Broadway in Baltimore at the Hippodrome

New York City isn't the only place to see Broadway-caliber actors and dancers hit the stage for smashing performances. Here in Baltimore, the Hippodrome is a gorgeous historic theater that actually began as a movie palace and now provides world-class live stage shows — from Hamilton to Les Misérables, and Mean Girls to Wicked. Best of all, it's within walking distance of Rachael's Dowry Bed & Breakfast, making our romantic inn the perfect place to stay when you come to downtown Baltimore for a date night at the theater.

Originally built in 1914, the Hippodrome Theatre served as a movie palace in an age when silent motion pictures were accompanied by live in-theater musicians, and then continued to show films for the next 70 years. The Hippodrome also showcased some of the top vaudeville performances of the time. Notable entertainers who've performed on its stage include Bob Hope, Jack Benny, the Andrews Sisters, and Frank Sinatra. It closed for a time in 1990 and reopened after a stunning renovation in 2004 as The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.

With its annual Broadway Series, the 2,248-seat Hippodrome Theatre brings the best of touring Broadway to Baltimore. In November, "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" will hit the stage, followed by "Jagged Little Pill" in December. The series continues in the new year with the always-classic "My Fair Lady" in January and the powerhouse musical Les Misérables in February. In addition to Broadway shows, the Hippodrome showcases other performing artists from comedians to drag shows to ballet and more. Check out the calendar of events for a full list of upcoming shows.

Enjoy a leisurely half-mile walk to the theatre from our historic inn, or take advantage of convenient parking by the theater. Grab dinner before the show at one of the stellar restaurants in the Bromo Tower Arts and Entertainment District, with many ethnic options nearby. Try the modern Italian cuisine at Forno, authentic Afghan food at Maiwand Grill, or South African peri-peri chicken dishes at Nando's.