Capitol Theater

The Capitol Theatre brings a range of different spectacles to the heart of Salt Lake City throughout the week, from Broadway shows to classical music and dance performances. This multi-purpose venue also hosts local auditions for hugely popular television talent competitions. All of this is overseen by the theatre's ghost, who, local legend has it, continues to drift up and down the aisles of the theatre.

The famed architect Gustave Albert Lansburgh created the design for the theatre with its decorous facades and detailed statues. It was constructed in 1913 as the Orpheum Theatre, and while the name has changed, many elements of the building's splendid appointments remain intact, including its original floors and marble staircases. Salt Lake County bought the theatre during the 1970s, and it has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places, granting it status and protection from alteration.

In 1947 the theatre suffered a fire in the backstage area, and more tragically still, an usher perished in the blaze. Since then, natives of the city talk of self-operating lights and lifts, along with paranormal sightings of the spectre of the young man who died.

This regal building is also home to a number of cultural institutions. Put on your finest gown or suit and come and see regular performances by ballet company, Ballet West, of old favourites such as Cinderella and The Nutcracker. Utah Opera and the Children's Dance Theatre also frequently grace the stage of Capitol Theatre, while Broadway Across America brings huge productions and top-quality shows such as The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables to town. Younger visitors are catered for with musical adaptations of popular cartoons and children's films. The massive “So You Think You Can Dance?” television programme also stages auditions here.

Evening and weekend parking is free on the streets of central Salt Lake City. The theatre is well serviced by public transport during the day, with buses free of charge in the city centre corridor. Tickets for the shows are available on the website.