Fitzgerald Theater - A St. Paul Landmark's Story
When you think of places that hold stories, that have seen generations come and go, a historic building often comes to mind. In Saint Paul, Minnesota, there's a particular spot that truly stands out, a place where art and life have mixed for a very long time. This is the Fitzgerald Theater, a central part of the city's cultural heart, offering a welcoming space for all sorts of performances and gatherings. It is, you know, a very special place that has kept its charm through the years.
This old theater, actually, has been around for well over a hundred years, making it the oldest active theater in the whole city. It began its life in 1910 and, after some time, took on the name of a famous writer who grew up right there in Saint Paul. The Fitzgerald Theater is where you can find everything from music concerts that make you want to dance to quiet literary events that make you think, and even shows that bring beloved stories to the stage. It's really a hub for many different kinds of happenings.
If you are someone who enjoys live performances, or perhaps you just like learning about places with a lot of past, this article is for you. We will, in a way, explore what makes the Fitzgerald Theater such a treasured spot, looking at its beginnings, the kinds of things you can see there, and how you can experience it for yourself. We will also, you know, touch on its connection to a well-known name in American writing, and discuss how it remains a vibrant part of the local scene.
Table of Contents
- A Glimpse into the Fitzgerald Theater's Past
- Who was F. Scott Fitzgerald, and why the Fitzgerald Theater?
- What Kinds of Events Happen at the Fitzgerald Theater?
- How Can You Find Tickets for the Fitzgerald Theater?
- Where is the Fitzgerald Theater Located, and What About Parking?
- Are There Specific Events to Look Forward to at the Fitzgerald Theater?
- What Makes the Fitzgerald Theater a Special Place?
- How Does First Avenue Connect with the Fitzgerald Theater?
A Glimpse into the Fitzgerald Theater's Past
The Fitzgerald Theater has a truly long and interesting story, stretching back to 1910. It started its life as a place for people to come together and enjoy performances, built by some really important figures in the entertainment world at that time, Lee and J.J. Shubert. They decided to establish this place after their brother, Sam, had passed away, giving it the name "Sam S." to honor him. It was, you know, quite a gesture, creating a lasting tribute in brick and mortar.
This theater, in a way, was put together with inspiration from another well-known spot, the Maxine Elliot Theater, which is located in New York City. You can almost feel the echoes of those early days when you step inside, the feeling of a place that has hosted countless shows and welcomed so many people through its doors. It is, after all, Saint Paul's oldest surviving theater space, which is a pretty big deal when you think about it. It has seen a lot of changes in the world, yet it still stands, offering a stage for new stories.
Over the years, this building continued to be a place for the arts, a home for many different kinds of performances. It was in 1994 that it received its current name, a name that ties it even more closely to the city's heritage. This renaming was, you know, a way to connect the theater to a very famous author who called Saint Paul his home. It is, sort of, a continuous thread running through the city's cultural fabric, keeping history alive through live experiences.
Who was F. Scott Fitzgerald, and why the Fitzgerald Theater?
You might be wondering about the name, Fitzgerald Theater, and its connection to a person. The theater was, in fact, renamed in 1994 to honor F. Scott Fitzgerald, a writer whose stories are still read and loved by many. He was, actually, a native of Saint Paul, meaning he grew up right there in the city where the theater now stands. This connection makes the theater, in some respects, a living monument to his legacy, a place where creativity continues to unfold.
F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for his writings that often captured the spirit of his time, especially the 1920s. His works are, you know, very much a part of American literature, and his ties to Saint Paul are quite strong. Giving the theater his name was a way to celebrate this local connection, linking a beloved cultural spot to one of the city's most famous artistic children. It is, kind of, a reminder of the deep roots of art and storytelling in this community, making the theater feel even more meaningful.
What Kinds of Events Happen at the Fitzgerald Theater?
The Fitzgerald Theater is a place that truly comes alive with a wide variety of performances. It is, basically, a home for all sorts of live shows, concerts, and events, making it a very busy spot in the city. You can find everything from music performances that get your feet tapping to serious theater productions that make you think. It's a place where, you know, many different artistic expressions find a stage, catering to a wide range of tastes and interests.
For a long time, the Fitzgerald Theater has been known as the home of American Public Media's "Live from Here," which brought a special kind of radio show to a live audience. This connection, in a way, highlights the theater's role in presenting unique and engaging content. Beyond that, it also hosts dance concerts, where performers move with grace and power, telling stories without words. It is, pretty much, a venue that supports a broad spectrum of the performing arts, offering something for almost everyone who appreciates live entertainment.
It's not just for public shows, either. The Fitzgerald Theater also welcomes corporate events, providing a distinct and historic setting for business gatherings. This versatility, you know, shows how adaptable the space is, able to shift from a lively concert venue to a formal meeting place. So, whether you are looking for a night out to enjoy some music or a play, or if you need a grand spot for a special event, the Fitzgerald Theater, apparently, fits the bill.
How Can You Find Tickets for the Fitzgerald Theater?
If you are thinking about catching a show at the Fitzgerald Theater, getting tickets is, actually, pretty straightforward. There are a few good places where you can look for upcoming events and make your purchase. You can often find tickets available through major ticketing services like axs.com, which lists many of the shows and provides details on how to get your seats. It is, you know, a common way for people to secure their spot for a performance they want to see.
Another popular option for finding tickets and checking schedules for the Fitzgerald Theater is ticketmaster.com. This site typically provides a lot of information, including when shows are happening, how much tickets cost, and even seating charts so you can pick just the right spot. It's a really useful resource for planning your visit and making sure you have all the details you need before you go. You can also, you know, look for tickets on ticketsales.com, which offers another way to view event schedules and venue information quickly and easily.
These platforms are, basically, your go-to spots for seeing what's coming up at the Fitzgerald Theater. They make it simple to find out about shows tonight, or any other day, and help you get ready for your experience. So, whether it's a concert, a play, or a special presentation, finding your way to a seat at this historic place is, in some respects, quite simple with these online tools.
Where is the Fitzgerald Theater Located, and What About Parking?
Finding the Fitzgerald Theater is, honestly, quite easy once you are in downtown Saint Paul. It is situated right on Exchange Street, nestled between Wabasha Street and Cedar Street. This central spot makes it, you know, pretty accessible for anyone looking to visit. Knowing its precise location helps you plan your trip, whether you are walking, taking public transport, or driving yourself to the show.
When it comes to parking near the Fitzgerald Theater, there is a convenient option close by. The 7th Street Municipal Ramp is located right behind the theater building. This means you won't have to walk too far to get to the entrance, which is, basically, a nice bonus, especially on a chilly evening or if you are in a bit of a hurry. Knowing where to park can make your whole experience much smoother, taking away some of the stress of getting to a performance.
Getting into the 7th Street Municipal Ramp is also quite simple. If you are traveling north on Wabasha Street, you can make a right turn to enter the ramp. Similarly, if you are heading south on Cedar Street, a right turn will also lead you into the parking area. These clear directions, you know, help make sure that your arrival at the Fitzgerald Theater is as easy as possible, letting you focus on enjoying the event rather than worrying about where to leave your car.
Are There Specific Events to Look Forward to at the Fitzgerald Theater?
The Fitzgerald Theater's schedule is, typically, full of interesting and diverse events, so there is often something new to see. For instance, in the spring of 2025, on May 1st, the theater will host live performances featuring friends and collaborators of a local music figure, John Munson. This kind of event, you know, brings a community feel to the stage, celebrating local talent and connections.
Looking further into 2024, the fall season brings some wonderful artistic presentations. On October 19th, Metropolitan Ballet will present "Romeo & Juliet," offering a classic story through the beauty of dance. Then, on October 26th, music lovers can look forward to a performance by Richard Thompson with Kacy & Clayton, which sounds like it will be a really engaging musical evening. These shows, in a way, highlight the theater's commitment to presenting a wide array of artistic forms.
As the year moves towards its end, on December 8th, Metropolitan Ballet will return to the Fitzgerald Theater to present "Nutcracker," a beloved holiday tradition that many people look forward to each year. And for something truly special, you can experience "Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, In Concert!" This unique event involves watching the full movie while a live band plays the music composed by David Bowie and Trevor Jones, in sync with Bowie's original vocals. It is, pretty much, a chance to feel the strength of the music from that well-known film in a completely new way, a very memorable experience.
What Makes the Fitzgerald Theater a Special Place?
There is, honestly, something truly unique about the Fitzgerald Theater that sets it apart. It is not just an old building; it is a place that holds countless memories and continues to create new ones every time its doors open. Being the oldest active theater in Saint Paul, it carries a sense of history that you can almost feel when you step inside. This long past, you know, gives it a certain character that newer venues simply do not have.
The variety of events it hosts is also a big part of what makes it special. From live music that fills the space with sound to quiet, thoughtful presentations, the theater welcomes a broad spectrum of artistic expression. I mean, I myself once witnessed a performance by an amazing local band there, and the atmosphere was just electric. That kind of direct experience, you know, really shows how the space can make a performance feel truly personal and memorable for everyone in the audience.
Its connection to the community and its role as a cultural anchor also contribute to its special appeal. It is a place where people gather, share experiences, and connect with art in a very direct way. The theater, in some respects, serves as a meeting point for different creative worlds, all under one historic roof. It is, basically, a beloved spot that continues to contribute to the rich cultural life of Saint Paul, offering a consistent place for people to come together and enjoy the arts.
How Does First Avenue Connect with the Fitzgerald Theater?
The Fitzgerald Theater is, actually, part of a larger family of venues, as it is owned by First Avenue. First Avenue is a name that is very well known in the music and entertainment scene, especially in Minneapolis. They are, you know, a big player when it comes to live music, often considered a central point for performances in the area. This connection means the Fitzgerald Theater benefits from the experience and reach of a company that truly understands the world of live events.
First Avenue, you know, sees itself as more than just a space with walls, a soundboard, and a stage. They consider themselves the heart of live music and entertainment in Minneapolis, and their ownership of the Fitzgerald Theater extends that influence to Saint Paul. This relationship, in a way, helps ensure that the Fitzgerald Theater continues to bring high-quality acts and a diverse range of shows to its audience. It is, basically, a partnership that helps keep the theater a vibrant and active place for the arts.
Because First Avenue operates several venues, they have a lot of experience in managing schedules, promoting events, and making sure everything runs smoothly for both performers and audience members. This background, you know, is very helpful for the Fitzgerald Theater, allowing it to maintain its reputation as a premier spot for live performances. So, when you attend an event at the Fitzgerald Theater, you are also, in some respects, experiencing the expertise that comes from being part of the First Avenue family, which is pretty cool.
The Fitzgerald Theater, a true landmark in Saint Paul, offers a rich history dating back to 1910. It stands as the city's oldest surviving theater space, renamed in 1994 to honor local author F. Scott Fitzgerald. The theater regularly hosts a wide array of live shows, concerts, dance performances, and corporate events, making it a central point for cultural happenings. Owned by First Avenue, a significant music venue operator, the Fitzgerald Theater benefits from extensive experience in live entertainment. Visitors can find tickets through various online platforms and will discover its convenient downtown location between Wabasha and Cedar streets, with nearby parking available at the 7th Street Municipal Ramp. The venue continues to present a diverse schedule, including ballet performances, musical acts, and unique film-with-live-orchestra experiences, maintaining its role as a beloved and active part of the Saint Paul community.
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