The Music Center's Ahmanson Theatre
Opened in 1967, The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre (Ahmanson) features a state-of-the-art configuration with variable seating capacity that can accommodate a diverse selection of performances. The theatre was underwritten by philanthropist Howard F. Ahmanson Sr., the founder of H.F. Ahmanson & Co., a Los Angeles-based insurance and savings and loan company, and named for his second wife, Caroline Leonetti Ahmanson. The Ahmanson is home to a wide-ranging selection of theatrical and dance performances and is the site for Center Theatre Group presentations, including Pre-Broadway runs as well as the best of Broadway and the West End.
Originally faced on all four sides with off-white stone, the façade was altered in 1995 by Ellerbe Becket, the successor firm to Welton Becket & Associates, which designed the original Music Center campus. The theatre is joined with The Music Center’s Mark Taper Forum (Taper) by a 47-foot high colonnade that surrounds both structures and creates a visual balance with The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (Pavilion) across Jerry Moss Plaza. The main façade has a glass skin that extends the full 73 feet of the five-level structure, giving patrons the opportunity to view the Taper’s massive mural.
The 2,109-seat theater was designed for musical comedy and theatrical productions, ranging from the intimate to the spectacular. To create a warm, welcoming feeling for patrons, the Ahmanson’s auditorium is wider than it is deep. There are three levels of seating: Orchestra (988 seats), Mezzanine (606 seats including the boxes) and Balcony (515 seats including the boxes). Like the Pavilion, the first 13 rows of the Ahmanson are arranged in continental style with no front-to-rear aisles. Audience members reach the Mezzanine and Balcony from large promenades that overlook Jerry Moss Plaza.
Renovations in the early 1990s enhanced the theatre’s acoustics, improved sightlines and allowed for more flexible seating arrangements. In fact, the Ahmanson can be quickly transformed from a 2,109-seat theatre to a 1,200-seat venue. Updates included changes to the circulation of the auditorium and the addition of six boxes on each of the side walls. At the same time, the architects lowered the ceiling and covered it with new acoustical paneling. They moved the Balcony and Mezzanine closer to the stage, expanded backstage areas and installed mobile dividers in the Balcony to decrease the number of seats for shows that require a more intimate setting. In addition, the Ahmanson now has a three-story lobby. Patrons can view the sculpture, “Acrobat Freeway,” created by local artist Peter Shire, as they enter the building.
The Ahmanson’s original décor featured rich reds and pewter gray tones. Purples and golds were later introduced as part of the Ellerbe Becket renovations. The proscenium was widened in 2010, and its appearance and functionality enhanced with metal mesh curtains and a removable/storable proscenium header.
Featured at the Ahmanson Theatre
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Tue Jul 30 8:00 PM
Sun Aug 25 1:00 PM
Center Theatre Group Clue
Ahmanson Theatre
Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult ...Show More
Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
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Wed Sep 11 8:00 PM
Sun Sep 22 1:00 PM
Center Theatre Group Duel Reality
Ahmanson Theatre
Duel Reality from The 7 Fingers, also known as Les 7 doigts de la main, makes their Center Theatre Group debut, featuring their signature electrifying—and endearing—mix of circus, theatre, illusion, music, and dance. The circus troupe's l...Show More
Duel Reality from The 7 Fingers, also known as Les 7 doigts de la main, makes their Center Theatre Group debut, featuring their signature electrifying—and endearing—mix of circus, theatre, illusion, music, and dance. The circus troupe's latest piece is an acrobatic tour-de-force for all ages inspired by the star-crossed tale of Romeo and Juliet.
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Mon Jun 10 10:00 AM
Sun Aug 11 10:00 AM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative The Music Center Presents BLKNWS® in Residence
Jerry Moss Plaza
Join us this summer for a very special residency featuring acclaimed artist and filmmaker Kahlil Joseph and his innovative project, BLKNWS®. Since its debut as a two-channel video installation at the 2019 Venice Biennale, BLKNWS ...Show More
Join us this summer for a very special residency featuring acclaimed artist and filmmaker Kahlil Joseph and his innovative project, BLKNWS®. Since its debut as a two-channel video installation at the 2019 Venice Biennale, BLKNWS has continually evolved in form and scope.
This year, it takes its newest form in the highly anticipated feature film BLKNWS: Terms and Conditions, produced in collaboration with A24 and Participant Media.
Guests to The Music Center will be immersed in a free multi-dimensional experience inspired by the world and ideas of BLKNWS.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Mon Jun 10 10:00 AM
Sun Aug 11 10:00 AM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative The Music Center Presents BLKNWS® in Residence
Jerry Moss Plaza
Join us this summer for a very special residency featuring acclaimed artist and filmmaker Kahlil Joseph and his innovative project, BLKNWS®. Since its debut as a two-channel video installation at the 2019 Venice Biennale, BLKNWS ...Show More
Join us this summer for a very special residency featuring acclaimed artist and filmmaker Kahlil Joseph and his innovative project, BLKNWS®. Since its debut as a two-channel video installation at the 2019 Venice Biennale, BLKNWS has continually evolved in form and scope.
This year, it takes its newest form in the highly anticipated feature film BLKNWS: Terms and Conditions, produced in collaboration with A24 and Participant Media.
Guests to The Music Center will be immersed in a free multi-dimensional experience inspired by the world and ideas of BLKNWS.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Sat Jul 20 6:00 PM
Sun Aug 04 2:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative Read the Garden hosted by Reparations Club
Jerry Moss Plaza
Part of BLKNWS in Residence, join us in The Garvey Garden on Jerry Moss Plaza for a communal read...Show More
Part of BLKNWS in Residence, join us in The Garvey Garden on Jerry Moss Plaza for a communal reading and discussion hosted by Reparations Club. Borrow, bring or buy a book of your choice.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Sun Jul 21 7:00 PM
25th Annual The Well Mission Fundraising Music Concert
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Los Angeles Sinfonietta, under the direction of music director James Yongjae Kim, they will present various stages including classical, Korean traditional music, Jazz etc. It will be held as a concert performance to share the 'Delightful Gathe...Show More
The Los Angeles Sinfonietta, under the direction of music director James Yongjae Kim, they will present various stages including classical, Korean traditional music, Jazz etc. It will be held as a concert performance to share the 'Delightful Gathering' through a concert. The proceeds from the fundraising concert will be awarded to homeless and low-income students.
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Mon Jun 10 10:00 AM
Sun Aug 11 10:00 AM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative The Music Center Presents BLKNWS® in Residence
Jerry Moss Plaza
Join us this summer for a very special residency featuring acclaimed artist and filmmaker Kahlil Joseph and his innovative project, BLKNWS®. Since its debut as a two-channel video installation at the 2019 Venice Biennale, BLKNWS ...Show More
Join us this summer for a very special residency featuring acclaimed artist and filmmaker Kahlil Joseph and his innovative project, BLKNWS®. Since its debut as a two-channel video installation at the 2019 Venice Biennale, BLKNWS has continually evolved in form and scope.
This year, it takes its newest form in the highly anticipated feature film BLKNWS: Terms and Conditions, produced in collaboration with A24 and Participant Media.
Guests to The Music Center will be immersed in a free multi-dimensional experience inspired by the world and ideas of BLKNWS.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
Tour The Music Center Campus
Free tours are available of all The Music Center's theaters.