Theaters

Overview

San Francisco's Union Square, renowned for its vibrant energy and upscale retail, also serves as the beating heart of the city's theatrical district. This dynamic nexus of arts and culture offers a diverse array of performance venues, from historic playhouses showcasing Broadway blockbusters to intimate stages nurturing local talent. Nestled amidst the bustling streets and elegant hotels, the theaters around Union Square draw visitors into a world of dramatic storytelling, musical spectacle, and captivating live performances. It's a place where the echoes of past theatrical triumphs blend seamlessly with the excitement of contemporary productions, making it a pivotal destination for any arts enthusiast visiting the Golden City.

The area surrounding Union Square is home to several prominent theaters, each with its own unique character and programming. Key venues include the historic Curran Theatre, the majestic Golden Gate Theatre, the esteemed American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), the San Francisco Playhouse, and the intimate Marines' Memorial Theatre. These institutions collectively define the city's performing arts landscape, offering a rich tapestry of experiences from grand Broadway tours to innovative regional theater.

History & Cultural Background

The theatrical tradition in the Union Square area dates back over a century, with many of its iconic playhouses emerging in the early 20th century. The Curran Theatre, for instance, first opened its doors in February 1922 (or September 1922, depending on the source) and was named after its first owner, Homer Curran. Built at a cost of $800,000, its design is thought to be based on six Broadway venues, making it one of the few non-New York theaters to emulate Broadway's style. It quickly became a Shubert circuit house and later a showcase for Theatre Guild presentations, closely associated with the San Francisco Civic Light Opera.

Similarly, the Golden Gate Theatre, located at 1 Taylor Street, also opened in 1922. Designed by G. Albert Lansburgh, it began its life as a grand vaudeville house, hosting legendary performers like Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong, before transitioning to a major movie theater with a Cinerama screen in the mid-20th century. The American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), a Tony Award-winning theater and training institution, was established in 1965 and is a significant cultural anchor, with its mainstage, the Toni Rembe Theater (formerly the Geary Theater), located near Union Square. The Toni Rembe Theater itself, rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and fires, has been A.C.T.'s home since its inception in San Francisco. The Marines' Memorial Theatre, built in 1926, is another historic 'jewel box' theater contributing to the district's rich heritage.

What Makes It Special

The theaters around Union Square are distinguished by their historical significance, architectural grandeur, and their pivotal role in launching and nurturing theatrical productions. The Curran Theatre is renowned for hosting major pre-Broadway tryouts and long-running productions, including the world premiere of 'Wicked' in 2003 and the pre-Broadway tryout of August Wilson's 'Fences'. Its ornate interiors, including a main lobby ceiling hand-painted to resemble wood grain and murals by Arthur Matthews, contribute to its unique charm.

The Golden Gate Theatre, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Market Street Theatre and Loft District, offers a unique blend of opulent history and modern performance space, known for presenting a wide array of Broadway shows. A.C.T. is not only a performance venue but also a highly respected training institution, developing future generations of theater artists. The San Francisco Playhouse, a non-profit company, is celebrated for staging both world premieres and critically acclaimed plays, earning numerous Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards. The collective presence of these venues creates a concentrated hub for theatrical excellence on the West Coast.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The theaters around Union Square hold many captivating stories. For instance, the Curran Theatre gained cinematic fame when it was used for interior and exterior scenes of a Broadway theater in the 1950 Academy Award-winning film 'All About Eve'. The original main-floor interior lobby is visible in the film. It even appeared in an episode of 'The Streets of San Francisco', doubling as A.C.T.'s Geary Theatre.

The Golden Gate Theatre, with its original seating capacity of over 2,800, was once praised for an auditorium that 'suggests the outdoors, with none of the roofed-over feel that characterizes the average theatre… It is like sitting under a bit of blue sky, so effective is the color suggestion.' Its restoration in 1979 brought 'A Chorus Line' to its stage, marking a return to live performance after decades as a movie house. The San Francisco Playhouse, established in 2003, champions itself as an 'empathy gym', where audiences can practice compassion by immersing themselves in diverse stories.

The architectural details are also noteworthy; the Curran's chandelier, for example, was built in San Francisco. An employee named Arthur Mayer watched the Curran being built, was hired for its opening staff, and worked there until he was nearly 100 years old, a testament to the theater's enduring allure. The area truly comes alive in the evenings, with theatergoers adding to the vibrant streetscape, often enjoying pre-show dinners or post-show drinks in the numerous surrounding establishments.

Visitor Perspective

For visitors exploring San Francisco, the theaters near Union Square offer a compelling reason to venture beyond shopping and dining. Experiencing a performance here is an immersive cultural journey. Whether it's the grandeur of a touring Broadway production at the Curran or Golden Gate, the thought-provoking artistry of A.C.T., or the intimate storytelling of the San Francisco Playhouse, there's a show for every taste. The district's central location means easy access via public transportation and proximity to many hotels and restaurants, allowing for a complete evening out. Attending a show provides a unique opportunity to connect with the city's artistic soul and witness world-class talent in architecturally significant settings. The vibrant atmosphere before and after curtains rise adds to the overall experience, making a visit to the Union Square theater district a memorable highlight of any San Francisco itinerary.