The Pantages was restored to its full glory a few years ago and was featured in Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator." And what a job they did! When you walk into the lobby, you are transported to the Golden Age of Hollywood - all glamour and opulence. The lobby glitters and glows in painted gold with rich red carpet. The Pantages has also hosted most of the big shows that pass through LA, so there is often the buzz of a star-struck night.
Parking is not too hard in the many independent lots around the theater, and ranges from $5 - $10. You walk on the stars of Hollywood's bygone lumineries and the current restoration of the area. Hollywood Blvd had become a seedy, ironic tourist trap - filled with souvenir stands, homeless youth, and sex shops. But there is a movement to restore it to a vibrant showpiece that the restoration of the Pantages has anchored. In a few years, this will again be THE place to be in LA.
One last thing about the Pantages: every seat is pretty good. For many shows, we have bought the cheapest seats in the house - in the last two rows. The view of the stage is not too steep and still feels close enough to see the actors' expressions. At other places, like the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion you feel like you're a mile away. The Pantages is the best place in LA to see a show!
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