In addition to its world-class wines and rich culinary scene, Walla Walla is known for its wide variety of arts and culture. With the longest-running symphony orchestra west of the Mississippi, numerous art galleries, and three schools with performing arts programs, Walla Walla is a top-notch art destination with plenty of entertainment. Plan your next visit to include a show at one of these beautiful and unique theatres located in the heart of our charming town.
Gesa Power House Theatre
Situated in a remodeled power plant building, the beautiful Gesa Power House Theatre is designed after the Blackfriars Theatre used by William Shakespeare in London, England. The theatre regularly hosts musical concerts, theatre productions, comedy shows, and live cinema recordings. Each year the theatre’s Summer Stage program also brings two musicals to Walla Walla, featuring local cast members as well as talent from Seattle, Portland, and other nearby cities. The Gesa Power House Theatre is located just a few blocks from the heart of downtown, and is an easy walking distance from the Marcus Whitman and Courtyard Marriott hotels. Catch a show after a day of wine tasting or enjoy a concert after dinner at one of Walla Walla’s many fine dining restaurants. Whatever the occasion, this theatre will give visitors a world class experience with plenty of small town charm.
The Little Theatre of Walla Walla
The Little Theatre of Walla Walla is a charming community theatre known for its intimate setting and regular productions of shows including comedies like The Producers and seasonal classics like It’s a Wonderful Life. The theatre has produced more than 300 shows since its beginning in 1944, and continues to bring four new productions to the Walla Walla stage every year. The Little Theatre of Walla Walla’s comfortable venue seats just over 200 people, giving audience members an up-close experience of the show that keeps everyone on the edge of their seat.
Harper Joy Theatre, Whitman College
During the school year, Whitman College’s Harper Joy Theatre offers a unique blend of student-produced shows for every type of theatre fan. Past shows include classics such as Spring Awakening and King Lear as well as unique productions like the annual Instant Play Festival and One Act Play Contest. Whether attending a well-known Broadway show or a new student-written production, audience members are sure to find the energetic creativity of the students hard to resist.
Other venues and theater companies in Walla Walla hold a variety of performances at throughout the year. Keep your eye out for performances from Shakespeare Walla Walla, the Walla Walla University Drama Department, and Walla Walla Community College Drama Department.