Village Theatre Brings Broadway to Snohomish County

All photos in this article are courtesy of Auston James/Village Theatre

Everett WA, the biggest little city in Snohomish County, has a hidden gem for theater lovers and the theater curious alike. Set right in downtown, the Everett Performing Arts Center (2710 Wetmore Ave) is a stone’s throw from boutique shopping experiences and a variety of high-quality restaurants. The thoroughly modernized theater has retained its historic elegance and intimate charm, with just over 500 seats, thoughtfully designed so there are no bad views of the stage.

On any given weekend in Everett, theatergoers of all ages can experience the same thrill and exuberant joy of a night on Broadway, brought to Mainstreet. It’s the perfect location for those of us who can’t fly to New York and don’t want to park in Seattle. There’s always something going on at the Everett Performing Arts Center, and there’s plenty of free parking nearby.

The Village Theatre regularly delivers world class entertainment to sold-out crowds. From Broadway favorites like Hairspray to Tony Award winning originals like Next to Normal, Village Theatre is on a mission to make new generations fall in love with musicals. In doing so, they’ve cemented Everett’s place as a cultural hub in Snohomish County. Their Village Originals program is a nationally-recognized incubator for developing new musicals, so you never know when you might see the next big thing, just before it’s world famous. Whether you’re in town for a weekend, or you’re ready for season tickets, you won’t want to miss the chance to catch a show from this remarkable company.

Let me set the scene for your next romantic outing. A night of theater makes for the perfect date, but why not make a full day of it? Grab your sweetheart and head to downtown Everett. If you’re staying the night, leave the car at the hotel and hit the town on foot. If you’re driving up for the day, park near one of our shockingly good coffee spots, like Narrative Coffee (2927 Wetmore Ave, Everett, WA) and start your trip with a hot cup of joy. Enjoy a little light shopping in unique local stores and pop into the occasional, intimate art gallery, before you settle in for a relaxed meal and a craft cocktail at Capers + Olives (2933 Colby Ave, Everett, WA). Afterwards, walk hand in hand just a few short blocks and you’ll find the theater courtyard.

The courtyard, known as the Stardust Plaza, is a sight to behold in itself, with its curving, mirrored mosaic walls and sparkling, cauldron fountain. It’s a magical location to take a few selfies and breathe in the night air before you turn off your phones and head in for the show. A Village Theatre production will transport you to a new place and another time. Costumes, sets, and song, every detail is designed to delight. When the show is over, and the lights come up, take a beat to shake off the fantasy as the applause fades. Enjoy a slow walk back towards the heart of downtown, where you can share another snack, another drink, and rehash the highlights of the show before you retire to your cozy suite at the Marriott Courtyard (3003 Colby Ave, Everett, WA).

Musical theater is always an outing to remember, and the Village Theatre never fails to deliver. Whether you come as a couple, or take the whole family out for a cultural experience they’ll never forget, a Village Theatre production is an event worth building a trip around.