Saw 'Night Mother at this intimate theatre. It's not light subject matter (ideations of suicide, mother-daughter relationships, and family secrets), but it is a beautifully written play and the performance last night was deeply, deeply moving! Billie J. Simmons, as the mother, was extraordinary. To witness and share such a powerful range of emotions was a transcendent gift to the small audience. A truly remarkable experience. read more

I come here with my mom on Thursdays for the free dress rehearsal shows on occasion and it's always a treat. The stage is small and the seating encircles the performance area so you'll see a different angle depending on where you sit. Of course the shows will be vary in quality but I've always enjoyed my time there and usually befriend some senior citizens in the audience. I also had a fantastic cookie last time. read more

Altarena Playhouse - The Bird's tonight! - Performing Arts Near Me - Alameda, California

Bathroom ruined a fantastic show, and I missed the 2nd half. My partner's plans changed, but I was excited to see today's wonderful highly recommended closing day matinee musical, so I went on my own. At 6', the seats were a little tight for me, but I took advantage of her vacant seat . At intermission I went outside for a few minutes to stretch my legs, then came back inside to look in the lobby for a bathroom. I did not receive a program when I arrived, and the performance intro did not mention restrooms. I did not find any signs, so I looked along the dark corridor behind the central seating and saw a single line of about a dozen people. At the far end I saw a door for a unisex bathroom. I heard someone closer to the front of the line say there was no toilet paper. As I waited, more folks lined up behind me. I decided I might have better luck driving down the street to a gas station. Unfortunately, I did not find a working bathroom until I found the home depot. When I returned I knew I might miss the beginning of the 2nd half, but I thought I might have an opportunity to return to my aisle seat after a musical number. I discovered that both sets of street doors, however, were closed and locked, and there was no way to ask anyone anything. I gave up and went home. There is a version of this musical on Amazon. I suspect it is not nearly as good as the actors and musicians I enjoyed who performed at this show. Overall, I wish I had not gone to this theater at all, and I'm not sure how the bathroom situation could have been improved. Perhaps management could provide a solution or tip on yelp. read more

I have seen so many wonderful plays at this little theatre. Every seat is a good seat as it's a very intimate setting. They have a free dress rehearsal the Thursday before opening night so great theatre is available to everyone. It's really community theater at its best. Treat yourself to a great night out and support the arts. You won't regret it. read more

Came here with some friends to see Of Mice and Men. Fantastic production! Get tickets to see if before it ends! Pluses for the theater: The theater is small but intimate. You really get to be close to the performance. Free coffee/tea/water before the show and during intermission. Free cookies during intermission. What else can you ask for? =) read more

Altarena Playhouse - Set Of Mice and Men - Performing Arts Near Me - Alameda, California

See all

Here is a pic of me with my program from 'It's Only A Play,' my boyfriend and I went to see this show together and we sat in the center in front. As an audience member, and also a biracial person, I always hope for and look for clues in the program/flyer that will make me feel inspired, welcome, and full of hope, the play has diversity in the brilliant cast, but there is no land acknowledgment, no commitment or statement regarding antiracism or queer-positive initiatives anywhere on my program. These kind of thoughtful touches are important to me as an audience member and what I expect as a new standard from most Bay Area theatres. The woman near the front of the theatre greeting everyone was kind and sweet. The theatre is intimate and I waited outside for a while and had the chance to meet some of the brilliant actors after the show! The artistic director was there that night, but I didn't get to meet them. I'm interested in this theatre and there are lots of recent news articles about it and I understand my gut feeling better now. I tried to reach out to them respectfully and joyfully about becoming an antiracist theatre on their Facebook Page, but they blocked me. I hope they read this review and I hope they begin that journey. I will update again as I find out more about Altarena and how they will mindfully make audience members like me feel more welcome with their vision. Yelp keeps deleting my reviews of Altarena and I'm not sure why. Hopefully, this one will stick. read more

Altarena Playhouse - Me with my program after seeing the play at Altarena - Performing Arts Near Me - Alameda, California

What an amazing evening watching talented actors doing what they do best. Clean House makes you laugh and cry at the same time, it is a play full of emotions that keeps you glued to your chair from the beginning to the end. Adriana Palhares was definitely the highlight of the evening, her natural talent and beauty filled my heart with joy. I also want to thank all the volunteers who made me feel at home... in a Clean House! read more

Altarena Playhouse - Dolores... - Performing Arts Near Me - Alameda, California

See all

Very fun to have a playhouse in my small town of alameda. The show we saw was great! Worth seeing a show there.

Bat Boy the Musical was good--maybe 7 out of 10. Best thing: Alex Rodriguez was absolutely fantastic as the Bat Boy. The best on the stage by far. Worst thing: The sound system in the Altarena Playhouse. Often hard to hear the actors. read more

If you are looking a a great play that will pull on all of your emotions then don't wait another day. you need to see . THE MIRACLE WORKER. The story of Helen Keller. This theater company did an outstanding performance of this production. If you leave with dry eyes then its your fault. Not to be missed and its only here until June 24th read more

Great community theater with stellar productions. Just saw "Morning's At Seven", directed by Sue Trigg. Genius! I've seen many other plays and musicals here, and all were wonderfully cast and produced. Tickets are very reasonable, especially if you buy season tickets. For the holidays, try to catch "The Man Who Saved Christmas", which plays November 30 - December 16, 2007. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. This is also a great forum for actors. Check out the website for auditions. Definitely not one of those community theaters that only cast their own clique! They feature actors from all around the Bay Area. read more

This is my first time attending a show here and it was enjoyable. A friend who is a season ticket holder got a group to go to see Walk the Line (songs by Johnny Cash) which was entertaining. Our tickets were at will call so a tip from a first timer: I got dropped off and saw the line snake down the block, so I asked an employee who was outside if this was the line for will call and was told to go inside for my will call tickets. Seats are first come first serve so there were 3 of us at will call and our remaining 6 had no arrived. So two of us went into the theatre to hold the seats for 9 people while the 3rd person went outside the theatre with the will call tickets to bring the rest of our group inside. Those with will call (red cards) get to get their seats first. read more

I must agree with those who rave about Man of La Mancha! Great storytelling.. great intimacy and interaction among the audience... and a very well directed show. These actors, though at times inconsistent with vocal strength, brought the story of Don Quixote to new levels and made me rush home to research the music, legend, and author further.. I may even say that this was the best community theatre production I have yet to see! read more

This little community theatre has been around since the 1930's. And I don't know how they put on such quality productions. I saw Morning's At Seven a few months ago. I had seen the play before in a huge house in L.A., and this one was almost as good. Tonight I saw Chicago, and it was fabulous. Only $20, cheaper if you subscribe. How do they do it?? read more

If you are in San Francisco & want to nurture your Inner-Patsy Cline...then, by all means possible, get your little self over here. For the next four weeks, Patsy Cline (played by Indiana's very own MARGARET BELTON) makes friends with a fan named Louis (played by Julia Etzel). The story line is simple, a fan becomes a supporter & a friend to this Country-Western legend, Patsy Cline. It was a role that both women were born to play--and indeed, they don't let you down, not one bit. It's a funny, poignant, sad, but ultimately uplifting look @ the power of positive energy that allows two people to bond who otherwise might not have crossed paths. You get to be amazed as Margaret Belton channels Patsy Cline. You get to see Patsy as a fully human person who can share her life experiences with Louise. The costumes were absolute perfection...Oh my, they looked terrific! The band was spot-on every second, And you walk away with an renewed understanding that a true artist respects fans who have good intentions. It can & did happen. This story of friendship will fully engage you. Hurry! They are selling out fast! Directed by Richard Robert Bunker. Costume Design by Janice Stephenson. read more

I'm in Gypsy here right now (runs through April 5th get your tickets now!!!) I have to say it's a solid theatre that produces solid shows... I'm having an amazing time. One star off because backstage is TINY.... and I get claustrophobic.. I sneak out front every chance I get. read more

I really, really wish I had subscribed this season and most certainly will in future. I just saw Spring Awakening today. Wow, was I impressed with the quality of the performances, staging, choreography, the live musicians. Fantastic! I have seen a lot of repertory theater and varying-sized productions in my life, and I am very happy to know I have this gem right down the street from me. Yay! read more

A true hidden gem of Alameda. Caught a showing of Man of La Mancha. The actors interacted with the audience before the show which was great. The stage was very well put together and transitions between scenes were well thought out. They kept it simple and believable. Good production value for a community theater. The audience is seated intimately close to the stage. Free Coffee / Hot Chocolate / Tea / Cookies that you can bring into the theater. I would definitely come back for another show. SUPPORT LOCAL THEATER! read more

I went yesterday to see "the Rocky Horror Show". All I can say is *WOW*! Very well done. Actors were spot on! Terrific! read more

Enjoyed watching the awesome musical ''Song of the Nightingale'' here a few months ago. It's a tiny little theater that allows you to feel up close with the cast wherever you may be sitting. So up close, in fact, that I had a couple of moments where my eyes would lock with someone from the cast during their song or line-- awkwarrrrd. I sat all the way towards stage right at the very top and could still see the sweat on their faces. The rows are extremely tight here. Not the most comfortable but I managed. My friend, on the other hand, who is taller than me at 5'9'' was hanging in there the best she could. Her legs were literally squished with absolutely no room to reposition to get more comfy, poor thing. I bet she was pretty jealous of the kid behind us who obviously had more than enough room to swing his legs over and over kicking the back of our chairs, lol. I can't imagine how any tall person could fit even semi-comfortably. If you're of average height or smaller, this would be an a-ok place to watch a play/musical though. read more

Ok...seriously GHETTO venue. But to their credit, Gypsy was a pretty solid production tonight, and there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Plus, they basically gave out free cookies and drinks during intermission! (They ask for donations, since they're a non-profit). It seems like they're hugely successful for a small community theatre, which is great. But don't expect anything like the Orpheum, or even Berkeley Rep! read more

Love this little theater

Recently saw "One Man, Two Guvnors" and thoroughly enjoyed the production. Great acting, fun sets, and audience engagement. Limited legroom made sitting through the show a little painful though. Suggest you get a front row seat if you are over 5'8". read more

We really enjoyed One Man Two Guvnors which we saw a couple of weeks ago. It was fairly easy to park on the street. Having visited now we know to go in early if you want to pick your seats. Even so, it's a small venue and you can't really get a bad seat. The performers were spot on for the play, with a professional polish sometimes missing in community theater. It was a great way to see theater and we'll definitely go back. read more

Just saw Always Patsy Cline here, first time at this venue. Great layout..no bad seats in the house..The show was terrific..catch it if you can, it's almost sold out. A friend in in the cast and does a FABulous job as Patsy's friend. Excellent music, good acoustics, and friendly staff. Plus, two friends are sponsors, do you know it's worth going to support, right? read more

Being an actor myself, Altarena Playhouse is a great place to perform. Though the dressing rooms are very small and you have to share the bathrooms with patrons, Altarena is like working with family. The theatre is small and intimate so playing to the audience is always a given. Also, I have seen several shows there the price of admission was worth it. read more

The "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" which is currently playing at the Altarena play house is a must see. The cast is incredible and does the musical in the round which is a feat in and of itself. If you are looking for a night to get away from disaster reports and stories of Michelle Bachman's possible run for president, you couldn't spend your $22 any better way. It is a light hearted comic musical that is entertaining from start to finish. The diversity of the cast is amazing. Many play more than one roll in small vignettes within the play. I've seen it twice and I suggest you at least see it once. You will probably want to bring friends with you when you go the second time. read more

I saw Side Show and a collection of comedy skits there in the past year and I have to say, it's remarkable. The talent is Broadway-trained and the director sure knows how to get the most out of a very intimate setting. I wish it were a dinner theater (do they have those anymore?) and I'm going to get season tickets. It's one of the benefits of living on Alameda. A hidden gem! read more

This is a small venue but there is not a bad seat in the house. I just saw Gypsy and it was fantastic and the cast and crew were awesome. $20.00 for entertainment and free cookies and soda during intermission. You can't beat it. read more

A nice small theater with seating that surrounds the stage. If the actors want to talk to the audience they have to break the 2nd, 3rd and 4th wall. read more

We just moved down the street from this Playhouse and luckily caught one of the last performances of Fences. It was an amazing play with really talented actors. The playhouse was so cute too and we loved how it felt like a really intimate performance. Next time though we will remember to bring cash as coffee and cookies served during intermission are on a donation basis. The only complaints are the people sitting in front of us who would NOT stop whispering through the entire show. Their rudeness didn't ruin our night though and we will for sure be back to see The Mousetrap! read more

I frequent AltaRena regularly and usually appreciate what this little playhouse has to offer. Pricing is right for the production value, etc. However, Spring Awakening, I had to walk out of at intermission on 7/6/12. The acting was horrible, the sound was not adjusted properly so you couldn't hear what the actors were singing (and that's where much of the dialogue lives in a musical), and I thought this adaptation lacked the usual talent I see come from Chacon. It seemed as though the group was relying on the shock value that probably came effortlessly in the late 1800's (original production) given the content - but the acting did not produce an authenticity that would allow one to recall and connect their own experiences through adolescent 'awakenings.' For example, how many of us as young people underwent feelings and emotions surrounding a sado-maso urging? I'm not a far-right conservative by any stretch of the imagination but more important than the less than adequate production value, I felt as though I was watching something like 'Clockwork Orange' but some of the actors here are in fact, UNDER-AGE and I can't imagine why a parent would allow their participation in this production even in the name of artistic expression. These were not young adults portraying youth in controversial content, there were also actual local teens in high school in this production that was highly explicit/graphic. I could not set aside that point as a parent of 4 to see what more would come of this play. It felt like kiddie porn - I left completely disgusted. I only waited for intermission so as not to be rude, being a regular play attendee - but in this instance I should have left much sooner. read more

Fun place and high quality performances for a community theater. Always a good time.

Just saw Steel Magnolias. This show runs through August 8th, 2010. Outstanding cast in an intimate setting. This production does wonderful tribute to the original stage production of this funny and touching show. The cast takes the production to heart and consistently delivers a perfornace that touches your heart as well as your funnybone. I highly recommend Steel Magnolias as well as the ongoing support of this theatre that contributes so much to the community. read more

We've been going here for a few years and finally bought season tickets this year. We just saw the wonderful production of "Man of La Mancha" and they've really outdone themselves. "Bus Stop" was great too. Every time we leave I say "This was the best one yet!" And, for $22! read more

This is a nice, intimate community theatre venue. Very small, reminiscent of small college theatre. The talent varies, but a lot of it is surprisingly good. I'm not going to review specific performances because that really is a different matter; if you're looking for a good local date that is a little off-center, this is it. Excellent air conditioning in the summer! read more

Great theater! Great talent! Great price! This theater seems to attract great talent, considering the fine plays I have seen here in the past. Intimate comfortable theater setting--one of my favorites in the entire bay area--and just about to celebrate their 75th Anniversary! It's amazing how the cozy set-up actually makes us feel involved in the story since everything is so up close and personal. And speaking of "personal", this theater has been lovingly tended by an amazing crew of passionate and dedicated staff, who make just about every interaction feel warm and personal--their love of this place and pride in what they do there are palpable--from the warm welcome received at the door, to their offerings of cookies and coffee by donation, to their steady recycling/greening efforts. A real community GEM! BE ON THE LOOK-OUT for more great shows coming out of this special theater!!! We are so glad we discovered this place, especially to see great theater on this side of the bay! read more

Date night with my husband. My turn to pick. What to do? Found the Altarena Playhouse in the Chronicle's 96 hours of things to do in the Bay Area. Read the synopsis of Moonlight & Magnolias. Sounded intriguing. My favorite movie is Gone With the Wind. Husband, not so crazy about thee-a-tar. Took a chance and surprised him with tickets. What a FANTASTIC play! The "amateur" actors were EXCELLENT and definitely not amateurs. As my husband said, "how did [Tim Reynolds] remember all those lines!" Keith Jefferds as Ben Hecht - superb casting! John Hale's interpretation of Melanie - priceless! Donna Turner as the secretary - so much for so few lines! The playhouse is intimate, the stage is in the middle of the theater, where there really is no bad seat and you feel like you are right in the action. Hubby very pleased too. We will be back! read more

Bat Boy The Musical Kicks ass and is running NOW!!!

Had the wonderful opportunity to see Bat Boy: The Musical here. Great cast and show. It's a wonder how they could turn an old grocery store into a theatre. read more