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“The Warner Theatre is a gem from the days of glamorous movie theaters of the 20s and 30s.” in 6 reviews
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About the Business
Established in 1931. This fabulous structure bears the name of the world-famous Warner Bros. who commissioned it to be built in 1929. The air-conditioned theatre provides more than 2,250 upholstered, theatre-styled seats that can be used for lectures, presentations and entertainment purposes. Of them, 1,528 are orchestra seats and 722 seats are located on the balcony. Designed by the famous Rapp & Rapp Company of Chicago, the theatre opened its doors in 1931. Construction costs at that time were an unbelievable $1.5 million. Furnished and decorated in the art deco motif, the elegant theatre is complemented by gold and silver leaf, gold-backed French mirrors and crushed velour. The timeless and historic theatre is currently involved in a restoration and expansion. Home to the Erie Philharmonic, Lake Erie Ballet and the Erie BROADWAY Series, it also hosts a wide range of lectures and entertainment shows. The theatre hosts an aggressive schedule of more than 150 events per year.
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- 119626355Nov 20, 2013
The Warner Theatre is a gem from the days of glamorous movie theaters of the 20s and 30s. The art deco details are beautifully preserved throughout the entire building. There were beautiful architectural details everywhere you looked. There were some areas that you could tell were a work in progress, but I was glad to see the lovingly restored areas and the attention to detail that was paid.
Seats on the ground floor were spacious and comfortable, something you don't always get in an old theater.
Inside the theater lobby, there is a refreshment stand, souvenier stand and coat rack. Much like other vintage theaters, the bathroom situation leaves something to be desired. The bathrooms were clean and beautiful, but as is always the problem, there were not enough stalls for the number of people in the theater.
The beauty of the theater aside, I wish the ushers would have been more helpful in locating our seats. They were scattered throughout the theater but weren't easy to track down.
Overall, a fantastic experience. I'd go to a show again at this venue.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Feb 27, 2024
This gem of the theatre was located in downtown Erie Pennsylvania. It is easy to get to, although parking is difficult in downtown Erie. We were able to Uber it with no problem to and from where we were staying in the city. The architecture and the lighting and the acoustics in this building are amazing. The Erie, Philharmonic orchestra, and the choir were quite enjoyable to listen to with the music from avatar, Star Trek, and Star Wars.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Karen R.Erie, PA051Oct 28, 2022
Cool antique display upstairs at end of balcony hallway.
Absolutely a gem to Erie.
Had so much family fun seeing Aladdin , was very entertaining, beautiful costumes and stage displays, the genie was top notch performer along with so many very talented performers would definitely see the show againHelpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Donna C.OH, OH020Oct 28, 2022
What a beautifully restored theater! Alladin was all I hoped for and more than I expected. The staff was friendly, the building absolutely gorgeous, and production was definitely Broadway worthy! A great way to celebrate turning 62 ;)
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Apr 13, 2018
Was here for Theresa Caputo Live. From the exterior, this place looks very old, and not well maintained. However once you are inside, it is beautiful. The seating is very good, and there is ample room for your legs, and the seats are far enough apart where you aren't touched if you happen to be next to a "wide-legger". There is a parking garage about a five minute walk away, so that was nice too.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Nov 5, 2016
The Historic Warner Theater, built in 1931, is a priceless gem, of a concert venue. One of the most ornate theaters that I have ever seen. I saw a live concert here, many years ago, Allison Krauss and Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas, and it was a wonderful, sold-out show. The acoustics and lighting, as well as the music, were fabulous. This time I am here as part of the crew for the TEDx "Don't Give Up The Ship," event going on today. Yesterday I spent the entire day on site working, setting up, and operating the cameras, during the rehearsals. I also got a chance to explore the building a little, and love everything about it, both backstage and in the public areas. Beautiful, ornate, art-deco space, and the new wing has some cool items from the past on display. One thing is for sure, they don't make 'em like this anymore. The TEDx Erie event is today, and if you are reading this, and don't have any plans for today, come visit the Historic Warner Theater for the event. Starts at Noon, and tix are only $10 per person, you will be delighted with music, art, and very compelling speakers. If you are unable to attend, you can also stream it live online for free via . . . http://www.tedxerie.com/
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Feb 10, 2015
Wow! What a gem in a place-and I mean this well-like Erie! I traveled up to Erie this past weekend to visit someone who lives there. He got us tickets to the Erie Philaharmonic Pops concert: Heroes and Villains. We sat on the lower level towards the back but still had excellent seats. I'd venture to say every seat in the house is a good one. My comparison to the Warner would be Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, which is where I live. I actually thought the Warner, while smaller, was much more ornate and elaborate than Heinz Hall. Interesting note: my companion said Warner Brothers owned this theater originally-hence the name Warner Theatre. He also said it was restored a few years ago. In addition to the Philaharmonic, they also host other concerts and comedians too.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Hank T.Boise, ID040817Oct 2, 2009First to Review
Saw Bob Weir and Ratdog here a few years back. The show was a day or two before Halloween and I wore my Uncle Sam costume and the staff loved it. They were all really nice and the theatre couldn't have been more beautiful. This is a gem of a theatre in a town that really doesn't have much else going for it. Sorry, Erie.
You could transplant the Warner to any major US city and it would thrive. I sure do hope it's doing just fine where it is though. Would hate to see another cultural monument fall by the wayside for lack of interest. ERIE: GO TO THE WARNER!Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Lisa N.Erie, PA664892Jun 20, 2018
Beautiful theater. Rude box office. We bought tickets for a show last September 20th for Pat Benatar. When we got there she cancelled. We were told to hold on to our tickets. We did! 3rd row center!! Realizing we still had the tickets we called to find out if she was going to reschedule. But she would not let me speak and said we will refund your money rudely. I said, I didn't ask for a refund I am asking if she is rescheduling she said, No!!. I asked my husband to go to the box office then to see about a refund. He called to double check and a customer service Warner box office person was rude to him. They told us they wouId refund our money to our credit card that we did not possess any longer and then have to go to that bank and try to get the money. I go and called to see what and if something can be done. It was my thing to see Pat so I felt a sense of obligation. I call and explain the situation and she rudely says, I am perplexed how can you still have them...huh..she says, it was all over the radio and the paper we refunded the tickets automatically. I said okay then my husband will be down to get that statement. She said. Oh I have nothing do with that you will have to go to the head person. I said okay that is fine. When he arrives can you please direct him. She says oh we don't do that here you have to go to the Erie Civic Arena. So this whole time you were taking credit for refunds and speaking on behalf of the original place I purchased the tickets. On top of that made my husband and I feel unworthy. They were trying to Hit me with their best shot and be a Heartbreaker. (Songs by Pat Benatar) update: Erie Civic Arena refunded our money via check sending to our house. I think the Warner Theater needs some Strawberry Wine. ( again Pat Benatar song)
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Bob D.Shreveport, LA42103994Nov 13, 2016
Yea this is a treasure for Erie. Remember going to the movies there over 50 years ago. It was amazing then.
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