The Rose first opened in 1904 as a vaudeville house on Water Street before moving to its current location in 1907, where it transitioned into a nickelodeon. Soon it was playing silent films, “talkies” and finally, Technicolor flicks.
In 1958, the Rose Theatre shut down and the building became home to a succession of businesses, including a bakery, pet shop and novelty store. The mural for the bakery still exists.
The Rose remained closed until 1992, when it reopened after a massive restoration project under the ownership of Rocky Friedman.
Some of the artifacts uncovered during the restoration, which included tickets, movie posters and projectors.
Half of the pressed tin tiles on the ceiling of the main auditiorium are original.
The main lobby concession stand.
There are three screens. The main screen, the Rose Theatre, has 158 seats. A second screen, the Rosebud Cinema, has 79 seats. A staircase with 55 steps leads up to the Starlight Room (some shows are age 21+, 46 seats) which opened in 2013 in partnership with Port Townsend’s Silverwater Cafe on the ground floor. Don’t worry, though, there’s an elevator as well.
Vintage movie posters and black-and-white photos of film stars decorate a bar area. And there’s real butter on the popcorn!
A former photographer’s studio with floor-to-ceiling black-out curtains, the Starlight Room was ready-made for a theater, now filled with vintage furniture and fixtures. Silverwater created a menu of small plates and drinks. Each movie is introduced by one of theatre managers, giving a background on the movie or the director before the show.
In February of 2023, after more than 30 years, Rocky Friedman sold the Rose Theatre and Starlight Room to George Marie and Michael D’Alessandro of Port Townsend.
Looking down Taylor Street, c. 1920s with the Rose Theatre on the right. Photo from the Jefferson County Historical Society.
The rose theater represents the best of Townsend.
It united and supports
Not only the community
But also the surrounding
Towns PLUS the Rose makes the best popcorn including a large choice of spices! You always feel welcome at the Rose.
I have one request: PLEASE,
Make it possible for very needed and APPRECIATED
TIPS be included when paying with a credit card ‼️