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Ponce's Stunning Teatro La Perla

Ponce is a lovely city in Puerto Rico filled with opportunities for sightseeing, dining and entertainment. If you are looking for something to do in the evening and the clubs don't appeal to you, then make your way to the Teatro la Perla. Known as the Pearl Theatre in English, Ponce's Teatro la Perla is housed in a stunning neoclassical structure and hosts a number of brilliant performances year round.

Teatro la Perla was constructed in 1864 according to the design of Juan Bertoli Calderoni. Calderoni was originally born in Italy. He studied in Europe and came to live in Puerto Rico. The Theatre was designed with a distinct neoclassical style, boasting a large entrance with six columns. Unfortunately disaster struck the Teatro la Perla in 1918 when an earthquake destroyed much of the building. It was finally rebuilt in 1940 to 1941 with the original facade. Francisco Gardón and Francisco Porrata Doria were the architects that worked on this reconstruction. Acoustics were improved in the new building and there is no need to use microphones for performances at the Teatro la Perla.

Not only are the amazing acoustics of Teatro la Perla noteworthy, but the theatre is said to be the biggest in the Spanish speaking Caribbean region. It is also of great historical significance due to its early construction. Situated between Cristina street and Mayor Street, this marvelous theatre is able to handle audiences up to 1 047. Exceptional performances are hosted at Teatro la Perla almost every evening. These performances vary from plays and concerts to other events such as beauty pageants. Although many of the performances are in Spanish, visitors to Puerto Rico will still enjoy the fantastic music and vivid acting at the theatre. Each year the Teatro la Perla is host to the Festival de Teatro Luis Torres Nadal, dedicated to the great playwright. Audiences who attend the festival can enjoy numerous productions by local groups.

Teatro la Perla's lobby also acts as a museum telling of the theatre's past as well as previous events hosted here. Visit the box office to find out what shows will be on at the theatre while you are in Ponce.