Spend a night watching drama, dance and music in one of Pennsylvania’s most opulent venues or tour it during the daytime to glimpse behind the scenes.
Hershey Theatre is an ideal place to spend an evening enjoying performances of classical music and hit shows in its elegant auditorium. Even if you don’t attend a show, simply entering the foyer of this arts venue is a worthwhile experience. Walk through a hall made of four different kinds of marble with bas-reliefs decorating the arches and ceiling. Regular tours show off the beauty and history of the building in greater detail.
Like many attractions in the town, Hershey Theatre exists because of confectioner and businessman Milton Hershey. The philanthropist funded the building of the theater between 1929 and 1933, some of the worst years of the Great Depression, to bring work and hope to the region. Nearly 600 workers were employed to construct the venue.
Take a seat in the Venice-inspired auditorium to watch the best in dance, music and touring Broadway productions. When the theater, which features almost 2,000 seats, fills up, the atmosphere becomes electric as the crowd enjoys a wide variety of performances.
Once inside, look upwards at the auditorium's ceiling. This dynamic feature is suspended from the roof and changes appearance according to the scene below. Watch as the lights change from a sunrise to a starlit sky. Admire the Aeolian-Skinner concert organ, which has over 4,000 pipes.
Join one of the theater’s Spotlight Tours and step back in time to its earliest days. Groups go behind the scenes where they can explore around five floors of dressing rooms for the cast and see backstage where the performers await their cue.
See if you can spot the dozens of lions incorporated into the design of the building as you explore the theater. Tours take place on Fridays and Sundays and allow visitors to learn more about Milton Hershey and his other projects.
Hershey Theatre is located in the town center, about a 5-minute walk from the Tourist Information Center. Find free parking on-site. Get discount on admission to shows with a Hersheypark ticket.