Gammage Auditorium: A Timeless Classic

Gammage Auditorium: A Timeless Classic

Lauryn Pedersen

Nestled in the heart of Arizona State University’s Tempe campus is the Grady Gammage Auditorium, a timeless building for the fine arts. Gorgeous architecture and flawless design help to draw both the art connoisseurs and the die-hard musical fans alike to this building, the home of music and drama for the state of Arizona. Often called the gem of Tempe and ASU, this magnificent building will not only present you with quality entertainment and a good time, but will also leave you with a deepened appreciation for the arts in the community.

The story behind this majestic theater of the arts only adds to its charm and sophistication. Although originally intended to be an opera hall in Bagdad, Iraq, renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright took one look at an Arizona State University sports field and said, “I believe this is the site!” Commissioned in 1957 by ASU’s President Grady Gammage, Wright spent the last two years of his life drawing up the sketches for the magnificent building (About ASU Gammage, 2010). Twenty five months and 2.46 million dollars later, Gammage was built. It stands 80 feet high and features two glorious and welcoming pedestrian bridges. The performance hall of three thousand seats on three levels offers superior acoustics to every person in attendance.

The stage can be adapted to host a variety of events, such as symphonies, operas, organ recitals, lectures, and musicals. This variety of events is made possible by a hidden orchestra pit that can accommodate a full orchestra, chorus, and pipe organ! The theater’s first event, the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Ormandy, was held in September of 1964. Since then, numerous dance companies, famous operas, musicians and famous performers, and Broadway plays have graced their audiences in this hallowed hall of the arts. Gammage Auditorium is most known for its showcase of Broadway musicals. From the Lion King to Les Miserables, this concert hall is the only venue in Arizona to officially sponsor Broadway Across America and its concert series. 

"Wicked"

I have attended two Broadway musicals at Gammage. The first was Wicked, a prequel to the famous story of the Wizard of Oz. It was truly the experience of a lifetime. The music was spectacular, and the performers pulled me in from the first word. I could not tear my eyes away from the scenery and costumes; I was completely stunned by the quality of this performance. My first experience with a Gammage Broadway play was emotionally gripping, humorous, and tear-jerking. It was also at this performance that I realized how incredibly blessed I was to live within driving distance to such an amazing hall of performance. My love and appreciation for the arts were magnified ten-fold as I watched the magic of the stage unfold right before my eyes.

"Wicked" The Emerald City

The Phantom of the Opera

The second Broadway place I attended at Gammage was the Phantom of the Opera. This operatic musical is a classic, and I finally got tickets to see it with my sister. It was very well performed, with top-of-the-line singers and instrumentalists pouring their hearts out to make the night special for the audience. This experience not only helped me realize my own dreams for music and preforming, but it helped me to appreciate the truly wonderful venue that Gammage Auditorium is, and its impressive ability to spread appreciation for the arts throughout the enitre state.

I have also been blessed to have had the opportunity to perform on the stage of Gammage Auditorium. As a member of the 2011 Arizona All-State High School Choir, I performed a selection of choral music to an audience of 2,000 patrons. I could not believe my luck. I was so excited to be able to sing on the stage of my dreams and share the experience with some of my closest friends.  Before we performed, we got to walk around backstage and see where it all the magic happened. After seeing dressing rooms, costumes, props, and sets, I was positively drooling. When it came time to perform, I didn’t want to leave backstage; it was just too cool and inspiring! However, as I walked out and saw the size of the concert hall and the audience, I was overwhelmed. The stage is really where it all happens, a place where performers express their love of music and theater in hopes that  the audience can gain a piece of their passion. I felt like I was joining the ranks of the talented and professional who have graced the Gammage stage. It was a truly amazing and inspiring experience, to not only be able to share my love of music with others, but to do it in the most majestic concert hall in the state of Arizona.

Shops on Mill Avenue

The Grady Gammage Auditorium has been the key in helping to revamp tourism and income for the city of Tempe and its businesses. Local restaurants such as Pita Jungle Macayo’s and many more establishments will offer discounts when you bring in your ticket stub. This is a great way to make the evening a dinner and a show! Downtown Tempe also offers various places to eat, shop, and even lodge, and Gammage helps to attract more customers. In fact, since 2006 ASU Gammage has created more than 300 million dollars of revenue and has produced a positive economic impact for Arizona with its Broadway series alone. This beautiful building has also become a beacon for the fine arts in the state of Arizona, and has brought the community closer. It is truly gratifying to come to a show with thousands of others who support the arts and music, and to feel among people that share similar passions and interests.

My multiple visits to this awe-inspiring building have helped me to appreciate the arts, as well as the community of individuals who run and support such programs. The Gammage Auditorium is built on the passion of the arts, and is well-run and supported by many who strive to share this passion. I encourage anyone who can to go to a performance at this magnificent hall, it may just open your eyes to the wonder of music and theater.

References

Undefined. (2010). About ASU Gammage. In ASU Gammage. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from http://asugammage.com/about.

undefined. (2011). ASU Gammage. In Tempe Broadway. Retrieved September 17, 2012, from http://tempe.broadway.com/venues/theaters/asu-gammage/.

Tempe Tourism. (2012). Tempe Tourism. In Tempe's Attraction. Retrieved September 21, 2012, from http://www.tempetourism.com/things-to-do/Attractions.aspx.