Walking up to this space I was in awe. I've never been to show here and have never even driven by. It's a grand building that almost pops up out of nowhere. It's a very cool space. You can wonder around in the library pre-show and grab a drink in their makeshift "bar," which is basically a common area. Still, cool to me.
I'm a total theater nerd and am way more into the ground floor seating than a balcony. But as soon as I saw the way the balcony wraps around the room, I kinda thought I made the wrong choice. I opted for a side right floor option that ended up being the second to last row. I even bought tickets on pre-sale too!
I went to see Pete Davidson. I'm an SNL superfan, so any cast member who tours, I'm there! He actually told the audience the Carnegie Music Hall staff was rude to him and his friends. Then the lighting person kept messing up and throwing him off. It just didn't seem professional at all.
But the biggest issue was their policy on entrance and exits. Namely that there is no policy. I'm a regular attender of theater downtown at all the theaters. Their protocol is to wait until breaks in the show. If you show up late, you have to wait until that break. With this place, you could come and go as you please.
Like I said, since we were in the back, it was INCREDIBLY distracting. People were late and walking in and then during the entire show people were just up and down for bathroom breaks, smoke breaks, snack breaks... I have no clue! This never happens at the theaters downtown. I realize a majority of the events here are concerts, which probably allows for more flexibility when it's a loud music show. But when someone is just speaking, like this comedy show, it was just the worst. I think they should consider a stricter policy for non-music shows. It definitely gives me second thought at buying another ticket for a show here other than music. read more