You don't have to travel to New York City to see Broadway-caliber shows. The Fulton Theatre in Lancaster is Central Pennsylvania's premier regional theatre that first opened its doors in 1852. (It is thought to be the oldest continuously operating theater in America!) Today, 170 years later, this National Historic Landmark continues to entertain, educate and delight audiences, bringing live theatre to more than 130,000 patrons annually.
Built on the site of a pre-Revolutionary jail, the Fulton Theatre has a storied history. Also referred to as the Fulton Opera House, it was named after Robert Fulton, Lancaster County's steam engine pioneer. The grandeur of its ornate Victorian architecture was beautifully restored in 1995 through a major renovation and expansion project. The 684-seat theatre features orchestra, mezzanine and gallery seating, including orchestra and balcony boxes near the stage.
Each season, the Fulton Theatre creates exceptional theatre experiences for its audiences. And this year is no different. From on-stage musicals and experimental studio plays to workshops and apprenticeships, there is no shortage of top-notch productions.
Get your tickets for one of the three remaining mainstage shows in the 2021-22 theatre season:
- Smokey Joe's Cafe is an homage to rock 'n' roll songwriters Leiber and Stoller. This musical revue features 40 generation-defining songs, such as "On Broadway," "Stand By Me," "Poison Ivy," "Love Potion No. 9," "Jailhouse Rock," and many more. Don't miss this rock 'n' roll party, which runs April 5-May 1.
- Inspired by the adventures of Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha comes to the Fulton Theatre May 17-June 12. In this musical, playwright Miguel de Cervantes is in prison awaiting trial during the Spanish Inquisition. He and his fellow prisoners perform a play-within-a-play that tells of a mad knight who ventures out to right the world's wrongs.
- Learn how four kids from New Jersey made pop music history when Jersey Boys comes to the Fulton June 28-August 7. This smash Broadway hit makes its regional debut and takes audiences behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "My Eyes Adored You," and more.
"Great theatre is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasize about a world we aspire to." —Willem Dafoe