Temecula Theater
Superb Entertainment Night After Night

Far from the bright lights of the big city, theater still keeps pace with the times – and when it comes to Temecula Theater you are in for a big treat! You never know what to expect – from top-notch theater performances to Elvis impersonators, from family entertainment to the debuts of young talent.

Broadway, Temecula style! It brings spectacular stage shows to life in front of enthusiastic audiences with unforgettable presentations – such as the not-to-be-missed rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar – as well as attracting some very big names in the world of music to this Old Town gem, including the likes of the Harlem Quartet, California Chamber Orchestra, legendary jazz greats and even masters of the ukulele.

A Brief History

Established in 2005, the new addition to the Temecula Theater seats close to 360 guests, providing contemporary surroundings behind the charm of a historical landmark (the Mercantile Building, which dates back to the 1890′s) at the entry. Situated right in the center of Old Town Temecula, the theater offers the full experience with an orchestra pit, balcony and box seats, dance studio, gorgeous courtyard, dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms and scene shop – all of which joins a 80′ x 35′ stage. And, thanks to the recent refurbishing of the building, audiences can count on the best in high-tech digital lighting and sound systems to enhance the experience of every production.

With the help of the Theater Foundation and a multitude of private donors, the performing arts and other entertainment outlets are alive and well in Temecula and are a sure bet for a fun night out; patrons can expect to find a variety of community productions, including youth theater, dance recitals and a visual arts gallery behind these doors.

This inviting space is also rented by regional organizations for special events as well as serving as a venue for local festival activities.

Mercantile Events

One of Temecula’s original buildings (the Mercantile – also known as “the Merc”) can be found in Old Town at 42051 Main Street and is a hub of excitement and activity, thrilling guests with a variety of performances. Here’s just a taste of the sort of entertainment that can be found regularly at the theater.

Jazz at the Merc – Come on down every Thursday night to catch the vibe offered up by a fantastic variety of different jazz groups.

Hosting this popular event at the Temecula Theater is Sherry Williams – an incredible jazz singer who has become Temecula’s most beloved local promoter of the genre. This woman lives and breathes jazz and knows how to transmit her love of the music to audiences, whether dyed in the wool fans or curious first timers. In fact, the jazz program at the Merc is not the only ongoing gig that Sherry holds, she also belts out her riveting vocals at the upscale bar located at Frankie’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant in Temecula, as well as performing at other local venues.

Live at the Merc – On Fridays, the Mercantile transforms, becoming home to “Live at the Merc” – and, thus, providing the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy exclusive performances given by some of the best bands in the region – all within an intimate setting where everyone is guaranteed ‘the best seat in the house’. Doors typically open at 7:30pm with an 8:00pm start, so plan dinner accordingly!

Events, such as the Temecula Music Fest After Party by A Full Value Entertainment, are also hosted by the theater – so check our events calendar to see what might be coming up!

Other Temecula Theater Events

Throughout the year, an exciting lineup of entertainment is offered at this vibrant Old Town theater – supplying plenty of dependable, regular features, as well as wonderful once-in-a-lifetime performances. Evenings and weekends are abuzz in Temecula with:

Opera – Talented tenors, basses, sopranos and altos uplift the spirit with their trademark voices during moving, dramatic presentations – this small theater is the perfect venue in which to truly get the full impact and  appreciate their stirring, moving performances.

Orchestra – Performances may include, amongst others, the strings and wind instruments of the California Chamber Orchestra or the Civic Youth Orchestra.

Comedy – Laughter is the best medicine, so lets go for prevention and take a dose before it’s actually ‘necessary’! Temecula has hosted, and continues to host, some great jokers and storytellers who are sure to leave you begging for mercy, then begging for more.

Concerts – Concerts range from an evening with sassy vocalists on stage (such as Wild Women on Broadway) to Big Band Swing and just about anything and everything imaginable in between – cultural presentations, relaxing string quartets, bluegrass, blues, country, local youth groups, folk and much more…

Dance – There’s nothing like the mesmerizing moves of ballet, jazz, modern and dramatic dancers – the leaps and dives and amazingly muscular thighs are only the beginning, they are able to do what most of us can only dream of – fully express emotion without saying a word.

Seminars and Guests Speakers – This great venue also opens its doors to interesting business seminars and other informative talks and get togethers – you never know when your pet subject might be explored!

What with all of the different music, dance and theater events decorating the calendar, you can be sure the Temecula Theater has got something you’d love to see coming up!

Tickets for these events are available for purchase through the theater’s main website, over the telephone 1-866-OLD-TOWN (653-8696) and at the Box Office.

Of course the best way to stay on top of the latest performances coming to town as well as all the many other events found around the Temecula Valley is to bookmark best-temecula-guide.com and subscribe to the ‘Tales of Temecula’ newsletter.

The entertainment is never-ending in Temecula and once you know what’s on the slate, you won’t want to miss a minute of it!