39 Reviews (717) 534-3405 Website. The lobby walls seem to soar up to touch a ceiling filled with images of sheaves of wheat, beehives, swans, pastoral scenes, the Greek god Apollo and Assyrian war chariots. State Theatre History. Hershey Theatre Tour. From its inception, Hershey Theatre was an enigma. The Hershey Theatre provides 44 counter-weighted lines for sets and lights. From 1964 through 1974, Hershey Theatre was home to the Pennsylvania Scholarship Pageant, part of the Miss America family. Patrons walk into the lobby on floors laid with polished Italian lava rock. Two German artisans labored for two full years to create the beautiful blue and gold pin-point mosaic design leading to the main floor seating area. Millions of tiny holes in the coated vinyl screen permit the sound to permeate and reach the audience. Several commercials promoting the candy bar used the song "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars. With the shows came the stars of Broadway and Hollywood, including Tallulah Bankhead, Jack Haley, Basil Rathbone, Zasu Pitts, Jack Gilford, and the amazing theatrical couple, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. In the main auditorium, the Theatre’s European inspired design creates a sense of being in Venice, Italy. Never fear, next week there will be another opportunity to join Jennifer for a discussion of Milton Hershey, his life, town, and continuing legacy--including exclusive archival photographs, films, and documents!This event will be held Tuesday, Mar 23 at 7 p.m. Other features include a sophisticated lighting system with three super trouper spotlights, a complete house sound system, plus an infrared listening system to aid in hearing. Though the front of Hershey Theatre's house is magnificent, its heart lies backstage, where the magic is created. Via the trolley tour we enjoyed and our super-informative tour guides at the hotel and the Hershey Theatre, I learned so many cool facts about Hershey’s history I didn’t know–despite growing up just minutes away and being raised by a family who had a deep appreciation for Mr. Hershey and his town! The State Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hershey’s building boom provided employment for over 600 workers who otherwise would have been unemployed and built many of this community’s most impressive structures. Discover (and save!) Congratulations, Betty!🐰🐸🎉 #CadburyBunnyTryouts https://bunnytryouts.cadburyusa.com/ ... See MoreSee Less, Did you miss January's webinar with our Senior Archivist, Jennifer Henderson, held by New York Adventure Club? Learn more about Hershey Trolley Works Hershey Theatre. So that his employees would have a pleasant environment for picnicking and boating, Milton S. Hershey built Hershey Park in 1906. The front elevator holds the theatre's sound system for movies. 15 E. Caracas Avenue Hershey, PA 17033 USA. https://hersheyarchives.org/encyclopedia/bursting-with-almonds-hersheys-50-50-bar/. There’s so much to do from exploring the life of Milton Hershey to trying your hand at creating a unique chocolate treat of your own. These acts were usually combined with the Hersheyettes, 16 precision dancing girls, who appeared regularly on the stage. The elevators can be stopped at any level to provide a variety of settings and platforms for plays and musical attraction.  Attached to the underside of the front elevator is the Theatre’s sound system used for movies. Please contact us for more information. Located in downtown Hershey, this magnificent theatre is the area's premier performing arts center, presenting the finest in touring Broadway shows, classical music and dance attractions, and world-renowned entertainers. Hershey Theatre was built just about the time that New York City’s Radio City Music Hall was constructed. Nutrition information. In the orchestra, or main level of the auditorium, the Hershey Theatre's theme is fully revealed: the audience is transported to the grand style of Venice, Italy. Betty is also the first female "bunny" and the smallest ever winner. With the change in leadership, the Theatre renewed its commitment to the arts and began building a program that offered a wide variety of musical and theatrical offerings. The magnificent Hershey Theatre® was conceived by entrepreneur and philanthropist Milton S. Hershey in the early twentieth century. Hershey dedicated its new Community Center and Theatre during the thirtieth anniversary celebration of the town held September 1-4, 1933. In addition to being able to handle more weight, the new system came with the added bonus of taking up less stage space in the wings allowing larger productions to be seen here in Hershey. History. The floor is laid with polished Italian lava rock. The house (auditorium) speakers are controlled by a complex system which was updated with digital technology in 2006 and includes a 24 channel audio board, and delays that time the speakers signal by milliseconds in accordance with their distance from the stage so that the sound seems to emanate from the stage. Panel: Women in Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The elevators can be stopped at any level to provide a variety of settings and platforms for plays and musical attractions. Hershey Theatre. The Theatre’s original switchboard had been used continuously, modulating the lighting in show after show since 1933. Check out the history of its predecessor, the 50-50 Almond bar, on our website: https://hersheyarchives.org/encyclopedia/bursting-with-almonds-hersheys-50-50-bar/It's National Almond Day! Check out this great piece put together by our sister organization, The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, in honor of Women's History Month! So join us, learn about Milton Hershey, and support the Archives! Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, with its brown-and-silver wrapper, was perhaps the best-known American candy bar of the 20th century. This morning, Archives staff celebrated by doing some field collecting. Since the Theatre was built from plans developed 19 years earlier,  its design more closely resembles the opulence of early twentieth century theaters. : High Point Mansion (Interior) It's History! Hershey Trolley Works - Most commonly spotted on the streets of Hershey is the fern green, old-fashioned trolley. When it was finally retired, it brought only $187 and was labeled as scrap. (Find out more about the 50-50 Bar here: https://hersheyarchives.org/encyclopedia/bursting-with-almonds-hersheys-50-50-bar/). The original main buildings, a rustic bandstand and pavilion, served as a stage for vaudeville and theatre productions. More Than 110 Years of Hersheypark Happy A Park for Workers. Take a behind the scenes look at the historic Hershey Theatre. Later in the war, Hershey introduced a new version, known as the Tropical bar, specifically designed for extreme temperatures of the Pacific Theater. It's History! © 2021 Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company. Hershey's Golden Almond Bar continues to be a favorite worldwide. In 1930, Hershey boasted a population of less than 2,500 residents. The system was updated in 2004 from the original 39 lines to a double purchase system to increase the number and capacity available to visiting productions. Their work involved historic paint studies to accurately determine the original vision for the space. Their concern for the dolphin convinced Apollo that they would take good care of his island and the oracle. Hershey has operated a full-service production company since 2001, and in 2020 created a new brand LIVE FROM FLORENCE, that operates a "theatre at … With actual construction, Indiana limestone was substituted. This high-end piece of history is a joy to own! Original paint colors had been lost over the years and the grace and beauty of the architecture was obscured by modern color choices. The first movie shown at the theatre was “Pilgrimage” with Henriette Crosman, Norman Foster, and Marion Nixon. Throughout the Theatre the original gilded finishes were cleaned and restored using a complex application of gold leaf, bronze powders and Dutch metals. Hershey Theatre Near Hershey, PA, 2019-2020 Concerts and Events at Hershey Theatre, Hershey , Hershey Theatre Tours, Hershey Theatre Schedule and Hershey Theatre Tickets 2021 Some people questioned the wisdom of building a 1,904 seat theater in the heart of rural central Pennsylvania. The Hershey's Gold bar was first introduced by The Hershey Company in 2017. In the spring of 1981, a new and complete house sound system was installed in the Hershey Theatre. For questions regarding upcoming performance schedules, please contact the venue … The Hershey Company, commonly known as Hershey's, is an American multinational company and one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. From its inception, the theatre was designed to be a beautiful place for Central Pennsylvanians to gather and enjoy a wide assortment of entertainment. Hershey Foundation Speakers Bureau offers a range of presentations highlighting our unique expertise in horticulture, Hershey history, museum collections and archives. He designed the grand lobby to resemble a Greek temple and … Some people questioned the wisdom of building a 1,904 seat theater in the heart of rural central Pennsylvania. The six-ton fire curtain features a painting of the city of Venice, with its Grand Canal slowly flowing past Doge’s Palace. Utilizing the radiance of colored lights, the sky changes scenes from sunset to dusk, from dawn to sunrise. Within the hanging ceiling, 88 small holes are fitted with 10- and 25-watt light bulbs. The chocolate will be removed from the packaging (and enjoyed by staff 😋) and the packaging will be preserved. The arena has a seating capacity, for hockey, of 7,286 people and in excess of 8,000, including standing room. Apollo’s twin sister, Artemis, was the patron saint of animals, so Apollo also held animals in high esteem. In the Grand Lobby, Apollo is portrayed driving his horse drawn chariot, pulling the sun across the sky. Located in downtown Hershey, Pennsylvania, the magnificent Hershey Theatre ® is the area's premier performing arts center, presenting the finest in touring Broadway shows, classical music and dance attractions, and world-renowned entertainers. Along both sides of the lobby’s ceiling are six teal triangular shapes. When Hershey Theatre presents movies, the screen, on a 3-ton steel frame measuring 18’x44’6″, is lowered from the ceiling directly in front of the gigantic speakers. When horses were not drawing his chariot, he would use swans, dolphins, or griffins, a half bird/half lion mythological creature. Through the use of a suspended ceiling, star-like lights shine through small openings in the ceiling. The end of the century saw no end to the star power on the Hershey stage, with such luminaries as Michael Feinstein, Yo-Yo Ma, Mandy Patinkin, Carol Channing, Rita Moreno, Wynton Marasalis, George Shearing, Joe Williams, Larry Gatlin, Jerry Lewis, Della Reese, Petula Clark, David Cassidy, John Davidson, Donna McKechnie, Andrea McCardle and Marvin Hamlisch.  Shows such as Les Miserables, Guys and Dolls, The Secret Garden, Will Rogers’ Follies, Crazy for You, State Fair, An Inspector Calls, Stomp, Smokey Joe’s Café, Jolson, Chicago, Fame, Sunset Boulevard and Footloose were presented.  During this decade, the Theatre started offereing full week runs of touring Broadway shows – eight performances during each one week stay. Meeting Facilities Hershey Theatre Meeting Facility. Since 2000, Bill Cosby, James Galway, Rich Little, Savion Glover, Cherry Jones, Valerie Harper, Julie Harris, Frank Gorshin and George Carlin have entertained audiences at Hershey Theatre. So that his employees would have a pleasant environment for picnicking and boating, Milton S. Hershey built Hershey Park in 1906. Milton Hershey wanted to have an organ that would match the Theatre’s elegant design. From its inception, Hershey Theatre was an enigma. Never fear, next week there will be another opportunity to join Jennifer for a discussion of Milton Hershey, his life, town, and continuing legacy--including exclusive archival photographs, films, and documents! The parade of stars continued in the 1960s, with entertainment legends Joan Blondell, Imogene Coca, Edward Everett Horton, Forrest Tucker, Ed Ames, Ginger Rogers, Don Ameche, Tab Hunter, Margaret O’Brien and Robert Preston coming to town. In 1969, the Theatre discontinued showing movies as part of their regular fare. Follow the history of chocolate and the story of one of America’s most celebrated confectioners in a museum dedicated to all things sweet. Hershey wasn’t immune to the effects of the Great Depression, so Mr. Hershey developed “The Great Build Campaign”. As Urban drew up plans for the building, the architect engaged the design services of Tiffany Studios to develop plans for the Theatre’s interior design. Located on Northeast Drive, the museum is one place you should not miss out on in Hershey. The stage measures 75' from wall to wall, and 44' from the apron to the back wall. Nearly 600 skilled workers, unemployed due to the Great Depression, found work as part of Mr. Hershey's "Great Building Campaign." Learning is fun and hands-on at The Hershey Story Museum! Perhaps in another 75 years we’ll know the whole story. On The Issues: Senator John DiSanto It's History! The next day, Saturday, was the Community Theatre’s official opening day. With the passing of vaudeville, first-run movies became Hershey’s passion. Tour High Point Mansion and visit the Museum Experience at The Hershey Story for only $25 per person. By the 1950s, Hershey Theatre was an established and sought after venue for Broadway tours.  In fact, in 1954, the first stop of Yul Brynner and The King and I – after their triumph on Broadway – was Hershey Theatre.  During those golden years, the stars came with regularity, including Katharine Hepburn, Jeanette MacDonald, Olivia de Havilland, Ethel Waters, Van Heflin, Janet Blair, Rex Harrison, Mary Martin and Celeste Holms. The Archives will receive part of the proceeds from ticket sales. Hint: There are more than eighteen! Via the trolley tour we enjoyed and our super-informative tour guides at the hotel and the Hershey Theatre, I learned so many cool facts about Hershey’s history I didn’t know–despite growing up just minutes away and being raised by a family who had a deep appreciation for Mr. Hershey and his town! Buy Hershey Theatre tickets at Ticketmaster.com. In 1915, Hershey had his architect, C. Emlen Urban, draw up plans for a new community building. Almonds have been a staple ingredient in Hershey's product line since 1908, when the chocolate company introduced Hershey's milk chocolate bar with almonds. 1873: Northampton National Bank constructed. Company headquarters are in Hershey, Pennsylvania. All ticketing and communication for these events will be handled by Hershey Felder Presents. The plans were closely followed with only a couple exceptions. In the Grand Lobby swans sit at each end of  the barrel-vaulted ceiling, two swans flanking a lyre. Discover (and save!) Hershey Felder attends the Opening Night of 'Hershey Felder As Irving Berlin' on September 5, 2018 at the 59E59 Theatre in New York City. Regular tours show off the beauty and history of the building in greater detail. Save big with a Broadway Series subscription package. Congratulations, Betty!🐰🐸🎉 #CadburyBunnyTryouts. Hersheypark Arena (originally Hershey Sports Arena) is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, managed by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company. Such atmospheric ceilings were a hallmark of early 20th century grand theaters. Members (The Hershey Story, Hershey Gardens or Hershey Theatre Guild): $13; Hershey History Special! Today, the Foundation operates the Hershey Theatre and the Hershey Gardens. In March 1975, the show Give ‘Em Hell, Harry starring James Whitmore, was built in Hershey for their road tour.  In 1979, the Classic Film Series began, brining vintage films back to the Theatre once each month. Almonds have been a staple ingredient in Hershey's product line since 1908, when the chocolate company introduced Hershey's milk chocolate bar with almonds. During the 1940s, Broadway touring companies came more regularly to Hershey, with shows like The Student Prince, Arsenic and Old Lace, My Sister Eileen, The Corn is Green, Annie Get Your Gun, Carousel, Show Boat, Harvey and Oklahoma! your own Pins on Pinterest To enter the theater’s house, patrons pass through solid brass doors to the inner foyer, featuring a much lower ceiling shimmering with an intricate blue and gold mosaic, patterned after St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, Italy. Also, become an apprentice, go on a scavenger hunt, and end your day in the best way – with something tasty and sweet! He was the patron defender of herds and flocks, which may explain the sheep in the corners of the ceiling. #CelebrateSHE ... See MoreSee Less, Golden Almond is one of our favorites! The back of the house was not ignored. During those vaudeville years, such notable entertainers as Blackstone the Magician, Roy Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Thumb, the Roxyettes (forerunners of the Rockettes), Fanny Brice, Ed Wynn, Ethel Barrymore and Jackie Cooper took their star turns on Hershey’s stage. How could such a small town sustain a theater that would often be compared to Radio City Music Hall? Hershey’s strong program of first-run movies took a turn for the worse during the 1960s.  Due to a strong family-movie-only stand taken by the Theatre, distributors took first-run films elsewhere, bringing only second-runs to Hershey. The construction of the theater and five other buildings in Hershey, Pennsylvania gave hundreds of workers jobs during the financial crisis. Supplying the finishing touch, a stereoptican machine is held on a side balcony of the theatre. Post war financial challenges forced Hershey to tighten his belt and delay community projects. Four different types of marble, both imported and domestic, shape the walls and exquisite series of arches. Added in 1988, the trolley, with singing conductors, departs for a round-trip tour of Hershey, pointing out historical and cultural observations along the way. Did you miss January's webinar with our Senior Archivist, Jennifer Henderson, held by New York Adventure Club? Fast forward to 1977, when Hershey's Golden Almond Bar debuted, replacing the 50-50 Bar, which was introduced in the 1920s. He repeated this three times and the sailor’s reaction was always the same. In 1915, Hershey had his architect, C. Emlen Urban, draw up plans for a new community building. This is because, as the story goes, Florentine families were always fighting and yelling at each other. A tree frog named Betty made #HersheyHistory today by becoming the first amphibian to win Cadbury USA's annual Bunny Tryouts! In 1930, Hershey boasted a population of less than 2,500 residents. ... child-friendly rides and opportunities to dine with actors dressed as Hershey products. As Urban drew up plans for the building, the architect engaged the design services of Tiffany Studios to develop plans for the Theatre’s interior design. Hershey Theatre is a 1,904-seat theater in downtown Hershey, Pennsylvania. Pink granite walls, faux balconies and windows create the illusion of being outside in a plaza. The building’s interior is intended to transport patrons to the world of the arts. Museum Experience ticket good for one visit within six months from date of purchase. Hope to see you there! The theatre's Aeolian-Skinner organ has over 4,000 pipes. Apollo revealed himself to the sailors and told them of their new destiny. The Grand Lobby ceiling decoration also includes two dolphins. Stars included Robert Cummings, Mamie Van Doren, Louis Jourdan, Stubby Kaye, Ricardo Montalban, Myrna Loy, Edward Mulhare, Patsy Kelly, Howard Keel, Ken Berry, Dana Andrews, Monte Markham, Howard Duff, Cyril Ritchard, Carolyn Jones, Rosemary Clooney and Rose Marie.  A favorite of this era was Broadway star John Raitt (father of Bonnie Raitt), who visited six times. Certain engagements and performances at this theatre may be canceled or postponed due to the evolving coronavirus situation. Hersheypark History. : Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society. TheatreWorks is partnering with Hershey Felder to promote these events to our patrons, and Mr. Felder is graciously donating a portion of the proceeds back to our organization. If you can't attend the event live, the webinar will be available with ticket purchase for 1 week.You can purchase tickets to the event at the link below. No, these performances are being put on by Hershey Felder Presents. ... Hershey Theatre. The original 1915 plans for the Community Building and Theatre were dusted off and workers broke ground in 1928. Baltimore, MD. It's National Almond Day! The granite facade and the Foyer are original. Get directions, reviews and information for Hershey Theatre in Hershey, PA. Hershey Theatre 15 E Caracas Ave Hershey PA 17033. The Hershey Theatre's Concert History. Hint: There are more than eighteen! Betty is also the first female "bunny" and the smallest ever winner. The sides of the auditorium appear to be the outer walls of a Byzantine castle, complete with balconies on windowed towers. Those with tickets for canceled or postponed performances should contact their point of purchase for information. : Hershey Theatre. The ceiling is filled with bas-relief images of sheaves of wheat, beehives, swans, pastoral scenes, Apollo and Assyrian war chariots, attracting patrons' eyes to the beautiful art above. In 1970, Hershey Estates transferred ownership of the Theatre to The M.S. ... See MoreSee Less, Today is International Women's Day! It also supported the creation of the Hershey Community Archives and the Hershey … Hershey Theatre Tour. It's History! The interior design of the Hershey Theatre evokes an early twentieth-century opulence, with an elegant grand lobby and a romantic, European-inspired opera house. The Great Artists Series, which Hershey Theatre presented with partners Lebanon Valley College and Elizabethtown College, continued to bring world renowned classical attractions to central Pennsylvania, including the London Philharmonic, Duke Ellington, violinist Yehudi Menuhin, Berlin Concert Choir and Orchestra, pianists Lorin Hollander and Andre Watts, Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, Dave Brubeck, Norman Luboff Choir, guitarists The Romeros, Marcel Marceau and the Prague Chamber Orchestra – just to name a few.