Capitol Theatre (Yakima, Washington) facts for kids
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Mercy Theatre
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The exterior of the Capitol Theatre
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| Address | 19 S. 3rd St. Yakima, Washington United States |
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| Owner | City of Yakima |
| Operator | Capitol Theatre Committee |
| Capacity | 1,500 |
| Current use | Performing Arts Center |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1920 |
| Reopened | 1978 |
| Rebuilt | 1975 |
| Website | |
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Capitol Theatre
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Architect | B. Marcus Priteca |
| Architectural style | Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001895 |
| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1973 |
The Capitol Theatre is a special place in Yakima, Washington, where people go to watch live shows. It's located right in downtown Yakima and can seat 1,500 people. This makes it the main spot for performing arts in the Yakima area.
A Grand Opening
The Capitol Theatre was designed by an architect named B. Marcus Priteca. It first opened its doors on April 5, 1920. Back then, it was called the Mercy Theatre. It was named after its owner, Frederick Mercy Sr. He made his money in the theater business.
When it was built, the Mercy Theatre was the biggest theater in the entire Pacific Northwest! It originally showed vaudeville acts. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment. It included many different acts like comedians, musicians, and dancers. Today, the theater is home to the Yakima Symphony Orchestra. It also hosts the Town Hall Series, Community Concerts, and traveling Broadway musicals.
Becoming a Historic Place
In 1972, the Allied Arts Council and the City of Yakima started working together. They wanted the city to own the theater. As part of this effort, they successfully got the theater listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This happened on April 11, 1973. Being on this list helps protect important buildings.
A Fire and a Fresh Start
Soon after the city took ownership, something sad happened. On August 11, 1975, a big fire badly damaged the theater. Only the stage area was mostly untouched. The walls of the audience section were all that remained.
One amazing item saved from the fire was a special Steinway grand piano. It had been signed by Henry E. Steinway, who was the president of Steinway and Sons.
After the fire, the theater was carefully rebuilt. It was made to look just like it did in the 1920s. They also added a new basement with restrooms and a meeting room. A famous artist named Anthony Heinsbergen helped with the rebuilding. He had painted the original murals on the theater's ceiling. This was his very first paid job! He came out of retirement to repaint the dome. This was his last work ever.
The rebuilt Capitol Theatre had a grand re-opening ceremony. Governor Dixie Lee Ray dedicated it on November 4, 1978. The famous comedian Bob Hope performed that night to a sold-out crowd.
Gallery
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The interior of the theatre
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the stage
