Salt Lake City’s Capitol Theatre is a must for culture buffs. Dancers, actors and singers entertain crowds with famous ballet, Broadway and opera shows most nights of the week. Regional auditions for TV talent shows are also held here. Adding to the theatrical environment, some locals say the theater is haunted. This cultural center opened its doors in 1913 as the Orpheum Theatre. It was designed by renowned theater architect Gustave Albert Lansburgh. The building features an ornate facade with elaborate statues. The original marble staircases and floors are still intact. Capitol Theatre was a motion picture house back in the ‘20s. A young usher was killed in a backstage fire in 1947, and some believe his spirit still roams the theater. Locals talk of spontaneously operating elevators and lights, and even sightings of the unfortunate usher’s ghost. Salt Lake County bought the theater in the 1970s and today it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Dress up for the occasion and catch a show in the majestic building. Ballet West has its headquarters and studios in the theater. The regional company often performs old-time favorites, such as Cinderella and The Nutcracker.The Capitol Theatre is home to the Utah Opera and the Children’s Dance Theatre, and is a venue for Broadway Across America. Catch a large-scale production such as The Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables. Modern-day musical versions of blockbuster cartoon movies are popular with younger crowds. Special events include auditions for television shows, including So You Think You Can Dance, that are open to the public.Buy tickets for productions from the Capitol Theatre website in advance.The Capitol Theatre sits on Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. Street parking is free late at night and all day during weekends. To avoid paying to park, take public transport during weekday business hours. Buses are free in the downtown corridor.
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Reviews of Capitol Theater
5/5 - Excellent
There is a parking garage right across from capitol theater. It is $12.00 for the day, or there is a 2 hour option. It is super convenient.
5/5 - Excellent
We parked at the City Creek Center parking and walked about 2 blocks to the Capital Theater to watch the Celtic Thunder concert. It is a very nice theater.
Popular places to visit
Salt Palace Convention Center
Learn about the events happening at Salt Palace Convention Center during your trip to Salt Lake City. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the temples in this romantic area.
City Creek Center
Browse over 100 stores, admire hourly fountain shows and sample the many dining options at Salt Lake City’s unique open-air mall.
Joseph Smith Memorial Building
This heritage building is a popular breakfast, lunch and dining destination in Temple Square.
Salt Lake Assembly Hall
Be awed by the grandeur of one of Salt Lake City’s most important congregation halls and appreciate its Gothic architecture and rough-hewn stonework.
Lion House
Check out this palatial residence in Temple Square and see beautifully restored parlors with 19th-century furnishings. Have a meal at the atmospheric restaurant.
Temple Square
This historical central square spans three city blocks, with gardens and some of the most significant buildings of the Mormon Church.
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