A very special welcome to the historic EL PORTAL THEATRE in the heart of the NoHo Arts District — a dynamic three-theatre performing arts complex featuring the 360 Seat Debbie Reynolds MainStage, 96-Seat Monroe Forum (currently leased and operated by Comedy Sportz - see below)* and  the award winning Stuart Roger’s 42-Seat Theatre Tribe. 

The El Portal Theatre was built in 1926 as a Vaudeville and Silent Movie House in anticipation for “TALKIES” which  were right around the corner in the early 30’s. (See History of El Portal on this site). In May of 2016 the El Portal Management team welcomed James Bailey and the Comedy Sportz organization to a permanent lease at the Monroe Forum. You can contact Comedy Sportz on their website or at (323) 871- 1193.*

Since its reopening and redevelopment in the NoHo Arts District in 2000 the historic El Portal Theatre has featured musicals, plays, dance, educational arts programs, and unique acts from around the world. Celebrities including Dick Van Dyke, Debbie Reynolds, Bea Arthur, Jimmy Kimmel, Billy Goldenberg, Kitty Carlisle Hart, Jo Anne Worley, Fritz Coleman, Smokey Robinson, Rene Taylor, Joe Bologna, Rachel Bloom, James Corden, Charles Nelson Reilly, Sam Harris, Neil Patrick Harris, Sally Struthers, Kate McKinnon, Carol Lawrence, Joe Campenello, Fred Savage, Leslie Jones, Todrick Hall, Ruta Lee, Matt Walker, Beth Kennedy, Bobby Creighton, Ron Dante, and many more have starred on the MainStage. 

On June 30, 2017 something  magical happened when we renamed the 360 Seat Mainstage THE DEBBIE REYNOLDS MAINSTAGE.  The famous “Yellow Slicker Tap Dance” (as pictured below) captured the hearts of almost everyone! 
And then the highlights continue with … the world premiere of IN A BOOTH AT CHASEN’S and a unique "Weekend in the Catskills“ variety show  produced by Ron Kurtz and Gary Grantham.  Ron Kurtz (better known as 3,000 Off Broadway) is also responsible for the multi  tribute shows and this coming year the return of ABBA MANIA and Tim Piper’s JUST IMAGINE in March 2019.

Closing out the landmark year in December 2018 El Portal  welcomed 18 sold out performances of THE TROUBIES and  THE YEAR WITHOUT SANTANA CLAUS with the  genius creativity of Matt Walker and Beth Kennedy at the helm! A perfect closing of an exciting and landmark year. Frontier Internet Commercials are on every channel with our bright red curtain and our golden arches you can't miss them.

The El Portal Theatre is frequently  called the Jewel in the North Hollywood Crown — and boasts a three sided marquee facing the boulevard that has been a location many times for film and television shoots.  

Please join us for the best in music, dance, comedy, and theatre or for your special event.  Again ... A Very Special Welcome to you and please explore our website and visit our Judith Kaufman Art Gallery and before the performance enjoy refreshments at our El Portal Pub in the lobby prior to the show and at intermission!

Jay Irwin/ Pegge Forrest
Producers/ Managers
El Portal Theatre