EXPERIENCE LIVE THEATER IN LANCASTER, PA: 9 OF THE BEST THEATERS FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Lancaster, PA has become an increasingly popular location to experience live theatre. From historic performing halls to experimental venues, there are plenty of live entertainment options to choose from. Below are nine of our favorite live theatre spots near Lancaster County.
1. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Rediscover the tradition of dinner theatre at The Dutch Apple. Owned by the Prather family, who has been producing live theatre in Lancaster for over 50 years, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre offers Broadway-style shows over a freshly cooked meal.
The dinner theatre is comfortable, seating only 328 guests per show, but they host over 150,000 guests a year. Choose from their dining options of a classic dinner buffet, table service dinner, or enhanced dinner buffet as you take in a stimulating live performance!
Previous Shows
- Beauty and the Beast
- Mamma Mia
- Grease
- Peter Pan
- Elf The Musical
Check out the shows that are playing this season at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre.
Address
501 Centerville Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
2. American Music Theatre
If you’re interested in more than live theatre, The American Music Theatre offers over 200 different live entertainment options in Lancaster, PA yearly. From Broadway tours, comedy performances, live music, and celebrity concerts, the American Music Theatre has one of the most diverse and lengthy entertainment schedules along the East Coast.
They are a high-caliber performance venue, and they’ve been recognized with several awards and nominations over the years. They’ve even hosted Grammy, CMA, Tony, and Oscar award winners, which is a testament to the America Music Theatre’s professionalism.
Previous Shows
- Scotty McCreery
- Celtic Women
- Jay Leno
- RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles
- The Oak Ridge Boys
Check out the shows that are playing this season at the American Music Theatre.
Address
2425 East Lincoln Highway
Lancaster, PA 17602
3. Fulton Theatre
The historic Fulton Theatre is 1 of 8 theatres in the United States that is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It was purchased as a not-for-profit building in 1962 by concerned citizens to save it from demolition.
Since then, the Fulton Theatre has been offering a range of productions, from large-scale to small, in their stunning Victorian-style opera house. Their goal is to “create and produce exceptional theatre” — and they offer just that to Lancaster and its surrounding areas.
Previous Shows
- Jersey Boys
- Treasure Island
- Chicago
- Kinky Boots
- Peter Pan
Check out the shows that are playing this season at the Fulton Theatre.
Address
12 North Prince Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
4. Prima Theatre
Since its founding in 2010, the Prima Theatre has been offering unique themed theater to the Lancaster area. They host boutique musicals, theatrical concerts, and other special events in an effort to attract more than just the frequent performing-art-goers.
Many of Prima’s returning guests are decades younger than the national average of theatre attendees, which speaks to their success in creating an invigorating performance venue. If you’re searching for some unique live theatre in Lancaster, add the Prima Theatre to your list!
Previous Shows
- Billy Joel Cabaret
- Music of West Side Story
- Retro Sounds
- Sinatra Holiday Speakeasy
- The Music of Queen+Journey
Check out the shows that are playing this season at the Prima Theatre.
Address
941 Wheatland Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17603
5. Strasburg Rail Road
You may know Strasburg Rail Road as a familiar family destination that takes visitors on authentic passenger steam rides, but that’s only scratching the surface of all they have to offer. They also host interactive theatrical experiences on the train!
Concert performances, murder mysteries, escape rooms, and seasonal interactive train rides are just a few of the options you can choose from at Strasburg Rail Road. Their variety of shows and train rides makes them a uniquely themed theater option for all ages!
Previous Shows
- Cabaret/Date Night Concerts (music performances)
- The Bonnie & Clyde Experience (stunt show perfromance)
- Dead Men Ride No Rails (murder mystery performance)
- Night Before Christmas Train (children’s activity)
Check out the events planned for this season at Strasburg Rail Road.
Address
301 Gap Road
Ronks, PA 17572
6. Magic & Wonder Theater
As its name suggests, the Magic & Wonder Theater hosts 90-minute magic and illusion shows for guests of all ages. In addition to magic, they offer comedy, music, circus arts, and more to inspire their audience to wonder.
Enjoy a bite to eat while you watch! Food is made-to-order in their kitchen and will be delivered to your table— even after the show has started—so you can enjoy some refreshments during the performance.
Previous Shows
- Mystery Magic Show
- Jukebox Jive Music Show
- Believe Christmas Show
Check out the events planned for this season at the Magic & Wonder Theater.
Address
3065 Lincoln Highway
Paradise, PA 17562
7. Sight & Sound Theaters
Sometimes referred to as the “Christian Broadway,” Sight & Sound is the largest Christian theatre company in the United States. Their elaborate, large-scale productions offer an immersive live theatre opportunity for audience members to experience their favorite Bible stories on the stage.
Sight & Sound is an exciting, family-friendly place to experience live theatre in Lancaster, PA. Their auditorium seats 2,000 guests per show, with a 300-foot stage that surrounds the audience on 3 sides. Their sizeable stage and advanced technology allow them to construct massive sets and even handle live animals in their productions.
Previous Shows
- Jonah
- Moses
- Ruth
- Queen Esther
- The Miracle of Christmas
Check out the shows that are playing this season at Sight & Sound Theaters.
Address
300 Hartman Bridge Road
Ronks, PA 17572
8. The Trust Performing Arts Center
Originally known as Lancaster’s largest bank, The Trust Performing Arts Center has been reimagined as a venue for live performances in Lancaster, PA. Their stunning Beaux-Arts building has become a center for music, theater, dance, and lectures.
The facility is operated by Lancaster Bible College, making it a performance venue for professionals and students. Its mission is to enrich the community by offering inspiring and challenging experiences.
Previous Shows
- The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe
- Pennsylvania Piano Quartet
- Calmus: Christmas A Cappella
- Pandemonium! Lessons From the Spanish Flu
- LBC Choirs Concert: Songs Without Borders
Check out the events planned for this season at the Trust Performing Arts Center.
Address
37 North Market Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
9. The Ware Center
The Ware Center is home to Millersville University’s Office of Visual & Performing Arts department. They’ve been a satellite campus of the University since 2010. Since then, they’ve created a location for students and the community to engage in the Arts.
Their performing arts center hosts anything from concerts, live theatre, and poetry to films, art exhibits, and other community events. If you’re looking for a live theatre experience that offers diverse events and collaborations, check out The Ware Center!
Previous Shows
- We The People (Yesid Gomez)
- Club 42 (Gabrielle Stravelli)
- Jazz the Hot Sardines
- Theater Tea For Three: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty
- Family Fun Fest Scare at the Ware!
Check out the events planned for this season at the Ware Center.
Address
42 North Prince Street
Lancaster, PA 17603
Whether you’re from the area or planning a visit, we hope this list is useful as you search for some exciting live performance spots in Lancaster, PA!
Book your tickets for an interactive theater performance aboard the train, offered exclusively at Strasburg Rail Road.
