United States. It has hosted a variety of theatre productions and motion pictures since it opened in 1926. The building and land are owned by the University of Washington and were once part of the original campus. The theatre operates as a venue for nationally touring Broadway and original shows by the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre Association.

The 2,130-seat theatre is the resident home to the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company, and employs over 600 actors, musicians, directors, choreographers, designers, technicians, stage hands, box office staff, and administrators, making it the largest theatre employer in the Puget Sound region. A non-profit, the theatre company is supported by individual and corporate donations, government sources, and box office ticket sales.

The 5th's subscriber season programming includes six to seven shows per year, a mix of locally produced revivals of musical theatre classics, and premieres of bound-for-Broadway shows, and national touring musicals. The 5th Avenue Theatre has established a tradition of being a "testing ground" for new musicals before they make their debut on Broadway, launching hits such as Jekyll & Hyde, Hairspray, and The Wedding Singer. The theatre also hosts a variety of special events, and offers education and outreach programs to school-age children and adults reaching over 61,000 students, professional performers, and audiences each year.

Architecture

Entry to theatre with decorative brackets above

Located in the Skinner Building, a historic office block ranging from five to eight stories with retail shops on the ground level, the theatre is surrounded on three sides, with its entry facing its namesake avenue. In addition to an auditorium with an original seating capacity of 3,000, the theatre contains a grand entry hall, and a mezzanine that once featured a tea room in addition to a waiting room and women's lounge.[2]

Robert C. Reamer's design for the 5th Avenue Theatre was modeled to reproduce some of the features of historic and well-known Beijing landmarks. The Norwegian artist Gustav Liljestrom executed the design based on his visit to China, and on Chinesische Architecktur, published in 1925, an illustrated account of German architect Ernst Boerschmann's travels in China.[3]

The ornate historical Chinese style of the theatre distinguishes itself from the Neo-Renaissance exterior of the Skinner Building. Only at the street entry under the marquee does the viewer get a preview of the interior design. Here, adorning the ceiling are plaster representations of wood brackets, beams, and carved reliefs painted in a polychromatic scheme and decorated with stenciled dragons and flower patterns. Carved cloud shapes screen light fixtures to create an indirect lighting effect as the viewer approaches the wooden, brass knobbed entry doors. The original central free-standing box office was replaced by the current box office located to the side of the entry as part of a 1979 renovation.[3] The original Imperial guardian lions (Ruì Shī), commonly called foo dogs or foo lions, originally located outside the entry were moved inside as part of the 1979 renovation.

Male Imperial guardian lion

The interior architecture of the theatre is an "excellent imitation of Chinese wooden temple construction".[3] The two story rectangular lobby features red, stenciled columns wrapped in plaster rising to a timbered roof structure of decoratively painted beams supporting a canopy of bamboo, also imitated in plaster. The original pair of guardian lions, both male, guard the stairway to a second level gallery that serves the theatre balcony. In addition to the Imperial guard lions, other original furnishings, light fixtures, and decoration remain intact.

The decorative details continue in the 2,130-seat auditorium, but the highlight and focal decorative feature is the octagonal caisson from which a sculpted five-toed Imperial Chinese dragon springs. A large chandelier of glass hangs from the dragon's mouth, in reference to the Chinese symbol of a dragon disgorging flaming pearls.[4] One claim puts the size of this caisson at twice the size of the model on which it was based in the throne room of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City.[5] The opening night program spoke effusively of it:

Dragon and Pearl ceiling centerpiece

... Its most imposing feature is the great dome...its symbolic themes borrowed from Chinese legends, its motifs from Chinese poetry. Coiled within an azure sphere and surrounded by glowing hues of cloud red, emblematic of calamity and welfare; blue of rain; green symbolic of plaque; black of flood; and gold of prosperity—is the Great Dragon, guardian genius of the place, his presence shadowed and multiplied in varying forms throughout the structure. On the huge beams surrounding and supporting the dome are five-clawed dragons—the Emperor's emblem—spitting fire in pursuit of the Jewel, rendered in the shape of a disc emitting effulgent rays, and symbolic of Omnipotence.[3]

The dragon motif is repeated in the radial coffers of the caisson and the timbered coffers throughout the theatre. The Imperial dragon is accompanied by the symbol of the Empress, the Chinese phoenix (Fèng huáng), sometimes called Ho-Ho or Ho-Oh Bird from the Japanese. This personal symbol of the Empress is also repeated throughout the theatre, but most prominently in relief as part of the grills above false balconies that once screened organ pipes. In addition to these symbols, orange blossoms, chrysanthemums, and lotus flowers appear throughout the theatre. The highly decorated proscenium arch and safety curtain maintain the Chinese design influence.[3]

Beyond the decorative features of the building, the 5th Avenue Theatre also contained notable technical features when originally built. An ascending orchestra pit and independent Wurlitzer organ platform allowed the musicians to be raised up to main stage height or to orchestra pit level from the basement below.[6] The ventilation system had thermostatic controls throughout the building, and allowed the air to be 'washed' prior to its introduction into the venue at outlets under every third seat.[2]

Significance

Preceding Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, the 5th Avenue Theatre "has been called the largest and most authentic example of traditional Chinese timber architecture and decoration outside of Asia."[3] In addition, its association with architect Robert Reamer, whose other notable works include the nationally known Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, as well as many important buildings in the Art Deco style add to its significance.[7] The Skinner Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 28, 1978.[1]

History

Planning and construction

The president and general manager of Pacific Northwest Theatres, Inc., Harry C. Arthur, believed Seattle to be a place of growing importance in the motion picture industry in the mid-1920s, and consequently as the place to invest for the long term.[8] Arthur's company absorbed a competing chain of 40 theatres by 1926, and sought further expansion. A large holder of the theatre company's stock and debt was C. D. Stimson who sat on the board of directors of both Pacific Northwest Theatres and the Metropolitan Building Company, developer of what became known as the Metropolitan Tract. Stimson promoted the establishment of a theatre district like that which had developed around a theatre he had built in Los Angeles, California.[9] The planned Skinner Building with a theatre owned by Arthur's company would complete the Stimson development of the Metropolitan Tract.[10]

The architect, Robert Reamer, had joined the Metropolitan Building Company after World War I and as their house architect designed the building, inside and out.[7][9] In creating the 5th Avenue Theatre, Reamer was joined by his colleague, Joseph Skoog, of Reamer's office and Gustav Liljestrom, of the S. & G. Gump Company of San Francisco.[9]

Construction began in October 1925 with construction taking 11 months[10] and costing $1.5 million.[11]

Grand opening

Opening night.

The theatre celebrated its grand opening on September 24, 1926, with an opening unit program that included both film and live vaudeville performances.[12] The opening program included the silent film Young April, Fanchon and Marco's stage presentation The Night Club, and Lipschultz and his Syncopated Soloists.[13] Oliver Wallace, a popular local musician and composer, returned from Portland, Oregon, to be the accompanying organist for opening night. Wallace had been the first theatre organist in a Seattle motion picture house.[14]

Opening night was also marked by festivities outside the theatre. Seven blocks of downtown Seattle around the theatre were closed to street car and automobile traffic. Lured by free street car, bus, and taxicab rides, thousands of people packed Fifth Avenue between Seneca Street and Pike Street, University and Union Streets. The Seattle Times reported:

It is doubtful that any Friday night in Seattle's history saw more people circulating through all the downtown streets than were there last night. The density in the center of the activities was such that street cars were diverted...[15]

In the street outside the building a street carnival took place. Living up to the moniker for the theater's marquee, "the Magic Sign of a Wonderful Time," spotlights scanned the night sky, banks of Klieg lights illuminated the streets outside the theater, and flares were shot from the roofs of nearby buildings.[16] Additionally, dance bands were placed at the closed intersections to provide entertainment and, using giant screens to project the words, a sing-along was orchestrated on Fifth Avenue in front of the theatre. An estimated crowd of between 50,000 and 100,000 people participated in the events.[12]

Decline and restoration

Following the grand opening, the theatre served as a venue for vaudeville and film, and following the decline of vaudeville as a movie palace until the 1970s. With the economic recession, the advent of television, and movie complex development in the suburbs, crowds dwindled and the theatre struggled to stay open. It was forced to close its doors in 1978 along with the nearby Orpheum theatre. A variety of re-use possibilities were proposed for the theatre including a Chinese restaurant, a triplex movie theater, an office building, or a shopping center.[5][11][16][17] The city of Seattle was unable to protect the theatre as a designated landmark because of its unique position on the site of the original territorial university grounds owned by the state of Washington.[18]

Relief at entry

In 1979, 43 business leaders formed the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre Association and underwrote a US$2.6 million loan to save the theatre.[19] Among these was Ned Skinner of the shipbuilding family who was an active patron of the theatre.[20] Architect Richard McCann oversaw the restoration efforts.[21]

Several changes were made during the renovation. The vertical marquee which had marked the theatre's presence from 1926 to 1980, was removed,[22] the orchestra pit and auditorium seating were rebuilt, the dressing rooms moved, and the technical systems updated. However, the furniture, fixtures and interior signage were retained. Even the paint was carefully restored to its original luster. The renovation made it suitable again for live performances and filled Seattle's need for a touring Broadway musical venue. Renovation work was completed without federal, state, or local funds.[11]

June 16, 1980, marked the theater's rebirth and a new chapter in Seattle's arts community. At the Grand Opening Gala for the renovated theatre, actress Helen Hayes christened the stage with a kiss and declared the 5th "a national treasure." Beginning on July 3 the 5th presented Annie, the first touring Broadway musical to appear at the theatre. The sold-out show ran for 10 weeks with a total of 77 performances.[23]

The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to thrive with the assistance of many generous donors and volunteers.[5][17]

Post-1980 history

Since the renovation, the 5th Avenue Theatre has become one of Seattle's most established theatres. In 1989, The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company was established as the resident non-profit theatre company.[19]

On February 28, 2001, the Nisqually earthquake rocked the 5th Avenue Theatre. At the time, actors were on stage rehearsing the musical 1776. The theatre suffered minimal damages with no structural damage from the quake.[11] Earthquake repairs included removal and replacement of 72 plaster ceiling supports and the repair of numerous cracks and damaged decorative plaster pieces in the ceiling. Contractors had to install scaffolding tall enough to reach the highest interior crevice in the ceiling eight stories up—the first time that area had been reached in 75 years. The chandeliers had to be lowered for repair and maintenance.[24] As part of the repair work, Turner Construction provided services for seismic upgrades to the Skinner Building.[25]

In November 2009 a new vertical marquee, similar to the sign that was removed as part of the 1980 renovation, was installed. The marquee was made possible through a donation from Christabel Gough, daughter of Broadway producer and early 5th Avenue promoter Roger L. Stevens. The new sign features a design inspired by both earlier marquees and the theatre's interior, uses LED lights for energy conservation, and includes a revolving "5th" sign at the marquee's top.[26]

The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company

Genesis

From the renovation in 1980 until 1985 the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre successfully operated as a venue for touring Broadway shows. As the United States went through an economic downturn from 1985 to 1989 there was a shortage of touring shows for venues like the 5th. Consequently, many of the country's Broadway houses went unused for extended periods of time. However, the 5th remained open during these years with a reduced staff and was used for community events and local promoters.[23][27][28]

This situation forced the theatre to move beyond merely being a presenter of touring musicals. In 1989, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre established a resident theatre company, dubbed The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company, to produce musicals locally. Since the theatre company's establishment, the 5th's yearly subscriber season programming has included 6 to 7 shows: national touring musicals, locally produced revivals of musical theatre classics, and premieres of bound-for-Broadway shows. With 150 musical theater performances each fall-to-spring subscriber season which attract over 30,000 subscribers and average ticket sales of 300,000 tickets annually, the 5th ranks among the nation's largest musical theater companies.[24][29][30][31]

The musical company employs over 600 actors, musicians, directors, choreographers, designers, technicians, stage hands, box office staff, and administrators, making the 5th the largest theatre employer in the Puget Sound region.[17][30] A non-profit, the theatre company is supported by individual and corporate donations, government sources, and box office ticket sales.[29]

TUTS partnership

Frank M. Young was the first executive director of the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company. From 1989 to 1999 a collaborative partnership existed between the 5th and Houston's Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) where Young also served as executive director.[31][32][33] This partnership produced 10 seasons of musical theater, including both national tours and self-produced musicals. On October 17, 1989, the first 5th Avenue/TUTS self-produced musical was presented: Mame, starring Juliet Prowse. In 1995, after premiering at the 5th, Jekyll & Hyde became the first 5th Avenue Theatre production to open on Broadway in April 1997. The show was produced in cooperation with Houston's Alley Theatre and TUTS.[11]

In August 2000 the 5th's partnership with TUTS ended as David Armstrong joined the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company becoming its first resident Producing Artistic Director launching a new era of collaboration with leading musical theater companies and producers across the country.[29][31]

Broadway "testing ground"

Since the creation of the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company in 1989, the 5th has established a tradition of being a "testing ground" for new musicals before they make their debut on Broadway. Since 2001, the 5th has premiered 17 new works, nine of which have subsequently opened on Broadway.

We've become a very sought-after partner for developing Broadway musicals.[34]

— David Armstrong, Producing Artistic Director

Some notable musicals shown to Seattle audiences at the 5th Avenue Theatre prior to their success on Broadway include: Jekyll & Hyde in 1995 which was nominated for 4 Tony Awards, Hairspray in 2002 which won 8 Tony Awards, and The Wedding Singer in 2006 which had 4 Tony Award nominations.[35] The film adaptation of Hairspray premiered at the 5th on July 16, 2007 (4 days prior to its nationwide release) as an acknowledgement of the 5th's role in the musical's success on Broadway.[36] The "testing ground" tradition continued in the 2008–2009 season with the pre-Broadway world premieres of Shrek the Musical,[37] and Memphis. Both went on to win Tony awards, Shrek winning one in 2009 and Memphis winning four, including Best Musical, in 2010. In the 2009–2010 season, they premiered Catch Me If You Can,[38] which premiered on Broadway in the spring of 2011. In their 2010–2011 season, they premiered A Christmas Story: The Musical, based on the film of the same name, and more recently the premiere of Aladdin, based on the Disney film "Aladdin". In the 2011–2012 season, First Date premiered as a co-production with ACT starring Eric Ankrim before heading to Broadway to star Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez.

Along with their successful pre-Broadway tryouts, the 5th Avenue Theatre has also performed two musicals, Princesses in 2005 and Lone Star Love in 2007, which were originally scheduled to go to Broadway, but did not due to poor reviews. They also announced the premiere of a musical adaptation of Cry-Baby, in 2007, but it was later replaced with Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.

Community outreach programs

The theatre also hosts a variety of special events, and offers a number of education and outreach programs to school-age children and adults reaching over 61,000 students, professional performers, and audiences each year.[30] One example of this is the 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards which evaluate and honor the performances of student actors and stage hands in Washington state high school productions. At the end of each school year, a Tony Awards-style ceremony is held which includes high-profile presenters, performances by nominees, and acceptance speeches by the award recipients. The awards ceremony has become a useful scouting event for colleges looking to recruit talent for their drama departments.[29][39]

Productions by season

2023-2024 season

2022–2023 season

2021–2022 season

  • Beauty and the Beast (Jan 12 – Feb 6, 2022)
  • Afterwords (Apr 29 – May 21, 2022)
  • And So That Happened... (May 17 – Jun 26, 2022), co-production with ACT Theatre
  • The Prom (May 31 – Jun 19, 2022)
  • Come from Away (Jul 20 – Aug 7, 2022)[43]

2019–2020 season

Sister Act, Jersey Boys, Once on This Island, and Evita were planned for the season, but were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[46] The 5th Avenue Theatre also planned to include Evita, Broadway Vacation, The Musical, Shrek The Musical, Godspell, Chilifinger! The Musical, and Come from Away in its 2020–2021 season, but all live performances were canceled until 2022.[47]

2018–2019 season

2017–2018 season

Previous seasons

2016–2017 Season[48]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
Man of La ManchaLocally ProducedOctober 7–30, 2016Rufus Bonds Jr. as Don Quixote, Nova Payton as Aldonza, and Don Darryl Rivera as Sancho Panza.[49]
The Little MermaidLocally Produced, followed by a 12 city tourNov 23 – Dec 31, 2016Diana Huey as Ariel, Matthew Kacergis as Prince Eric, Jennifer Allen as Ursula, and Steven Blanchard as King Triton.[50]
The Pajama GameLocally ProducedFebruary 9 – March 5, 2017
Murder for TwoCo-Production with ACT - A Contemporary TheatreMarch 25 – June 4, 2017
The Secret GardenCo-Production with DC's The Shakespeare Theatre CompanyApril 14 – May 6, 2017
Romy and Michele's High School ReunionLocally Produced, World PremiereJune 7 – July 2, 2017
Fun HomeNational TourJuly 11–30, 2017
2015–2016 Season[48]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
MatildaNational TourAug 18 – Sep 6, 2015
WaterfallCo-production with Pasadena PlayhouseOct 1–25, 2015Bie Sukrit as Noppon and Laura Griffith as Katherine[51]
The Sound of MusicLocally ProducedNov 24, 2015 – Jan 3, 2016Kristen deLohr Helland as Maria[52]
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Locally ProducedJan 28 – Feb 21, 2016Eric Ankrim as J. Pierrepont Finch and Sarah Rose Davis as Rosemary[53]
AssassinsCo-Production with ACT - A Contemporary TheatreFeb 27 – May 15, 2016Kjerstine Rose Anderson, Nathan Brockett, John Coons, Nick DeSantis, Richard Gray, Laura Griffith, Frederick Hagreen, Louis Hobson, Kendra Kassebaum, Brandon O'Neill, Matt Wolfe, Designed by Brian Sidney Bembridge[54]
A Night with Janis JoplinLocally ProducedMarch 25 – April 17, 2016Kacee Clanton as Janis Joplin[55]
Kinky Boots National Tour April 27 – May 8, 2016
Paint Your WagonLocally ProducedJune 9–30, 2016Robert Cuccioli as Ben Rumson, Kendra Kassebaum as Cayla Woodling, Justin Gregory Lopez as Armando, and Kristen deLohr Helland as Jennifer.[56]
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and MurderNational TourJuly 12–31, 2016John Rapson as the D'Ysquith Family, and Kevin Massey as Monty Navarro[57]
2014–2015 Season[58]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
A Chorus LineLocally ProducedSept 3–28, 2014Featuring Gabriel Corey, Paul Flanagan, Mallory King, Trina Mills, Taryn Darr, Chryssie Whitehead, Andrew Palermo, Katrina Asmar, and Sarah Rose Davis.[59]
Kinky BootsNational TourOct 7–26, 2014
A Christmas StoryLocally ProducedNov 25 – Dec 30, 2014
CarouselLocally ProducedFeb 5 – Mar 1, 2015Brandon O'Neill and Laura Griffith
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in ParisCo-Production with ACT - A Contemporary TheatreMar 7 – May 17, 2015Eric Ankrim, Cayman Ilika, Kendra Kassebaum, Timothy McCuen Piggee, Louis Hobson (Mar 7 – Apr 12), Matt Owen (Apr 14 – May 17)[60]
Jasper in Deadland Locally ProducedApril 30 – May 24, 2015Matt Doyle as Jasper and Sydney Shepherd as Gretchen.
GreaseLocally ProducedJuly 9 – August 2, 2015
Season Notes: A Pre-Broadway production of Something Rotten!, originally scheduled for the April/May slot in the season, was replaced by Jasper in Deadland.[61]
2013–2014 Season[62]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
Secondhand LionsWorld PremiereSept 7 – Oct 6, 2013
Anything GoesNational TourOct 15 – Nov 3, 2013
Oliver!Locally ProducedNov 29 – Dec 31, 2013
Monty Python's SpamalotLocally ProducedJan 30 – March 2, 2014
Little Shop of HorrorsCo-produced with ACT—A Contemporary TheatreMarch 8 – June 15, 2014
A Room With a ViewLocally ProducedApril 15 – May 11, 2014
The Gershwins' Porgy and BessNational TourJune 11–29, 2014
2012–2013 Season[63]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
MemphisNational TourSept 18 – Oct 7, 2012
The Addams FamilyNational TourOct 24 – Nov 11, 2012
ElfLocally ProducedNov 30 – Dec 31, 2012
Grey GardensLocally ProducedNov 25 – Dec 31, 2012
The Music ManLocally ProducedFeb 7 – Mar 10, 2013
Jersey BoysNational TourApril 4 – May 13, 2013
The Pirates of PenzanceLocally ProducedJuly 11 – Aug 4, 2013
2011–2012 Season[63]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
Les MisérablesNational TourAug 9–22, 2011
Saving AimeePre-Broadway World PremiereSep 30 – Oct 30, 2011
CinderellaLocally ProducedNov 25 – Dec 31, 2011
First DateCo-produced with ACT—A Contemporary TheatreFeb 11 – May 6, 2012
Oklahoma!Locally ProducedFeb 3 – March 4, 2012
Damn YankeesCo-Production with Paper Mill PlayhouseMay 17 – June 5, 2012
RentLocally ProducedJuly 6 – August 5, 2012Jerick Hoffer
2010–2011 Season[64]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
In the HeightsNational TourSep 28 – Oct 17, 2010
A Christmas Story, the MusicalLocally ProducedNov 27 – Dec 19, 2010
VanitiesCo-produced with ACT - A Contemporary TheatreFeb 4 – April 3, 2011
Next to NormalNational tourFeb 22 – Mar 13, 2011
9 to 5National TourApril 5–24, 2011
Guys and DollsLocally ProducedMay 17 – June 5, 2011
AladdinPre-Broadway World PremiereJuly 7 – July 31[65]
Season Notes: A local production of Oklahoma!, originally scheduled for the last spot in the season, was replaced by Disney's Aladdin.[65]
2009–2010 Season[66]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
Catch Me If You CanPre-Broadway World PremiereJuly 23 – August 14Aaron Tveit, Norbert Leo Butz
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatLocally ProducedOctober 13 – November 1Anthony Federov
White ChristmasLocally ProducedDecember 1–20
South PacificNational TourJanuary 29 – February 18
Legally BlondeNational TourFebruary 23 – March 14
On the TownLocally ProducedApril 13 – May 2
CandideLocally ProducedMay 25 – June 13
2008–2009 Season[67]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
Shrek the Musical[37][68]Pre-Broadway World PremiereAugust 14 – September 21Brian d'Arcy James, Sutton Foster[69]
The Drowsy ChaperoneNational TourOctober 28 – November 16
7 Brides for 7 BrothersLocally ProducedDecember 3–28Ed Watts, Laura Griffith
MemphisPre-Broadway Showing[66]January 27 – February 15Chad Kimball, Montego Glover
Hello, Dolly!Locally ProducedMarch 8–29Jenifer Lewis, Pat Cashman
Sunday in the Park with GeorgeLocally ProducedApril 21 – May 10Hugh Panaro, Billie Wildrick
GreaseNational TourMay 12–30Taylor Hicks
2007–2008 Season[70]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
Lone Star LoveLocally ProducedSeptember 8–30Randy Quaid
Into The WoodsLocally ProducedOctober 19 – September 10Lisa Estridge
Whistle Down the WindNational TourNovember 13 – December 2
Jersey BoysNational TourDecember 5 – January 12
MameLocally ProducedFebruary 9 – March 2Dee Hoty[71]
CabaretLocally ProducedMarch 25 – April 13Nick Garrison, Teri Kelly
Season Notes: Lone Star Love was originally scheduled to premiere on Broadway following its run at the 5th, but was canceled due to complications with star Randy Quaid.[72]
2006–2007 Season[73]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
Bombay DreamsNational TourSeptember 12 – October 1
CompanyLocally ProducedOctober 17 – November 1Hugh Panaro
White ChristmasLocally ProducedNovember 28 – December 17Michael Gruber
Buddy: The Buddy Holly StoryLocally ProducedFebruary 14 – March 4Billy Joe Huels[74]
CamelotNational TourMarch 20 – April 8Michael York
Edward ScissorhandsNational TourApril 25 – May 13
West Side StoryLocally ProducedMay 29 – June 17Louis Hobson
Season Notes: A 5th Avenue original musical Cry-Baby (based on the Johnny Depp movie), originally scheduled for the fourth spot in the season, was replaced by Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.[74]
2005–2006 Season[75]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
The King and INational TourSeptember 20 – October 9Lucy Lawless
Sweeney ToddLocally ProducedOctober 25 – November 13Carol Swarbrick, Allen Fitzpartick[29]
The Sound of MusicLocally ProducedNovember 29 – December 18Kim Huber, Terrence Mann
The Wedding SingerPre-Broadway World PremiereJanuary 31 – February 19Stephen Lynch
Wonderful TownLocally ProducedMarch 21 – April 9Sarah Rudinoff, Billie Wildrick
PippinLocally ProducedMay 9–28Louis Hobson
Les MisérablesNational TourMay 24 – June 4
Season Notes: Dr. Dolittle, originally scheduled for the third spot in the season, was replaced by The Sound of Music.[76] Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, originally scheduled for the fifth spot in the season, was replaced by The Wedding Singer before the season began.[77] The National Tour of Les Misérables was added to the end of the season for a special two-week engagement.[78]
2004–2005 Season[79]
ShowProduction TypeRun DatesStarring
HairsprayNational TourSeptember 7–26
Smokey Joe's CafeLocally ProducedOctober 19 – November 7
Peter PanNational TourDecember 1–19Cathy Rigby
Singin' in the RainLocally ProducedFebruary 13 – March 5
Miss SaigonNational TourApril 5–24
Gentlemen Prefer BlondesLocally Produced Concert StagingMay 13–15Lucy Lawless & Faith Prince
PrincessesPre-Broadway World PremiereAugust 9–28
Season Notes: We Will Rock You the musical (based on the music of Queen), originally scheduled for the sixth spot in the season, was replaced by a concert staging of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes which ran for three days only.[80] The Pre-Broadway World Premiere of Princesses was added to the end of the season shortly after We Will Rock You was canceled.[81][82]
Seasons prior to 2004–2005[27]
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

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "National Register Information System – (#78002756)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. 1 2 "Opening of Fifth Avenue Theatre Friday is big event: Comfort is first at new theatre". The Seattle Daily Times. September 23, 1926. pp. 16 col. 5.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Florence K. Lentz (March 1978). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination Form" (PDF). National Park Service, Department of Interior. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 8, 2008. Retrieved August 16, 2007.
  4. ↑ Walters, Derek (1995). Chinese Mythology. London: Diamond Books. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-261-66657-3.
  5. 1 2 3 "Our Historic Theater". The 5th Avenue Theatre. Archived from the original on June 9, 2007. Retrieved February 28, 2007.
  6. ↑ "Opening of Fifth Avenue Theatre Friday is big event: Rising orchestra pit is feature of theatre". The Seattle Daily Times. September 23, 1926. pp. 16 col. 1–4.
  7. 1 2 Ochsner, Jeffrey Karl, ed. (1998). Shaping Seattle Architecture: A Historical Guide to the Architects. Seattle: University of Washington Press. pp. 186–191. ISBN 0-295-97366-8.
  8. ↑ "Seattle's future is best in nation says theatre man". The Seattle Daily Times. September 4, 1926. pp. 10 col. 1–2.
  9. 1 2 3 Kreisman, Lawrence (1992). The Stimson Legacy: Architecture in the Urban West. Seattle: Willows Press/University of Washington Press. pp. 144–145. ISBN 978-0-9631630-0-4.
  10. 1 2 "Metropolitan unit complete: Skinner Building ranks high". The Seattle Daily Times. September 23, 1926. pp. 8 col. 1–2.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 "5th Avenue Theatre Press Kit" (PDF). The 5th Avenue Theatre. May 15, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 10, 2008. Retrieved March 10, 2008.
  12. 1 2 Flom, Eric L. (April 24, 2002). "Fifth (5th) Avenue Theatre opens in Seattle amid gala celebration on September 24, 1926". HistoryLink.org. Archived from the original on March 13, 2007. Retrieved March 24, 2007.
  13. ↑ "Advertisement for Fifth Avenue Theatre". The Seattle Times. September 23, 1926. pp. 8, Col. 5–8.
  14. ↑ "Oliver Wallace at the organ: popular musician back home". The Seattle Times. September 23, 1926. pp. 17 col. 2–4.
  15. ↑ "Throng sees theatre open". The Seattle Times. September 25, 1926. pp. 1 col. 3–5.
  16. 1 2 Flom, Eric L. (April 21, 2002). "Fifth (5th) Avenue Theatre". HistoryLink.org. Archived from the original on March 13, 2007. Retrieved March 24, 2007.
  17. 1 2 3 "Historic theaters still in operation". The Seattle Times. August 12, 2001. Archived from the original on July 3, 2007. Retrieved March 24, 2007.
  18. ↑ Kreisman, Lawrence (January 16, 2000). "Historic Times". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  19. 1 2 "Founders". The 5th Avenue Theatre. Archived from the original on June 9, 2007. Retrieved February 28, 2007.
  20. ↑ Wilma, David (January 3, 2005). "Skinner, Ned (1920–1988) and Kayla (1919–2004)". HistoryLink.org. Retrieved February 18, 2008.
  21. ↑ Gray, Philbert (December 14, 2007). "Fox Riverside Theatre restoration begins with a cloud of dust". CinemaTreasures.org. Archived from the original on April 30, 2008. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  22. ↑ Moriwaki, Lee (April 14, 1997). "Change Planned At Skinner Building". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  23. 1 2 "Musical Chronology". The 5th Avenue Theatre. Archived from the original on April 13, 2008. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  24. 1 2 "5th Avenue Theatre renovation begins". Puget Sound Business Journal. August 5, 2002. Retrieved March 29, 2008.
  25. ↑ "Skinner Building Seismic Upgrades". turnerconstruction.com. Archived from the original on April 16, 2008. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  26. ↑ Levesque, John (November 24, 2009). "5th Avenue Theatre gets a little retro branding". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved June 19, 2010.
  27. 1 2 All data relating to seasons prior to 2004–2005 from "Show Archives". 5th Avenue Theatre. Archived from the original on September 22, 2007. Retrieved September 1, 2007.
  28. ↑ "5th Avenue Theatre emits silver sparks". The Seattle Times. May 24, 2005. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 "5th Avenue Theatre 2005–2006 Season Report To The Community" (PDF). The 5th Avenue Theatre. May 15, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 10, 2008. Retrieved March 10, 2008.
  30. 1 2 3 "About Us". The 5th Avenue Theatre. Archived from the original on February 12, 2007. Retrieved February 28, 2007.
  31. 1 2 3 Berson, Misha (April 13, 2000). "New York director is hired for top job at 5th Avenue". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  32. ↑ Berson, Misha (October 24, 1999). "The Time Is Right For Changes At 5th Avenue". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  33. ↑ Perin, Monica (October 24, 1999). "Performing arts executives keeping books balanced". Houston Business Journal. Archived from the original on April 20, 2008. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  34. ↑ Freeman, Paul (January 20, 2006). "National spotlight shines on Seattle stages". Puget Sound Business Journal. Archived from the original on April 20, 2008. Retrieved March 29, 2008.
  35. ↑ "5th Avenue to launch 'Princesses'". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. April 9, 2004. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  36. ↑ Payne, Patti (July 20, 2007). "Seattle welcomes 'Hairspray' the movie with a boisterous, bawdy premiere". Puget Sound Business Journal. Retrieved March 29, 2008.
  37. 1 2 Berson, Misha (January 17, 2008). "Musical "Shrek" to debut in Seattle". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on January 20, 2008. Retrieved January 20, 2008.
  38. ↑ Berson, Misha (August 10, 2009). "Great performances shine in 5th Avenue's 'Catch Me If You Can,' but it's still a bumpy ride". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on August 10, 2009. Retrieved November 10, 2009.
  39. ↑ Goodnow, Cecelia (June 8, 2007). "5th Avenue Theatre awards honor Washington state's best musical theater stars". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved March 16, 2008.
  40. ↑ "The 5th Avenue Theatre Explores Dreams with 2023/24 Season". March 1, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  41. ↑ "Choir Boy | Sep 11 – Oct 23, 2022 ⋆ ACT Theatre". ACT Theatre. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  42. ↑ "5th Avenue Theatre | Alumni". Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  43. 1 2 Land, Ted (August 4, 2021). "Broadway shows return to Seattle in January". king5.com. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  44. ↑ Henry, Alan (June 6, 2019). "Jerry Zaks To Direct Pre-Broadway MRS. DOUBTFIRE at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre This Fall". BroadwayWorld.com.
  45. ↑ Gans, Andrew (June 11, 2019). "Sheryl Kaller Will Direct World Premiere of Bliss at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre". Playbill.
  46. ↑ "The 5th Avenue Theatre Just Announced Their 2019/2020 Season". The Stranger. March 11, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
  47. ↑ Meyer, Dan (January 13, 2020). "Broadway Vacation, The Musical to Make Its World Premiere at 5th Avenue Theatre". Playbill. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  48. 1 2 "FUN HOME, THE SECRET GARDEN & More Set for 5th Avenue Theatre's 2016-17 Season". BroadwayWorld.com. March 7, 2016.
  49. ↑ "Man of La Mancha – The Musical Theater Factory Blog". 5thavenuetheatreblog.wordpress.com. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  50. ↑ "Principal Casting for Disney's The Little Mermaid Announced!". The Musical Theater Factory Blog. September 15, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  51. ↑ "'Waterfall' musical at 5th Avenue blends Thai, Broadway talents". The Seattle Times. October 14, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  52. ↑ "Don't Listen to the Austrian: The Sound of Music at 5th Avenue Theatre Is Good, Especially Act Two". The Stranger. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  53. ↑ "5th Ave's musical 'How to Succeed in Business' is a smashing success". The Seattle Times. February 8, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  54. ↑ "Assassins | ACT". www.acttheatre.org. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  55. ↑ "Meet the Cast: A Night With Janis Joplin". The Musical Theater Factory Blog. March 14, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  56. ↑ "Lerner and Loewe's Paint Your Wagon – The Musical Theater Factory Blog". 5thavenuetheatreblog.wordpress.com. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  57. ↑ "A 'Gentleman's Guide' to dandy wit — and murder — at 5th Avenue Theatre". The Seattle Times. July 15, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  58. ↑ Berson, Misha (February 24, 2014). "'Kinky Boots,' 'Carousel' in 5th Ave's 2014-15 lineup". Seattle Times. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  59. ↑ "'A Chorus Line' showcases up-and-comers at 5th Avenue". The Seattle Times. September 12, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  60. ↑ "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well | ACT". www.acttheatre.org. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  61. ↑ Berson, Misha (December 23, 2011). "5th Ave Theatre announces replacement for 'Something Rotten!'". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  62. ↑ Hetrick, Adam (March 4, 2013). "5th Avenue Theatre Will Premiere New Musical Secondhand Lions". Playbill.com. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  63. 1 2 Moore, Sarah (March 5, 2012). "Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre Announces 2012-2013 Season". TheaterMania.com. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  64. ↑ Berson, Misha (March 6, 2010). "5th Avenue's new season in Seattle: Tony winners and classic favorites". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on March 8, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
  65. 1 2 Berson, Misha (January 13, 2011). "Dates set for world premiere of Disney's 'Aladdin' at 5th Avenue". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved January 31, 2011.
  66. 1 2 Berson, Misha (March 1, 2009). "5th Avenue season's unique "Catch": a musical based on Spielberg film". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on March 3, 2009. Retrieved March 3, 2009.
  67. ↑ "This is BIG! The 5th Avenue Announces An Extra Large 2008–2009 Season With Huge Laughs, Colossal Talent, Epic Love Stories and A World Premiere". The 5th Avenue Theatre. February 4, 2008. Archived from the original on March 2, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2008.
  68. ↑ "SHREK THE MUSICAL Exclusive World Premiere at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre August 14 – September 21, 2008". The 5th Avenue Theatre. January 17, 2008. Archived from the original on March 2, 2008. Retrieved January 20, 2008.
  69. ↑ Berson, Misha (March 20, 2008). ""Shrek the Musical" announces 3 cast members for Seattle show". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on April 17, 2008. Retrieved March 28, 2008.
  70. ↑ "Oh What a Season! Jersey Boys, Lone Star Love, Cabaret, Into The Woods and More". The 5th Avenue Theatre. April 4, 2007. Archived from the original on March 2, 2008. Retrieved April 9, 2007.
  71. ↑ "Luly Yang Couture Gown Featured in MAME". The 5th Avenue Theatre. February 1, 2008. Archived from the original on March 2, 2008. Retrieved February 15, 2008.
  72. ↑ Adcock, Joe (February 10, 2008). "Randy Quaid's Seattle fiasco costs him future stage roles". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved February 15, 2008.
  73. ↑ Berson, Misha (March 26, 2006). "New "Cry-Baby," "Scissorhands" highlight season at 5th Avenue". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 8, 2008.
  74. 1 2 "Seattle World Premiere of Cry-Baby Delayed. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Added to Season". The 5th Avenue Theatre. October 11, 2006. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved February 19, 2007.
  75. ↑ Berson, Misha (February 26, 2005). "5th Avenue Theatre's 2005–2006 season". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 8, 2008.
  76. ↑ "The Sound of Music Replaces Doctor Dolittle as The 5th Avenue Theatre's Holiday Musical". The 5th Avenue Theatre. October 18, 2005. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved February 19, 2007.
  77. ↑ Berson, Misha (February 26, 2005). "5th Avenue Theatre's 2005–2006 season". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on July 4, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2008.
  78. ↑ "Legendary Les Miserables Returns for Final Seattle Engagement". The 5th Avenue Theatre. April 18, 2006. Archived from the original on April 13, 2008. Retrieved March 8, 2008.
  79. ↑ Berson, Misha (February 1, 2004). "'Hairspray' will return to 5th Ave. next season". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 8, 2008.
  80. ↑ "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, In Concert Starring Lucy Lawless, Faith Prince". The 5th Avenue Theatre. January 6, 2005. Archived from the original on April 13, 2008. Retrieved March 8, 2008.
  81. ↑ "New Musical Princesses Goes From Seattle Direct-to-Broadway!". The 5th Avenue Theatre. February 14, 2005. Archived from the original on April 13, 2008. Retrieved March 8, 2008.
  82. ↑ "Arts briefs: 'Princesses' will debut at 5th Ave". The Seattle Times. April 9, 2004. Retrieved March 10, 2008.

Further reading

  • Boerschmann, Ernst. (1925). Chinesische Architektur, Berlin: E. Wasmuth, AG. OCLC 935622
  • Kreisman, Lawrence. (1992). The Stimson Legacy: Architecture in the Urban West, Seattle: Willows Press/University of Washington Press. ISBN 978-0-9631630-0-4
  • Breeze, Carla. (2003). American Art Deco: Modernistic Architecture and Regionalism, New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 978-0-393-01970-4
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