Theatre/Theater The Ellen Theatre

Address

17 West Main Street
Bozeman, MT 59715 View on Map TripAdvisor Own or manage this business?

Website http://www.theellentheatre.com Email gsinger1221@gmail.com Phone 406-585-6910

Overview Service & Activities

About The Ellen Theatre is a marvelous reflection of the glorious playhouses of yesteryear. This lavishly decorated palace, designed by renowned architect Fred Willson, was built by the sons of Nelson Story, a founder of Bozeman, and named for the family matriarch - Ellen. That's quite a present for mom... Restored in 2008 by Montana TheatreWorks, The Ellen is now a shining showcase for great musical theatre, plays, community events, local performers and world-renowned talent. Sold-out audiences have enjoyed a wide variety of programs, from comic Paula Poundstone to cowboy legends Riders In The Sky, from former NBC anchorman Tom Brokaw discussing To Kill A Mockingbird to music legend Arlo Guthrie. Opened in 1919, The Ellen originally hosted variety shows, silent movie premieres, school plays, weddings, symphony concerts and even an opera featuring a live elephant. This historic town landmark truly was the place to be -Friday night with your favorite sweetheart, the Saturday kiddie matinee and the Sunday family concert were staples of life at The Ellen. A favored stop on the vaudeville circuit, programs discovered during the renovation feature such stars of the day as Vivian Vance (Ethel from I Love Lucy), famous fan dancer Sally Rand and the legendary ventriloquist Edgar Bergen along with his wise-cracking wooden sidekick Charlie McCarthy. However, like a tragic melodrama, there was a cruel twist in the plot and The Ellen, along with other similar theatres across the country, suffered decades of disrepair. The world of TV, DVD rentals and video downloads by-passed Bozeman's magnificent monument to a bygone era and, sadly, the spotlight slowly faded. Fortunately, this story has a happy ending. After a lot of elbow grease, polish and paint, it's "Curtain Up" once again at The Ellen. If you're in the neighborhood, drop by for a visit or take in a show. When you see her, we're sure that you'll agree, the ol' girl truly deserves a standing ovation.

Contact

MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 28
Bozeman, MT 59771

CONTACT 406-585-6910

Details

SEASON All Year

HOURS Box Office: Wednesday - Friday: 1:00pm - 3:00pm Day of Theatrical/Musical Show: 1:00pm - Curtain

PAYMENT METHODS Cash, Master Card, Paypal, Personal Check (In State), Personal Check (Out Of State), Travelers Checks, Visa

DISCOUNTS Child Discount, Senior Citizens

SPECIAL DIRECTIONS The Ellen Theatre is located at 17 West Main Street in downtown Bozeman.

SERVICES Handicapped Accessible Parking

ACTIVITIES Education Theatre/Theater