Hershey Theatre to Reopen March 5 After Year-Long Renovation

Hershey Theatre to Reopen March 5 After Year-Long Renovation

Significant Updates Include New Air Conditioning, Electrical Systems & Seating

After an extensive 13-month renovation project, the historic Hershey Theatrewill reopen its doors on Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. with more than 35 shows throughout 2026.

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The building closed in late January 2025 to undergo a series of major improvements, including:

• completely refurbished heating, ventilation and air conditioning
• new mechanical and electrical systems
• 1,904 new seats
• new carpeting
• new LED lighting throughout
• additional aisle lighting
• improved wi-fi connectivity
• new handrails in balcony aisles (coming in May/June)
• additional removable armrests to facilitate wheelchair transfer
• improved pedestrian crossing
• improved parking lot spaces, lighting and green space
• new exterior walkways and paver plaza
• modernized assisted-listening system (coming in April)
• modernization of the stage
• new orchestra pit lift
• new loading dock to streamline show load-ins
• expanded and improved sprinkler system
• new emergency generator
• new water and sewer pipes
• remodeled dressing rooms
• refurbished, historically-inspired marquis

"This carefully planned project was a cooperative effort among historic theater consultants, architects and engineers, all working toward the shared goal of completing these essential infrastructure upgrades while honoring the Theatre's historic character," Papson added.

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Hershey Theatre Spotlight Tours

"We extend our sincere thanks to our patrons and the community for their patience and support throughout the renovation process," Papson said, adding that weekly public "Spotlight Tours" are available for individuals to see the behind-the-scenes renovations.

Spotlight Tours are offered at the Theatre on most Sundays and Mondays at 1 p.m., depending on the Theatre's schedule. The 90-minute guided tours take guests from "basement to balcony," focusing on the building's rich history. Tickets to Spotlight Tours are sold online at HersheyTheatre.comand in person at The Hershey StoryMuseum.

Upcoming Hershey Theatre Programming

The first performance at Hershey Theatre will be author Neil DeGrasse Tyson on Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m., followed by comedian Jim Jefferies on Friday, March 13, and Steve Martin and Martin Short on Saturday, March 14. "TINA: The Tina Turner Musical," being held March 24 through March 29, kicks off the Hershey Theatre 2026 Broadway Series, which also includes "& JULIET" and "A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical."

For a complete listing of shows and tours, please visit HersheyTheatre.com.

History of Hershey Theatre

In 1915, world-famous chocolatier and philanthropist Milton S. Hershey had his architect, C. Emlen Urban, draw up plans for a new community building, including Hershey Theatre. Groundbreaking was originally scheduled for early 1916, but the arrival of World War I delayed the start of the project. Post-war financial challenges forced Mr. Hershey to delay community projects. As a result, the architect's plans were put away and virtually forgotten.

As the Depression overwhelmed the country's economy in the early 1930s, Mr. Hershey responded to the economic crisis by initiating a local building program known as the Great Building Campaign. The campaign employed more than 600 workers- who would have otherwise been unemployed-and saw the construction of Hershey Theatre and other major Hershey landmarks, including The Hotel Hershey, Hersheypark Arenaand Hersheypark Stadium.

Although Hershey Theatre was built around the same time as Radio City Music Hall, the Theatre was constructed from Urban's 1915 plans, giving the venue its opulence that resembles those of early 20th-century theaters. Hershey dedicated the Community Building and Hershey Theatre during the 13th anniversary celebration of the town on Sept. 1-4, 1933. The Theatre officially opened its doors on Sept. 2, 1933.

Today, Hershey Theatre remains a must-visit destination for Central Pennsylvanians and beyond to enjoy world-class entertainment, from touring Broadway productions to intimate concerts and comedy shows right in the heart of downtown Hershey, Pa.

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