- Attraction: The Gaslight Theatre
- Location: 7010 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710
- Industry: Live Theater
- Website: https://www.thegaslighttheatre.com/
What started as a drama troupe formed by University of Arizona students in Alaska has evolved into one of Tucson’s most beloved family entertainment destinations for nearly five decades.
The Gaslight Theatre transforms popular movies into hilarious musical melodrama spoofs where audiences cheer heroes, boo villains, and sing along while enjoying mountains of free popcorn and dinner theatre dining.
Musical Melodrama Magic & Famous Spoofs
Five Shows Per Year: The Gaslight produces entirely new melodrama spoofs throughout the year, featuring hilarious takes on popular movies like “Henry Porter and the Sorcerer’s Secret,” “Ghostblasters,” “Space Wars,” and “Wizard of the Rings.”
Classic Productions: Long-running favorites like “The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Two Amigos,” and their famous Christmas shows return regularly, creating traditions that span generations of Tucson families.
Interactive Audience Experience: The time-honored tradition encourages audiences to cheer the hero and boo the villain, with some brave souls even tossing free popcorn at the bad guys during dramatic moments.
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Keep Exploring →Live Musical Accompaniment: Professional musicians provide live music throughout each performance, with excellent musical director Linda Ackermann on piano leading the talented trio.
The Oleo Experience: Don’t leave after the main show! The 30-minute “oleo” (song and dance finale) features music not related to the play theme, creating an extended evening of entertainment.
Contemporary Songs Integration: Each spoof cleverly incorporates well-known popular songs that audiences recognize and sing along with, creating an interactive musical experience.
Complete Dinner Theatre Experience
Little Anthony’s Diner: The adjacent 1950s-themed diner serves the theatre with everything from hot dogs and pizza to full dinner plates, all delivered right to your theatre table.
Mountains of Free Popcorn: Every table receives complimentary popcorn throughout the show – a tradition that adds to the old-fashioned theatre atmosphere and provides ammunition for villain-booing.
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Discover MoreFull Bar Service: Enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks served directly to your table during the performance, creating a relaxed dinner theatre atmosphere.
Free Ice Cream Celebrations: Visitors celebrating special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries receive complimentary ice cream, while military members get special recognition and applause.
Table Service Convenience: Order everything from nachos and pizza to three-scoop milkshakes without missing a moment of the performance.
Family-Friendly Tradition & Community
True Family Entertainment: Despite nearly 50 years of operation, the theatre has maintained its commitment to content appropriate for all ages, with any adult humor sailing completely over children’s heads.
Multi-Generational Appeal: Grandparents, parents, and children all find something to enjoy, making it a perfect venue for family gatherings and creating lasting memories.
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Keep Exploring →Monday Night Concerts: When melodramas take a break, the theatre hosts themed concert series featuring everything from 1950s music to mariachi performances.
Military & Senior Support: Discounted tickets for military members ($25), seniors over 60 ($26), and children ages 2-21 ($18) make quality entertainment accessible to all families.
Dedicated Local Staff: Many artistic staff members have worked with the theatre for decades, including founding members and performers who’ve been on stage for over 10 years.
Historic Journey & Current Location
Alaska Origins: Founded by UA student Tony Terry and friends who formed a drama troupe in Alaska before returning to Tucson in 1977 to start the theatre.
Trail Dust Town Beginnings: The theatre originally operated from an old red barn in Trail Dust Town before outgrowing the space and moving twice.
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Discover MoreCurrent Broadway Location: Since 1990, the theatre has operated from its current location at Broadway and Kolb, where they renovated the building and built Little Anthony’s Diner from the ground up.
Artistic Continuity: Founding scenic designer Tom Benson and other long-term staff members provide consistency while training new generations of performers.
Other Considerations
Advance Reservations Required: Shows regularly sell out, especially weekend performances, so booking tickets well in advance is essential for popular productions.
Affordable Entertainment: Adult tickets at $28 (before tax) provide exceptional value for a complete dinner theatre experience that lasts approximately 90 minutes plus the oleo finale.
Seating Strategy: Row C (third row) offers optimal viewing, while first-row and aisle seats may involve audience interaction – perfect for extroverts but something shy visitors should consider.
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Keep Exploring →Year-Round Operation: The theatre operates six nights per week throughout the year (closed Mondays except for concerts), ensuring consistent entertainment regardless of season.
Parking & Location: Easy access and parking at the Broadway and Kolb location make it convenient for both locals and visitors exploring East Tucson.
Professional Production Values: Despite the deliberately campy style, the theatre maintains high production standards with professional singers, choreography, and technical effects including flying props and moving set pieces.
Gaslight Theatre
📍 7010 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710
