Finocchiaro was established in the 1920s as the Teatro Opera, but fell into disuse for a long time. It was finally reopened in February 1998. You can sit in the stalls, which gives you a magnificent view of both the gallery seats above and the wide screen, which sits within the liberty design theater arch - you can recognize the tragedy and comedy masks amongst the decoration on the proscenium. The long entrance corridor which operates as a waiting room, leads to the elegant foyer, with period furnishings. With a schedule featuring a number of plays, operas, musicals and dances, this theater offers a year of non-stop entertainment.
In the middle part of the magnificent Via Roma, one will see the church called St. Antonio Abate and right in front of it, next to the elegant neoclassical facade of Palazzo Arezzo, stands the beautiful Teatro Biondo. Founded in 1903 when Palermo was experiencing a cultural revival, Teatro Biondo was Palermo's first opera house, also hosting circus performances. Today, the theater hosts mostly plays and many of Italy's most famous actors and best theater companies have graced Biondo's stage.
This theater, Italy's largest, has undergone one of the most tumultuous constructions ever. It also claims to have the biggest stage in the world. Before its opening in 1897, the patrons had waited 20 years for the theater to open its doors, suffering through corruption and building delays. Again in 1973, it was closed for 23 years due to political in-fighting and corruption which delayed the intended restoration. Nowadays its home to some of the most spectacular theater, concert, and opera productions in the country featuring works from Verdi, Tchaikovsky, and Puccini.
Child of the 1968 creative wave, Teatro Libero signifies avante-garde theater in Palermo. Formerly hosted in the ex Hotel de France, since 1999 it has been housed in a building that encloses the ancient Renaissance portico of Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church, whose harmonic round arches are nowadays still visible beside the audience seating area. Their season usually runs from October to May and is focused on the languages, especially the mix of theater and dance. They offer experimental shows as well as traditional ones from around the globe, but direct special attention to young Sicilian theater companies. Such a variety is kept together by a true love and devotion to culture, clearly visible in the aim to make new generations embrace theater, with special Sunday shows for children, seminars and theater workshops.
Teatro di Verdura is an outdoor theater used for summer performances by the Teatro Massimo and for the Verdura Theater Festival. Built in the early 18th century, a number fascinating sculptures and designs grace this venue, giving it a peculiar, classical charm. Located in the garden of Parco della Favorita, this 2,200 capacity theater is the neighborhood's center of live entertainment, staging numerous events and performances through the summer. While it is largely the venue for local theater groups, on certain occasions, one can special performances by renowned theater troupes at this theater.