The Top Three Theaters in the Phoenix, Arizona Area

If you like sumptuousness in your theater-going experience, be sure to attend a show at Gammage Auditorium on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Gammage Auditorium is the largest university-based arts presenter in the United States. Many Broadway productions are presented in this theater, such as “Wicked” and “The Lion King”. The theater was completely remodeled and the stage expanded for the production of “Phantom of the Opera”. Set on the campus of the university, there is a college atmosphere surrounding the outside of the theater, from the tree-lined sidewalks to the campus buildings in the background. Inside there are plush surroundings and the theater is able to host many large productions in an atmosphere of grandeur. It has comfortable seating at many levels. The stage is set in the front of the audience like the Broadway theaters, but every seat has a good view of the action.

Tickets are in the range of $35.00 to $100.00 plus. The theater is so popular that seats are at a premium. Recently with the production of “Wicked”, both nights sold out in one day, so if you want to see a show, get your tickets early. You can visit the Gammage Auditorium online at (http://www.asugammage.com). The theater is located at 1200 S. Forest Avenue (Apache Blvd. and Mill Avenue), Tempe, Arizona, 85287 on the campus of Arizona State University. You can call them at 480-965-5062 for more information about the theater.

Another theater venue in the Phoenix area is the Dodge Theater. The stage is set in the middle of the theater with seats surrounding it. In this theater in the round, the stage turns completely around so the audience can have a good view no matter where they are seated. The auditorium is medium-sized so there is a more intimate experience with the production. Many singers, both pop and country western, bring their shows to this theater. It lends itself to musical productions, where the audience claps or even sings along as the stage turns. It is a “feel good” experience. Wrestling matches, Disney shows, and stand up comics also come to this venue. You can visit the Dodge Theater in Phoenix at (http://www.dodgetheater.com). The theater is located at 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85003. Call them at 602-379-2888. If you like theater in the round, this is a perfect venue for you.

If you like community theater, you will love the Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert, Arizona. It is a small theater on the main street in Gilbert. The director and owner of the theater lives nearby in the community. The stage is in the center surrounded by seating, which is comfortable and provides a good view of the production, no matter where you sit. Since the stage does not move, the actors move around a lot. This community theater employs local professional actors in its productions. Many are still in high school and college in the Gilbert area. The director and his wife plan the production down to the scenery and props. He takes liberty with the specifics of the play or musical and does not present it as a Broadway production. Since it is community theater, the director is free to interpret it as he sees it, rather than present a literal production. Their website is (http://www.haletheatrearizona.com). The theater is located at 50 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert, Arizona, 85233. You may call them at 480-497-1181.

These three venues provide a variety of theater experiences and you will be sure to find one that you like in the Phoenix, Arizona area, or attend them all and decide which is your favorite.