West Herr Auditorium Theatre Information
The Rochester Theatre takes its name from the local area and is the main choice of theatre to go when visiting. Originally opened in 1930, it became home for all kinds of events such as dance recitals, shows, concerts, comedy and of course, theater productions. But it’s most popular for Broadway and has given Rochester an extra appeal.
For almost 30 years it stayed in it’s original form and then in 1957, the incredible team RBTL took it over and now manages it, they provide a great experience suitable for all attendees.
Fans can now experience the highest standard of performance as actors travel from all over the world to it’s stage. Past shows have included hits such as; The classic story of Phantom Of The Opera, Miss Saigon, Disney’s Lion King, Wicked and The Producers to name a few!
The history of the theater began back in 1928, when the Masonic Temple of Rochester, NY was built – costing around $2,225,000. The building was completed on May 24th, 1930.
The theater was originally part of the Masonic building complex. The complex consisted of large ceremonial rooms used for meetings as well as offices for the Masons fraternal organization. Amongst these rooms was an auditorium with 3,000 seats, which was then known only as the Auditorium Theatre.
As soon as the area became a space for entertainment, it housed a range of touring productions from well-known names in the industry. This occurred even in the earlier years of the venue’s existence.
In 1989, the complex was sold to a private entity and was transformed into more meeting rooms and offices along with banquet halls. The theater was renamed the Auditorium Center.
Rochester Broadway Theatre League
The Rochester Broadway Theatre League, a non-profit volunteer group formed in 1957, purchased the part of the complex with the theater in 2004. This was a strategic move from the league, allowing them to perform a broader range of shows while giving them a dedicated production space.
From then on, the theater only continued to grow, becoming one of the premier destinations for live entertainment in Rochester.
The Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) acquired the entirety of the Auditorium Center in 2023. Partnering with the West Herr Automotive Group, the RBTL renamed the entire complex to the West Herr Performing Arts Center (the WHPAC). The theater itself was renamed the same way, becoming the West Herr Auditorium Theatre.
Along with the new name, the RBTL also got to work renovating the theater. New carpets were placed throughout the venue along with new seats, creating more capacity. More restrooms were also added on the lower level, while existing restrooms were upgraded.
The modern-day venue
The venue continues to be upgraded to this day via PROJECT RESTOURATION. This project aims to preserve the historic legacy of the building while continuing to provide top-tier entertainment in Rochester.
The West Herr had a truly unique journey to become the entertainment venue it is today. From its beginnings as a Mason meeting place, the theater managed to transform itself into a vibrant center for the performing arts.
It has hosted some of the most well-known shows on Broadway since it opened, including Les Misérables and Mamma Mia! Some of the shows that are coming to the venue in the future include Funny Girl and Back to the Future The Musical.
In terms of other events, the Ukraine Odesa National Ballets “Don Quixote” will be coming to the venue. For anime lovers, Naruto: The Symphonic Experience is set to come to the theater with a two-hour concert experience.
The cultural significance the theater holds in Rochester is undeniable, and the venue is likely to remain a prominent part of the city for generations to come.
Concessions and bar services
There are multiple bars and concession stands spread out across the venue on different levels.
Bars and concessions are open during most of the events at the theater. They offer both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, as well as various snacks and candy.
Each individual show reserves the right to limit what is sold at the concessions or bars. Both cards and cash are accepted.