Pantages Theater

6233 Hollywood Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90028

East of Vine, West of Gower

Opened on June 4, 1930 as the last and largest of a chain of theaters operated by vaudeville magnate Alexander Pantages, its interior is considered to be the most stunning example of theater architecture in Los Angeles. Architect B. Marcus Priteca and interior decorator Anthony Heinsbergen, designed this highly ornate Art Deco style masterpiece in 1929 when it was the first American movie palace built entirely in the Art Deco style.

Howard Hughes decided to add Pantages to his RKO chain and bought it in 1949. The Academy Award ceremonies were held at the Pantages from 1949 to 1959.. In 1953 the Oscar ceremonies were televised for the first time ever. Frank Sinatra won the best actor Oscar at the Pantages. The Emmy Awards were held at the Pantages every year until 1977, then moved to Pasadena.

In 1977, the Pantages re-opened as a live "Broadway style" theater. The first musical play was "Bubbling Brown Sugar" and following was "Will Rogers Follies" (starring actor Keith Carradine). On July 5, 1978 the City of Los Angeles declared the Pantages a historic landmark. Many spectacular Broadway shows performed at the Pantages like: "The Sound of Music" with Marie Osmond, "Guys Dolls" with Robert Goulet. Brooke Shields, Ann-Margret, Tim Allen, Whitney Houston, Paul Reiser, and Billy Crystal were some of the many invited guests that came to the Pantages to join George Burns' taped TV special, commemorating his 100th birthday in October of 1995.

"Phantom of the Opera", "Riverdance", "The King and I", and "Peter Pan", were hosted by Pantages in 1998. Not only Broadway shows but live concerts as well were hosted by Pantages, such as the Bonnie Raitt tour and Paul Weller.

In 1999 the revival of "Annie," featuring Sally Struthers as Miss Hannigan.