A great venue to see a show! The staff was so nice the whole time: through security, directing is through the theater, even taking us to our seats. I don't think there are bad seats in the entire theater; good views from just about anywhere. Unlike comparable venues in Seattle, there is ample, low cost parking near the venue. We found a garage on Commerce, paying only $4 for the entire evening, including time for dinner! Will definitely consider coming again. read more

Pantages Theater - View from Row V (way back!). No problem seeing or hearing the performance! - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

My partner and I had such a wonderful time at this theater watching the nutcracker! I was shocked at how gorgeous & timeless this theater was (as it was my first time in). The outside of the theater does not do the inside of it justice. The ornate beautiful walls and ceilings of the theater took my breath away! They had cocktails and some snacks for sale as well during the show which was a nice respite. Absolutely recommend booking a show here! read more

Pantages Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

such a beautiful location. it reminded me of Vienna, Austria in Europe with the golden embellishments and intricate details on the walls. I caught myself staring at them during the intermission for The Nutcracker ballet show. the show is something else for me to review, so I will not do that her because this one is meant specifically for the location. as beautiful and grand that it was, I just disliked that the staff was not taking initiative to help with directions. you had to go up to them, and even with the directions that they provided, the reference points that they used were still unclear. I feel like the staff also could have done a better job of outlining how the show will go because they did not make clear of the intermission and how long it would be. they also did a horrible job with seating people because they moved so slow and got in the way of viewers who were watching the show. Not much social awareness from them :/ Location does a good job of running thru what they expect before you come on for your show so that you could logistically plan. lots of parking after 1800 or 6PM because no more law enforcement for street parking. also, the lights that just twinkle in front of the location make it such an awe to look at. I have not been here during daytime, but I bet you that it is better in the nighttime read more

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Fantastic venue in the heart of Tacoma. Easy walking distance to many restaurants and bars. Plenty of parking around the corner. The interior is gorgeous. I found myself frequently distracted by the sheer beauty of the space. The seating is fairly comfortable, and I was able to see the stage without too much difficulty. I was there for a comedy show, so view of the stage was a secondary concern for me. Like most theatres, it's a long process to exit, but you're riding on the good vibes of the show so it's not that big of a deal. read more

Pantages Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I have had some of the best experiences with Seattle Theater Group and this venue for shows I have watched through the years. I've sat all over the theater and its pretty tight fit due to preserving the historical features. There's always someone available to guide you, welcome you and assist you in every level. read more

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We booked tickets to see Ben Folds as a birthday gift for my husband this last fall. Ben's songs speak to the soul of our relationship, the many ups and downs we have experienced in our years together, and having the opportunity to see him at Pantages Theatre - a relatively intimate venue - was just amazing. With comfy seats, and easy-to-navigate layout, and extremely helpful staffing, it's wonderful to see shows here! I also saw Cary Elwes on his book tour in 2022 and that was extremely enjoyable! With ticket prices continuing to rise, it's hard to know if it's worth the price from a seating chart ... I can tell you from experience that it is absolutely worth the prices here for your favorite show! Take the chance and go. You'll be so glad you went. See you again soon, Pantages!! read more

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Went to see O Christmas Tea.Greeted at the door by very friendly staff,checking tickets,bags etc.The building was very comfortable temperature wise,the bathrooms very well maintained.Our seats were comfortable and we had a good view of the stage.Sound and acoustics were spot on.Great venue. read more

What a an awesome place! The velvet chairs and insane details within the entire venue are so beautiful will attend again! read more

Pantages Theater - Disenchanted Crew! - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Firstly, this is a beautiful historical theater to host shows. It is beautiful in the theater itself. The rest of the place is average. (It compares poorly to both Paramount and 5th Avenue Theatres in Seattle.) I am a short person (5'1"), and I had very good seats on the orchestra level, row L. If I had to look at the part of the stage that is on the lower portion of the stage, I am mostly looking at the head of the person in front of me. The orchestra level is shockingly flat. My friend, seated next to me, who is probably 5'4" had the same problem. My husband fared a bit better; he is 5'6". Luckily, I was there to watch "Say Anything" and a Q&A with John Cusack. Only the John Cusack part made me move left and right looking at the stage level every time he moved. I would **NOT** pay for anything expensive here, unless I get aisle seats. The seats are sufficiently comfortable. They are older but hanging in there. The bathrooms are downstairs. The steps seem to be a bit off, meaning not standard dimensions. The steps could be challenging to reach for those with mobility issues. The front part of the theatre (or waiting area) has very low ceilings and is very small, further crowded by the two waiting areas for drinks and snacks. There is a narrow hallway to enter the theater (such an odd design). Exiting the theater is even worse and even slower. They should open up the side emergency exit doors to allow better flow. Both Paramount and 5th Avenue open side doors to improve exit flow. It is no surprise that snacks and drinks would be expensive. We didn't have time for dinner, so we went for them. Water was posted at $3, snacks were posted at $4, which we thought were reasonable. We were happy to see popcorn, so we ordered 1 water and 2 popcorns. The total was nearly $16. I guess the popcorn were not a $4 snack after all. Posting accurate prices would be nice!! This is a pet peeve of mine. Seeing John Cusack was cool, but I wouldn't return to this theater if I had a choice. read more

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We got invites to a concert we normally wouldn't not of attended and it was ok. The Pantages theater is small and intimate. Very beautiful and ornate designs throughout the theater. Every seat is a good seat but if you are on the larger side the seats are very small and not comfortable! The parking is terrible and it is not in the safest part of Tacoma (the downtown area). read more

Pantages Theater - I took the worst picture ever! - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I so enjoy my time here and at the other two live theaters here in downtown Tacoma. Many shows in summer are at a low cost or free. Family enjoyment at the perfect cost....lol... check it out and support local talent. You would be surprised at how many superstars started here with local support. Maybe, even your family member. There are many "takes, or interpretations " on classical ballet, opera, and others that is important to introductions to the arts as well as "thought provoking". Pkg on Sat all day on street is just $2.00. Come out and explore something new and support our local arts. read more

We were invited to attend the Tacoma Concert Band by my daughter's band teacher. I don't believe I've ever been to the Pantages and I've lived in Tacoma for ages! What a beautiful venue! I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. The people were very friendly and we very much enjoyed ourselves. We found a parking garage nearby that was $2 for up to 3 hours. That's a fantastic deal. read more

Pantages Theater - Tacoma Concert Band - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Beautiful venue. Loved that you can bring your snacks and drink into the theatre. Disenchanted was an amazing show. The only downside is the seats themselves. They are not very comfortable and seem very old. But I am still going again to see a different show. read more

What a gorgeous theater. Much more ambience and intimacy than some of the bigger modern theaters that house symphonies. Glorious Beaux-Arts design on the interior. Also a much more peaceful less stressful experience than some larger venues - we walked right in, meandered about easily, checked the refreshments menu, used the facilities, etc., without feeling squished or rushed. They've put up pretty Christmas decorations. Staff was friendly. read more

The theatre was very nice. The concert was great. It was a great experience for me. This is the second time coming to this venues. read more

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Cool older theater in Tacoma. Every seat in the house is good. The only things I have comments on: it was really warm inside, and it was like a cattle line to get out. read more

This poster is damaged and the autograph is smeared! It was sent in a bubble mailer with do not bend written on it. I am disgusted and you all should be ashamed. read more

Pantages Theater - This is proof I was told I would receive something and it has been 3 weeks! - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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This was our first experience here , when you walk through the doors it's a fun hustle and bustle, so many people , and security checking bags. The orchestra was lovely and welcoming . So many spots for pictures as well, beautifully decorated trees, Christmas decor was lovely ! I checked my coat then headed upstairs, everyone that worked here were super helpful in showing us where our seats were. We got two cups of Rose (bubbly red) and then got some snacks ! We didn't eat before we came to the show and that was a mistake ! We had wonderful seating, sound quality is wonderful , the orchestra was a dream ! The dancers were 100% astounding there was so much love and attention to detail that was put in to this show and it shows . We enjoyed our afternoon date here ! Can't wait to see another show ! read more

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Beautiful, historic theater in the heart of downtown Tacoma. Our first experience was watching the Nutcracker ballet. Incredible kind staff, clean facilities, and super comfy chairs! Looking forward to the next excuse to watch a production here!! read more

Pantages Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Loved this beautiful, historic theater. I went to see Alice In Chains. We had great seats but... they gave our seats to someone else and didn't have enough chairs. It isn't very wheelchair accessible.The sound and intimate vibes made it worth it. read more

Pantages Theater - Birds eye view - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Had an amazing time at the ARTMS concert. It was a hot day (9/5/24) and I wasn't sure it'd be air conditioned, but there was indeed AC! I felt perfect temperature-wise the whole evening. The theater itself is beautiful and had great acoustics! If everyone had been sitting, I would've had a better view, so I can see why this is more geared towards comedy shows and other similar entertainment. read more

I paid for very expensive seats to see the theater production of Carmen, October 6th, 2023. When I got there I was notified that my seats were not available because they needed to extend the orchestra I tried to get help, but no one knew what to do, very long story short, I missed the entire first act, and then was seated in crappy seats I spend $172 total, so buyer beware, the theater has no one in charge but older retired volunteers who cannot help What a waste of money, I will NEVER go back there, such a scam read more

overall, it was so beautiful experience and very pretty inside. Unfortunately, we sat at the very top and couldn't really see anything that was going down at the bottom because the comedian was entertaining the first floor and we could not see what was happening. Aside from this, it was a lot of fun. read more

I saw Star Wars here. Star Wars was the first movie I ever saw. I have been a full-on movie dork pretty much ever since. The Pantages gave me one of the great loves of my life--the movies. What they've done to restore it is pretty amazing. It looks gorgeous now, and they book all kinds of cool top-notch entertainment here. The place is well-run, sounds good, and of course looks great. Downtown Tacoma is coming up around it too. Lots of decent places to eat. I can easily recommend the Pantages and downtown for a day-long date with museums or whatever attached, or as an evening on the town. I love this theater. read more

Pantages Theater - david sedaris...almost! - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I went here a few weeks ago to see the Peking Acrobats. The general theater is older in looks but actually I liked the vintage look and lighting of the theater. There were plenty of volunteers and workers on hand to assist with getting to our seats and each one was very friendly and had a smile on his face. The show was sold out and luckily we were able to get six seats in the box seats on the sides of the theater so we had great view. It felt like we were kind of bourgeois sitting as a group separated from the general population of the theater floor but they we were able to laugh and talk and chat with each other without disturbing the rest of the people seated around. It was a very nice view so if you can sit in the box seats, please do so. Now I thought the stage was a little smaller than I have been to in other cities and the field of sight is narrowed where you focus directly on the stage and can't really see what may be coming up on the sides of the stage. In the box seats you could kind of see what was coming up but the surprise wasn't given away. It was awesome show and would have been perfect for kids. Too bad it was only a one night show. I hope they come back, because I would definitely see the acrobats again. It was pay to park in the surrounding area, but we found a garage that had $5 parking so that worked out. I am kind of eager to see what other shows come up at the theater, because I'd like to hear more of the acoustics and sound quality within the theater. The Peking Acrobats had some instruments but nothing like an orchestra or group of instrumentalists. I'll be back. read more

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We've seen The Little Mermaid, and Lion King here. Production was phenomenal for both, not that the theater had anything to do with that. Views are great from the 2nd floor. Probably fine from the ground floor too. I'm sure the theater has its own terminology for the respective areas. Leg room is a fucking joke. My driver's license GENEROUSLY lists me at 5 ft 10, and the leg room is so bad that my chronic knee problems flare up and hurt me for several days after going to a show. I'm not some 60 year old dinosaur either--I'm late 30s and flirty--so I'm some geriatric case used to having bad knees all the time. If you have young healthy knees then you'll probably be fine, you lucky bastard. Bathroom lines can be intimidating, especially if you are of the fairer sex. Come here and watch shows. Try to pee somewhere else though. read more

So I just endured a truly awful show here, beyond terrible in fact. But this review is for this theater, a true jewel, glistening in the night like pearls strung across a socialite's neck. The interior millwork is astounding, soaring decorative carving , moulding, friezes, truly mezmerizing. You can observe the wealth that once was Tacoma so very long ago. A Northwest Treasure and a tribute to true craftsmanship. read more

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Older, beautiful theater - every seat in the house is good. Bathrooms are small and a little crowded, as is the lobby when there are vendors set up. Decent concession prices for a venue and they offer alcohol as well. Parking can be tough. read more

This is a cool space to see a show in the heart of downtown Tacoma. The theater is historic and ornate and quite lovely inside--beautiful arches, chandeliers and balconies. I have only seen stand-up comedy here and the acoustics were mostly okay; there were times when the sound got a little splashy where I was sitting, underneath the balcony. Seating is a bit of a squeeze--you'll feel like you're in a middle seat in coach on a 737. You'll get brushed up against a lot as people come and go in your row or the one behind you. Decent parking, restaurants and bars in the surrounding area too. read more

Pantages Theater - Just a little glimpse of the design of the ceiling at Pantages - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Admittedly, 3 year olds are impressed by a lot. Mine in particular just got done "wow-ing" at rocks paved into a parking lot in Fred Meyer. This place really had him going-- a cool stained (?) glass looking light above, chandeliers, really interesting moldings and decor. Seats were stadium style, thank God, and there was plenty of leg room (or room to walk with a small child to the restroom from d@mn near center row. We saw the *forgot troupe name* Chinese puppets, which was amazing. Child was pretty much awestruck the entire time. Anyway, this little outing (and scoping out the bars, little arcade / deli around the area made me think of Tacoma as less of a zit on the ass of Seattle. Thanks, Pantages / ICF! Oh, but lose the bitchy ushers. Thanks. read more

This is an overall nice theater. The staff is really nice and helpful here. I attended a fantastic performance of the Swan Lake by the Russian Gand Ballet. It was amazing. This breath of culture in the NW was very welcome. Parking was not too much of a problem. I managed to park two blocks from the theater and the parking is free after 6. Love that about Tacoma. read more

Pantages Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

This is one of Tacoma's great performance halls, and any chance to visit here is a treat. My event was one of the first hosted in the theater after the major remodel in 2018, so we were able to thoroughly explore all of the amazing renovations. The theater is beautiful - incredibly refurbished to its original glory days-state. I was horrified to discover that they painted over the stained-glass chandelier at the center of the ceiling to allow for movies to be shown - it has been fully restored to its original condition, fortunately. The new seating is very comfortable, and roomy. I did get to explore the place before the show, and really had fun seeing where the hallways would lead. The restrooms are a bit hard to find, but were clean and well-lit. This is a very roomy, charming theater - we went to a holiday symphony performance, and the audial quality was fantastic! I'll definitely book tickets to future events here soon! read more

Pantages Theater - Having fun photographing the chandelier - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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The new for-profit company running the city theatres is ruining the experience. Only Ticketmaster for tickets (with huge service fees), no box office open to speak of, $12 glasses of wine, blocking handicap parking so patrons have no place to park during events. Losing business and losing patrons. So sad. read more

My love for This American Life and Ira Glass knows no bounds. By that, I mean, it dragged me all the way to this theater. Let's be honest here -- when I say theater in Western Washington, you're probably thinking "Paramount?" Nope. "Moore?" No. "5th Ave?" Still no. Just when you thought there wasn't another reputable theater around, there's the Pantages Theater in Tacoma -- home of the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. Since this review is all about honesty, I'll be frank, I've never heard of them either until this event. But there are many reasons (besides fawning over a public radio personality) to come here: the ushers are all super helpful and friendly, and it is important to note that they are all volunteers! The audio sounded great. The lighting showed Mr. Glass wonderfully. The entire feel of the theater provides the audience a sense of belonging because it is very intimate and cozy. Parking is super easy because they have a pay parking garage that connects to the theater through a sky bridge -- for a $5 fee. However, you could also park at the Tacoma Dome and ride the LINK Streetcar to the theater for free! After this wonderful event, I can safely tell you that I know where I will be spending some of My American Life -- at the Pantages Theater. read more

Went to see "An Evening with John Cleese" here. Nice theater with a lot of historic architectural elements still in tact; One of the many icons in Tacoma that makes this city such a pleasure to visit. Only downside is it could do with a new seat overhaul as they're a little ld and very close to one another. Even so, Pantages possesses a lot of character that's refreshing in an era of new builds with little to no character. read more

Pantages Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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This pretty theatre, the main venue in the Tacoma theatre district, holds about 1200 people. The seats are placed pretty well, allowing good viewing from most any position. They also provide very good booster seats for youngsters. The programming is high quality and diverse, and the board seems to go out of their way to look for a variety of acts that are not only divergent culturally, but price wise as well...for that I thank and salute them! While not as ornate as the 5th Avenue or Mt Baker Theatres located elsewhere in Western Washington, the Pantages is nevertheless a wonderful home for the fine arts scene in T Town: pretty, spacious, elegant. If you're considering visiting for a show, you will not be disappointed in this venue. read more

This rating in no way reflects the various groups that play the Pantages but rather the room itself. The house is not very live. If you're stuck under the first balcony, forget enjoying an acoustic show. Of course the sound quality is much higher *in* the first balcony and quite a lot less the farther back you go. For actors, it's like singing in a barn full of cotton, though there is an incredible sweet spot Down Center. A lot of care went into the renovation many years ago. Among other travesties, the Tiffany glass ceiling was painted over! The Pantages was brought back from the brink and has been the center of Tacoma's Downtown renaissance ever since. read more

I was here April 1st for "PostSecret: The Show" & was my first visit to the Pantages. The theater is old but well kept & maintained. I loved looking at the decor inside the theater itself. I'm sure this venue is historical building. One thing I'd like to see is upgraded theater chairs. The were very low to the ground & old. I don't think upgrading the seating would harm the legacy of this theater or its charm, but it sure would assist some of us that have difficulty getting up from being seated so low to the ground. Staff was quite friendly & helpful. Parking was a breeze compared to Seattle! Not sure if there are elevators for use, but restrooms are down one level from the main floor seating. read more

Beautiful Venue in Tacoma . Went here on a school field trip to see a play , the staff handled a theatre full of kids awesomely. I will come back and have a grown up date night read more

This such a great night with my son who is 13yrs old. He enjoyed the whole show and just out time there together. I wish we had more time to walk around but just being there with my son was perfect. This was a great mother & son night out together. He said he would do it again with me and he is very hard to please. Thank you Tacoma Arts for this amazing show.... read more