Detroit's Dynamic Theatre Scene

Story by Michelle Martin

Metro Detroit’s theaters are well regarded – not only for their performances but also for their impressive architecture and history. Ready to see a stage performance? Here are some of the best theaters in metro Detroit.

Fisher Theatre
The Fisher Theatre has hosted some of Broadway’s biggest productions, and many of the world’s most beloved musicals have premiered there. The theater, which opened as a movie and vaudeville house in 1928, was remodeled in 1961. It is in the Fisher Building, a National Historic Landmark revered for its Art Deco design.

Detroit Opera House
Opened in 1922 as the Capitol Theater, the Detroit Opera House was believed at the time to be the fifth-largest theater in the world. Following a series of name changes and a tumultuous history, which included several years of decay and a small fire, the Detroit Opera House today is a destination for some of the world’s best opera and dance performances.

Fox Theatre
Built in 1928 for Fox Films, the Fox Theatre over the years has hosted vaudeville, stage productions, organ concerts, and movies. But the theater began to decline in the 1960s and ‘70s, and after a $12 million renovation, it reopened in 1988 and was soon designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, the theater is home to a variety of plays, concerts, and other special events.

Orchestra Hall
Home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the 2,000-seat Orchestra Hall is one of the premier concert halls in the world. It opened in 1919, and like many of Detroit’s theaters, it fell into disrepair at one point. Orchestra Hall was restored throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra returned to its stage in 1979.

Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple – a Gothic structure that houses a cathedral, chapels, ballrooms, a 4,000-seat auditorium and other rooms – is home to Detroit’s largest professional stage. When it was built in 1926, it was the largest building of its kind in the world. Throughout the year, it hosts professional stage productions as well as a variety of other events.

Purple Rose Theatre
Actor Jeff Daniels opened the Purple Rose Theatre in his native Chelsea in 1991. The theater quickly became known for its productions, and in 1994 it was named “Theatre of the Year” by “The Detroit News.” Today, the 168-seat theater in historic downtown Chelsea attracts people from throughout the region.

Meadow Brook Theatre
Located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Meadow Brook Theatre has presented Broadway-quality productions for more than 50 years. In addition to hosting many well-known performances, the 584-seat theater also has a children’s series.

Redford Theatre
Opened in 1928 as a movie house, the Redford Theatre was known for its three-story foyer, full-size stage and pipe organ. (The Redford Theatre and Fox Theatre are the only two venues in metro Detroit that still have their original organs.) Today, the Redford Theatre hosts movies, candlelight concerts and organ performances.

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