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Seattle's Neptune Theatre to get renovation, become live performance venue

The Neptune Theater in Seattle's University District, on 45th NE. Seattle Theatre Group is leasing the site and planning renovations.
Wikimedia Commons
The Neptune Theater in Seattle's University District, on 45th NE. Seattle Theatre Group is leasing the site and planning renovations.

The historic Neptune, a 90-year old U District movie palace, will soon be a showcase for live performances. Seattle Theatre Group announcedit will take over the Neptune's lease from Landmark Theatres in February. STG plans to do some upgrades, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal:

The renovation will include improving restrooms, building a sprinkler system, restoring cosmetic detail and removing about 50 percent of the main floor’s seating to accommodate a variety of live performances.

STG is the nonprofit that manages the Paramount and Moore theatres in downtown Seattle. Landmark had previously announced it would not renew its lease.

Until the lease changes hands in February, the Neptune will continue as a movie house.

The Neptune is one of a handful of sites that host the annualSeattle International Film Festival.  SIFF managing director Deborah Person told KPLU News that STG has expressed interest in continuing their partnership at the theatre.

"Fingers crossed we'll be back there next year. We really love the venue," said Person.

SIFF returned to the U District location last year after an absence of several years. Person said depending on the year, a total of six or seven theatres serve as host sites for SIFF.