Built in the 1700s as a pre-Revolutionary jail, Fulton Theatre is today the cultural highlight of central Lancaster. The theater offers a great range of shows, from children’s entertainment and comedies to musicals and other performances. When you visit Fulton Theatre be sure to go on a guided tour of the complex to understand its long and intriguing past and delve behind the scenes.
Speak with the docent during the 1-hour tour about current and past productions in the theater. Understand how the shows are set up and organized in this hub of the performing arts. It is one of the preeminent theaters in Central Pennsylvania, with a repertoire of productions of the highest quality.
Check the schedule and pick your seat in the auditorium. This stage has been graced by classic productions such as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Mamma Mia! and Chicago. See a high-brow modern play or bring your kids for the family series.
Consider the fascinating history of the theater, which began on the site of a former jail. In 1763, the Paxtang Boys vigilante gang massacred Conestoga Native Americans who had been taking refuge in the building. The theater hall was constructed in 1852. The site has also been called the Fulton Opera House.
Purchase tickets online for shows to get a discount. You can also get tickets by phone or at the on-site box office, which opens Monday through Saturday from morning until afternoon. There is a fee for the guided tour, with discounts available for students and those under age 18.
The Fulton Theatre is on the western side of the city center of Lancaster. From the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, walk west for a few minutes to get here. Drive to the theater and drop off your car in one of the nearby parking lots and garages.
In the surrounding area you’ll find highlights such as the Lancaster County Convention Center, the Central Market and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
