The Capri Theater

While in town I stopped by here on a Saturday afternoon in hopes that I would get to go inside and see this place. Little did I know that I would get to that and then some.Upon arriving the streets in the area were blocked off that were having a community event involving several businesses, etc. Walking up to Capri Theater was an experience in itself has I stopped by a TV crew and asked my thoughts on the event and what they were trying to accomplish. After that somewhat uncomfortable moment I made my way to Capri Theater.To my surprise it was open and the staff quickly invited me and my friends inside to experience the place. A little background on the theater; it was built in 1927 was initially known as Paradise Theater. Having gone through several renovations over the years, a renovation projected in the 1965-1967 timeframe expanded the seating capacity to ~500 and it was at this time that it was renamed to Capri Theater. Today, the Capri Theater is owned and operated by Plymouth Christian Youth Center. It seats ~300 and from what I could see, there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. The focus is on continuing to be a beacon in the community where youth can find a safe and welcoming environment to explore crafts, arts, performing arts,etc. Of special importance to me is what occurred on January 5 and 6, 1979 at the Capri Theater. On those days Prince played his first shows as solo artist. Tickets to the performances cost less than $5 and proceeds from the first night went to Capri Theater. As I mentioned the staff was very, very warm and welcoming. Both James and Graham were gracious with their time; answering all our questions. They made us feel at home and mostly let us wander the place. As part of my wandering I happened to peek into the auditorium and to my surprise, the screen had a slide show going with images of Prince. As I stood in the doorway watching the slideshow, Graham noticed me and encouraged me to go inside and check it out. He said it was okay to go up on the stage and just take in the place. About that same time, he put on playlist of Prince music; needless to say, I was in heaven. In the end, my friends and I spent over an hour in auditorium, on stage and sitting in the seats just taking it all in. A BIG thank you to Graham and James for making stop/experience was the highlight of my trip. Lastly, the Capri Theater is undertaking a renovation project to expand their offering to the community. In addition to making updates there will be additional classrooms and multi-purpose spaces along with spaces for developing crafts skills such as wood working. Check their website (thecapritheater.org/) to learn more about this upcoming project. While you're there, take time to contribute to a very worthy initiative.

No seat is a bad seat! I am sure this is the case with most theaters but It doesn't hurt to point this out. The theater is very quaint and I appreciate that the show started on time.I never quite figured out where to park, but if you go in the middle of the week, there is plenty of street parking available.The Capri Theater is known as the place where Prince launched his career. But I swear, every place in Minneapolis stakes that claim. I need Prince to really set the record straight on who deserves the credit.Otherwise, I think the place would also be great for a music venue for a local upcoming artist.

The cutest theatre ever. Located in north minneapolis I went here to see Through the Banks of the Red Cedar, connected with the MN historical society on civil rights and blackness. For the showing they had a little exhibit by the historical society on the 1960s civil rights movement as it relates to sports. The theatre is pretty small and they have plans to do restoration and upgrade some features. The seats are in rough shape but for a short film it was fine. I'm excited for the updates they plan to make and can't wait to come back.

I am so happy to see the reviews on this theater. For quite some time I've been trying to find out what became of the old Paradise Theater, which was where my grandfather worked as a projectionist. It's really great to see the turns it's taken through history, and it especially enlightens me to see that Prince was a part of the development of the theater as we see it today. I have great respect for him. Seven years ago, I moved from California to Minnesota, intending to follow up on many of the places I'd know in my first five years here as well as places and venues my family members talked about through the years. Am looking forward to following up on this theater more in the near future.

Okay, this theatre was built in 1927 and doesn't have any reviews!? This is where Prince got his start! (I must admit, I was here for the first time about a week ago, but it was great!)This is a cozy theatre set just inside of North Minneapolis. It looks as though the lobby and surrounding areas were recently renovated. However, the theatre looks the same (as it should) as it probably has been for a while. As you enter the theatre, there are not many seats (maybe 200-300). But you are able to have an intimate experience with the stage (well, the acts on it...but not too intimate). The rear wall is coated with old-school sound paneling that surrounds a wide-open window to the sound booth. It gives you the feeling of being in a professional sound booth. Being so small, there is not a bad seat in the house.Now, I saw theatrical performances there, but my instinct was, "this would be a great place for a rock show or comedic performance!"Honestly, I do not know, nor care what you would use this space for, but please keep track of what is going on there. Keep theatre and the arts alive in this fantastic Minneapolis space!

This is a fantastic venue in the heart of the North Minneapolis community. The layout of the theater is well placed to where you can get a good view of the stage no matter where you are. With the elevating platform of the seating as you go all the way back and even checking out the stage in the back row, you get a great view of the stage no matter where you are or how tall the person is that's sitting in front of you. It's a small town theater and the workers there are very hospitable and make sure you're taken great care of. I purchased a ticket online and only needed my first and last name to check in. Even though the ticket was on my phone, it still was not required. Just your name and you're good. Built in the 1920's and being a smaller theater the only seating availible is in front of house, so when you buy a ticket you can sit anywhere. And parking is free and easy right next to the venue. Plus Prince played here! It surprised me to hear he would play at such a small venue, but it has such an intimate and close knit feel that I can see how the community charm would get to you. It's a place I'd check out at least once in your time here in the Twin Cities. I'm sure I'll be checking it out multiple times!