An area landmark since its opening in 1926 (when it was a vaudeville house), El Portal Theatre is a living legend. Today, the venue stages dramatic, comedy and musical productions that routinely garner rave reviews. Out front, there's an eye-catching art deco marquee that lights up at night; a vintage ticket kiosk sits underneath it. The entryway is lined with framed show posters. Inside—thanks to a 1990s remodel—the theater has three performance spaces: the MainStage, with its 360 seats, the Forum Theatre and its 95 seats, and the Studio Theatre, which is the 42-seat venue used by Theatre Tribe. Parking is available in the rear, and the theater is extremely convenient to the North Hollywood Metro station. For pre- or post-show dining, a number of options are within walking distance.
Al-Anon is a recovery program in conjunction with Ala-Teen for those whose lives have been affected by alcoholics with a meeting located in North Hollywood. The nationwide free program is for children, friends, parents, siblings and partners of alcoholics in need of support themselves. For more information about this program, its benefits and more meeting locations, see the Al-Anon website.