The Aladdin Theater was originally called the Geller’s Theatre when it opened in 1928. It became the Aladdin in 1930 and was a Vaudeville house, playing host to the likes of Jack Benny and many other performers of the era. As the 1930’s progressed, the birth of movies saw the demise of Vaudeville and for the next 40 years, the Aladdin served as a family movie emporium before taking a major detour
in the 70’s and into the 80’s as an adult movie theater (the number one exhibitor of the X-rated classic Deep Throat). The Aladdin was subsequently purchased and renovated by the family behind Shuback’s violin shop, and in 1993 Showman, Inc began promoting events in the theater and thus began its rise as a Portland destination for live music and comedy. Current owner True West continues to build on the many successes of the Aladdin legacy producing a wide array of shows at the theater and elsewhere in Portland and Seattle.
