Last night I hit up the Abraham Chavez Theatre with local comedians Kitty Commando and Otis Hicks (remember these names!) to watch one of my absolute favorite comedians, Damon Wayans. I think the turnout was less than what the booking company and Damon were expecting, but almost half the venue was filled and that didn't deter him from putting on a hilarious show complete with some character bits (most people wanted Homie, but I live for Major Payne). During his set, Damon dropped (okay, really he threw it) the mic a couple of times, but the sound system never wavered...wired mics, man. Wired mics.
I hadn't been to this the ACT in years (the last time being sometime during my senior year of high school) and I had completely forgotten how much I dislike the seating here. The small red chairs need a major overhaul and I think the very middle chair of every row should be taken out to create a pathway for those getting up during the middle of the show for refreshments. I dislike these chairs because it is impossible to get comfortable in them, you have to sit at a 90 degree angle at all times and the space between the rows are rather small, like airplane-isle small.
I appreciate that this theatre does serve sodas and alcohol. I wish that popcorn was an option too though. The prices are a little high considering it's mostly just Bud-beer products, but you can always pull an Otis and take a few shots of Tequila beforehand.
This overall design and flow of this theatre is very interesting. The entire building is in the shape of a circle which somehow makes walking around more fluid than most venues. Staff is posted before each door and will direct you to your seat if you get lost and need help. The one policy that kind of kills me is "No re-admittance". You can leave your seat and go to the bathroom or get a drink, but if you leave the building they will not allow you back in with your ticket...kind of sucks if you show up super early or you're watching a performance that has an intermission.
This is such a cool venue with awesome shows so definitely check-out VisitElPaso.com to find out what's happening. And since it's cater-cornered to the Convention Center if you're checking out a show on a Friday during the summer you can probably catch Alfresco! Fridays (a free music series put on every year). read more