Elsinore Theatre

Named after the sixteenth-century Danish castle in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Elsinore Theater opened for silent films and vaudeville shows on May 28, 1926. It was heralded as the “largest and most lavish theater between Portland and San Francisco.”
In the decades since attorney and art connoisseur George B. Guthrie constructed the building at High and State Streets, the Elsinore has been an integral part of the city’s cultural scene. Performers have included John Philip Sousa, Clark Gable, Jack Benny, Bonnie Raitt, Gregory Peck, Bernadette Peters, James Earl Jones, and Itzak Perlman.
Ellis F. Lawrence, founder of the University of Oregon School of Architecture, and interior designer Fred S. Allyn designed the Elsinore by combining the characteristics of a Gothic cathedral and a Tudor palace. The building included Povey Brothers stained-glass windows, 30-foot faux stonework walls, candlelit chandeliers, a decorative foyer, murals of Shakespeare’s characters, and two grand carpeted staircases.
In 1986 Clayton and Rick Parks donated and installed the largest theater pipe organ in the Pacific Northwest—a stunning 26-rank, 1,800-pipe instrument— The Elsinore Theatre remains the home of the Parks Murdock Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Hear the stories behind the ghost light, which is a light bulb on a stand, glowing center stage. The ghost light remains on casting shadows against the walls of the stage and the back of the auditorium when the stage and theater are empty.
Take the tour and learn so much more.

Named after the sixteenth-century Danish castle in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Elsinore Theater opened for silent films and vaudeville shows on May 28, 1926. It was heralded as the “largest and most lavish theater between Portland and San Francisco.”
In the decades since attorney and art connoisseur George B. Guthrie constructed the building at High and State Streets, the Elsinore has been an integral part of the city’s cultural scene. Performers have included John Philip Sousa, Clark Gable, Jack Benny, Bonnie Raitt, Gregory Peck, Bernadette Peters, James Earl Jones, and Itzak Perlman.
Ellis F. Lawrence, founder of the University of Oregon School of Architecture, and interior designer Fred S. Allyn designed the Elsinore by combining the characteristics of a Gothic cathedral and a Tudor palace. The building included Povey Brothers stained-glass windows, 30-foot faux stonework walls, candlelit chandeliers, a decorative foyer, murals of Shakespeare’s characters, and two grand carpeted staircases.
In 1986 Clayton and Rick Parks donated and installed the largest theater pipe organ in the Pacific Northwest—a stunning 26-rank, 1,800-pipe instrument— The Elsinore Theatre remains the home of the Parks Murdock Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Hear the stories behind the ghost light, which is a light bulb on a stand, glowing center stage. The ghost light remains on casting shadows against the walls of the stage and the back of the auditorium when the stage and theater are empty.
Take the tour and learn so much more.

“Annie Get Your Gun” is a Wild West show-within-a-show that frames the ageless “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. Tony, Oscar and Emmy-winner Peter Stone reshaped the 1946 book to complement Irving Berlin’s classic score that features hit after hit, making it a musical for the ages.

Directed by Stephen Munshaw with choreography by Christopher Dean, the Elsinore Theatrical production includes cirque aerialists, professional performers, and unforgettable music making it a truly big top experience with showman style and production.

Family Friendly. Doors open at 6:30. Beer, wine and concessions available.

“Annie Get Your Gun” is a Wild West show-within-a-show that frames the ageless “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. Tony, Oscar and Emmy-winner Peter Stone reshaped the 1946 book to complement Irving Berlin’s classic score that features hit after hit, making it a musical for the ages.

Directed by Stephen Munshaw with choreography by Christopher Dean, the Elsinore Theatrical production includes cirque aerialists, professional performers, and unforgettable music making it a truly big top experience with showman style and production.

Family Friendly. Doors open at 1pm. Concessions available.

“Annie Get Your Gun” is a Wild West show-within-a-show that frames the ageless “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. Tony, Oscar and Emmy-winner Peter Stone reshaped the 1946 book to complement Irving Berlin’s classic score that features hit after hit, making it a musical for the ages.

Directed by Stephen Munshaw with choreography by Christopher Dean, the Elsinore Theatrical production includes cirque aerialists, professional performers, and unforgettable music making it a truly big top experience with showman style and production.

Family Friendly. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Concessions available.

“Annie Get Your Gun” is a Wild West show-within-a-show that frames the ageless “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. Tony, Oscar and Emmy-winner Peter Stone reshaped the 1946 book to complement Irving Berlin’s classic score that features hit after hit, making it a musical for the ages.

Directed by Stephen Munshaw with choreography by Christopher Dean, the Elsinore Theatrical production includes cirque aerialists, professional performers, and unforgettable music making it a truly big top experience with showman style and production.

Family Friendly. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Concessions available.

“Annie Get Your Gun” is a Wild West show-within-a-show that frames the ageless “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. Tony, Oscar and Emmy-winner Peter Stone reshaped the 1946 book to complement Irving Berlin’s classic score that features hit after hit, making it a musical for the ages.

Directed by Stephen Munshaw with choreography by Christopher Dean, the Elsinore Theatrical production includes cirque aerialists, professional performers, and unforgettable music making it a truly big top experience with showman style and production.

Family Friendly. Doors open at 6:30. Beer, wine and concessions available.

“Annie Get Your Gun” is a Wild West show-within-a-show that frames the ageless “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler. Tony, Oscar and Emmy-winner Peter Stone reshaped the 1946 book to complement Irving Berlin’s classic score that features hit after hit, making it a musical for the ages.

Directed by Stephen Munshaw with choreography by Christopher Dean, the Elsinore Theatrical production includes cirque aerialists, professional performers, and unforgettable music making it a truly big top experience with showman style and production.

Family Friendly. Doors open at 1pm. Concessions available.