Was there last Saturday to see the final show of "Wine In The Wilderness" and I absolutely loved the charm and intimacy of this theater. I sat on the front row and didn't even need to wear my glasses to enjoy the show. This show was absolutely INCREDIBLE! read more

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Have never seen anything great there. But we kept trying. However the seating experience tonight was unacceptable. I booked 2 seats at the end of a row, but it turned out they added 2 straight free-standing chairs next to the regular seats and those were our seats. they were so uncomfortable, hardly any cushion, not made for sitting for long periods. Plus they were so far at the end that you had to twist uncomfortably to watch. We should have just left, I regret we didn't. But we paid full price for tickets and should have been told that these were not theater seats. We agreed that CSC is off our list of theaters to visit. read more

It was absolutely incredible seeing Ariana DeBose and the rest of the cast this up close and personal. The BAKER'S WIFE is theatre at its finest. We LOVED it!!! The box office situation is confusing as the listed hours do not match their actual, but someone was there to help us sort out our tix in the end. The owner of the cafe housed within the theatre is not very friendly, but the cafe staff working on the show day were great! read more

I'd visited the Classical Stage theater in NYC to see "The Odyssey", a Greek Homer's famous poem about the Greek God Odyssey and a King's journey going home after a war. And it's an Off - Broadway play; "Black Odyssey" written by Marcus Gardley. It's about an African American solider/veteran by the name of Ulysses Lincoln. In this case Ulysses is Odyssey. He'd fought in the Iraq war, but ended up being traumatized due to an accident he'd made that ended a powerful man/God child's life. The play takes you on Ulysses's journey around the globe as he tries to find his way back home to his wife and son he hadn't seen in Harlem, NYC for about 16 years. Honestly this play is a great collaboration of Greek Mythology, African American History and a creative mindset. And I very much so appreciated the complimentary ticket. It doesn't matter where you sit in the theater you'll have a fabulous view of the stage. The theater was very small and personal making the overall experience amazing. read more

Classic Stage Company - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

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Great productions and service, I've watched several shows using the 30 under 30 discounts - smooth booking, ticket pickup, and seating overall! read more

What a fun little theater! It is a very intimate setting. I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. The seats are rather tight but they were still comfortable. The show was supposed to start at 2pm, but maybe off Broadway that is only a suggestion. We were all crammed in the lobby, which shares space with a coffee shop. The doors opened slightly before 2pm. Once seated, they were setting up the stage. The show started around 2:15pm. The stage for the show we saw, Pericles, was simple but it worked and was very well done with the space they had. I would love to see another show there. read more

Classic Stage Company - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

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Beautiful little theater down in the Union Square area putting on some incredible shows. I saw Assassins here. You walk into what feels like a small cafe, but when the doors in the back open, there's an expansive (yet intimate) theater with in-the-round seating. Comfortable and spacious seating, kind and caring staff, highly recommend seeing a show here. read more

Classic Stage Company - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I dedicate this Yelp entry to a professor colleague who works in the theatre, because she has, in her own inimitable style, admonished me for mistaking my enthusiasm for the art for expertise. I know nothing, and I know I know nothing. I have seen many shows, that is all. For what it is worth, then, my opinion is that the Classic Stage Company is superlative. They "reimagine" a more traditional repertoire for modern audiences. They have the production values I associate with off-Broadway at its best. I have seen four shows there. I have regarded all as time well spent. The space is intimate. The stage is a thrust configuration, i.e., seating on three sides. In the front row, you could touch the actors (which of course one would never do) or they could spit on you (one of those risks associated with any live performance). I prefer a venue such as this. To me as audience, the experience is superior to buying an expensive ticket to a Broadway production only to be seated so far away that even with opera glasses the cast are tiny figures whose most extravagant gestures are mere tics. I am grateful that there are opportunities to do both, and for those who are not regular theatregoers I urge them to try a place such as CSC. I am grateful in particular that CSC worked with the Play On! program. (I am acquainted with one of the benefactors.) The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, CSC, and dozens of playwrights, most of them women or people of color (including women of color), engaged in an endeavor, with a philosophy about access, to "translate" the Shakespearean canon into contemporary English. No doubt some who would not even deign to witness the results would censure the effort. It does no damage to the originals, which remain available, and the hope of the organizers is to introduce these works to inspire further immersion in the characters -- and the language. I went to an earlier presentation, as the project was in progress, and they explained how a classic soliloquy such as "to be or not to be" would still open with that line, but a word such as "bodkin" would be revised to dagger. I had seen all of the Bard's titles that are accepted. I had needed a couple of disputed entries to "complete," and Edward III was among them. CSC offered the series in a marathon. They were staged readings. I was able to take in Edward III. (I found the last, Two Noble Kinsman, in Los Angeles at an avante garde company, that same year.) I associate CSC with the pandemic. The very last cultural event I attended before the global shutdown was a double bill. I saw both Frankenstein and Dracula in a single day. The very first play I attended after it felt safe (I had listened to music already by then) was Snow in Midsummer. The monsters were creatively adapted. (People may not bother with the source material for this "IP," but they both were introduced in epistolary novels, which suggests to me -- again, an autodidact blockhead, the form must have been quite popular.) The Chinese drama was given a makeover into more than modern dress. It was queer, and all the better for it. (The aforementioned professor I took issue with. She was trying to introduce her Asian American students to Asian theatre. I explained to her Asian Americans and Asians are not the same. I suggested she consider Asian American theatre -- of which there is quite a bit that is compelling, such as "peerless," the Macbeth inspired dark comedy with twin sisters competing in high school.) Like anyone else, I am delighted to see Hollywood stars on stage. I saw Dustin Hoffman in Merchant of Venice decades ago, and, more recently, Kevin Spacey as Richard III (probably the priciest pair of tickets I have ever bought). I am aware I was privileged to witness Mark Rylance in Richard III and Twelfth Night, back to back, which is a prodigious feat of physical performance and memorization, without any mention of the acting in such dissimilar roles. CSC has had Christina Ricci, Bebe Neuwirth, and Corey Stoll, that I have noticed mentioned. (I did not see any of them, but their casting was newsworthy.) As a layperson, I have been impressed by the CSC artists. The Snow in Midsummer ensemble was believable, and their dynamic engrossing. I appreciate the Classic Stage Company. I intend to continue to patronize them. read more

I feel like this theater is almost a secret. It's very unassuming from the street. We came to see a one man version of Hamlet with Ben Schnetzer. The coffee shop in the lobby is nice, but they closed before the doors even opened for the show. I feel like they were missing out on some potential business there (ours) - that's an independent business so it doesn't play into my review of the theater. I booked tickets online and emailed to see about dress code. (I don't know if it's all shows, but it's business casual all black, no sneakers.) The person who emailed me back (Emily) was very prompt with her reply and offered to help with any other questions I might have. We grabbed our tickets from the box office (free show but RSVP needed to ensure you got in) and made our way in with the crowd. In this case, it was just first come, first served seating. We picked a spot in the middle of the second row on the left side. It's a very small, intimate theater. If you pick the front row, you likely feel like you're IN the show. The middle section has more rows so it goes up a bit higher than the side sections. I think any seat in here is a good one. (I'm sure the setup is different in different shows.) As another reviewer said, the doors on the bathroom stalls are a bit odd. As someone with long legs, it's a challenge with the doors hitting my knees. That's more of an FYI as there doesn't seem to be much space to change them if they wanted to. I really enjoyed going to a more out of the way spot to see a show that wasn't as well known and felt like we were part of a club. Even though the show was free, we'll be sure to donate since we had an enjoyable time and really, I would have been willing to pay a good deal for these! read more

Classic Stage Company - Intimate setting! - Performing Arts Near Me - New York, New York

I really didn't know about this theater until recently when I went to see Pacific Overtures (I love me some Stephen Sondheim!) The production itself was excellent and well done in the space they had. This is a smaller theater which provides for a more intimate setting. I admit I had no idea where to enter (it's through the cafe in case anyone else is wondering) I'm intrigued by their future lineup of shows. It's nice to see a show off the beaten path of the theater district. Shows seen: Pacific Overtures read more

My only experience thus far with CSC is with Uncle Vanya. I have never seen this production live...so it was my first experience with both venue and piece. After being unimpressed by Chekhov's Seagull at the Walter Kerr earlier this season, I was interested to see another production to give Peter Sarsgaard another try. Thankfully, it brought me to Classic Stage Company. From entering into their theatre through the Coffee House lobby...a different theatre going experience begins. The staff at the theatre was absolutely impressive. The house manager was very welcoming, the ushers helpful, box office pleasant...a class act all around. I felt that this was a theatre company where art and expression is encouraged and I was the happy recipient of many people's hard work over the years to build a theatre company. Bravo. I will certainly be back for more. ...and I love Uncle Vanya...the cast was wonderful. It was a completely fulfilling experience. read more

Dracula was truly entertaining! The actors seemed at home on stage, and their wittiness was appreciated. The African American doctor was not dressed in the same time period, which seemed like an odd choice for an adaptation. It was also a tad long. My son and I did not enjoy Frankenstein. When I looked around at the audience, I saw a few asleep. The adaptation was just weird. We saw Frankenstein off- off Broadway last year, and it stuck to the original script. This is what I think most people want to see. read more

I really liked this theater as it is very easy to get around. The fact that it is located in the back of a coffee shop makes it even better! Each and every seat has a great view of the stage. The seats are very modern and comfortable. I liked the sound system and vibe as well. The bathrooms are nearby and no stairs to get to them. The only funky part is that the doors open out in two pieces, like the Delorean of bathrooms. The reason is that those doors close about an inch from the end of the bowl. Straddle, baby, straddle. The play was what you would expect from Off Broadway and there are plenty of interesting restaurants nearby. All in all, a unique experience! read more

I really enjoyed Classic Stage Company (CSC) for my first "off-Broadway" experience in NYC. Obtaining tickets from the online box office was a breeze. Getting there from Brooklyn was equally easy, just a few blocks from the 14 St. station, an enjoyable walk through the East Village. Will Call had our tickets ready, and refreshments were available in the lobby, which appeared to double as a cafe. The venue is small, but by virtue of that, every seat is good. On our visit we saw Dead Poet's Society. This show was very entertaining and flawlessly performed. Although the entire cast was great, I especially enjoyed the performance of SNL alumnus Jason Sudekis in the role of the teacher John Keating. I also was impressed by a young man I'd consider to be a rising talent, Cody Kostro, in the role of Charlie Dalton. After the show, Mr. Sudekis and Mr. Kostro were nice enough to pose for selfies with us. All in all, I had a great theater experience and would recommend CSC for those seeking a theater that's intimate and reasonably priced. read more

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Very small theater which often has very big stars in classic plays. Every seat is excellent. Keep an eye on their offerings! The coffee shop nearby is excellent and there are plenty of good dining/dessert/drinking options. read more

"Hamlet" was a limp disaster. This was surprising and sad, given artistic director Brian Kulick's many fine past productions at the CSC, including "Richard III" starring Michael Cumpsty. Peter Sarsgaard mumbled through his lines in the title role, often talking into his shirt, into his hands or into a wine glass. The supporting cast was flat, with the exception of Gertrude - who handled the rich Shakespeare text with command and poignancy. Inventive interpretations of Shakespeare can be engaging and thought-provoking; keeping the Bard fresh after 400 years. Sadly, this production chooses to swallow and deliberately downplay the many audience-pleasing scenes and lines, and misses the mark widely. It is a shame that this masterpiece, "Hamlet", is presented as a flavorless baloney sandwich. read more

Went to a production of Macbeth. Paid over 80.00 for the ticket. THE THEATER HAD NO HEAT. We sat there for one hour and forty five minutes with coats and gloves on. Feet were icy at the end. No warning, no apology, no offer to refund. The performance? Okay. Certainly wouldn't have gone if forewarned. read more

I don't consider myself a theatre person, but seeing A Month in The Country here in January '15 was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I admit that Peter Dinklage is what drew me in to this show, and I was beyond thrilled to get a front row seat for the Wednesday matinee. For 2 hours I was just a few feet from Peter and other fine actors, watching them perform their craft, feeling their energy. It was intense. Peter Dinklage has an amazing, thick head of hair and I wanted to reach out and run my fingers through it, but I restrained myself. In all seriousness, the cast was brilliant, and the production was seamless. It made me want to go read Russian playwrights and see more plays. It was a fine way to spend an afternoon. One downside to such an intimate theatre is a tiny, cramped lobby, which doubles as a coffee shop. I had read good things about their coffee, but with the long line, I didn't have enough time before the show or during intermission to purchase any beverages. But the location is great and I will definitely consider another show here next time I'm in town. read more

I'm truly sorry. I've only experienced one of their plays. The environment is very nice, and the company seems very accomplished. But "Frankenstein," I thought, was just awful. Don't get me wrong, Stephanie Berry's role was very challenging, with so much dialogue and so many character changes, and for the most part she was excellent. Not so with the script, which I have to say was more pretentious than "metaphysical." Frankenstein's Monster's quick ascent from grunts to Elizabethan English would have been bad enough, but the book's narrative isn't even written in Elizabethan English, thou shouldst realize. It was just disconcerting, and it reached its crescendo when the narration was describing the Monster grunting mournfully over the Doctor's body while the Monster stood onstage waxing profoundly. The "music," consisted of some skillful guitar riffs, which did help create the mood, and two pieces of "songs" with lyrics like "Frankenstein, try harder / Frankenstein, try harder." The whole thing was just incongruous and, I can't help but say, tedious, which "Frankenstein" really shouldn't be. I guess one has to be careful with things "avant-garde" and "re-imagined." There was clearly an attempt to explore the deeper human themes of "Frankenstein," but it should have been more show and less show off. read more

I came here recently to view Hamlet with Nike. This was our first time at this theater so almost walked right passed it and didn't even know! The theater shares the front space with a coffee shop that sells beverages that you can take with you to enjoy the show. The women's bathroom is a bit cramped and required a bit of finesse, I do not have. However, the staff was polite and very friendly. The theater is small but it allows for an intimate experience. read more

3.5 stars... Classic Stage has an awesome vibe going in the interior - largely due to the coffee house adjacent to it. I guess that's perhaps the magic of a lil known drug called caffeine? The theatre, as I learnt that day, has thrust seating (seats on all 3 sides of the stage). The stage in the middle is no frills and stage effects really nothing to rave about. I was here to catch Venus in Fur and it was a splendid performance. The bathrooms here though, were probably built for anorexics ... the cubicle door is one of those that folds in, in the middle and each cubicle is such a tight squeeze that you'd have to shuffle yourself around just to lock, sit or stand. read more

We visited to watch view Carmen and absolutely positively LOVED IT. The show was great and the voices were amazing!!! We will definitely definitely be back for more. :) read more

I bought a subscription for this theater company because they stage classic theater and I'm so glad I did. So far I've seen Allegro and A Month in the Country. Allegro was a really wonderful musical by Rogers and Hammerstein - considered at the time of it's first production to be a failure. In the hands of John Doyle it was joy. The other play, A Month in the Country is revelatory exploration of the social mores of early 19th century Russia and Erica Schmidt does a brilliant job of staging this work, which in the original was 5 hours long. The theater is very intimate and if you want an intense theater experience, get a ticket to anything they stage. I highly recommend this theater company. I will be renewing my subscription next year. read more

Loved loved absolutely loved the play i went to see !! small space but the plays are really good ! went to see "Comedy Of Errors" by William Shakespeare and i absolutely loved every bit of it !! read more

Is it a theater company or is it a coffee cafe? By golly it's both! A sneaky facade of coffee shop hides a hidden theater in the back. I watched Mother Courage and it was amazing. TIP: Waiting list is cheaper than general admission. read more

I'm always amused by the story I heard about F. Murray Abraham stopping a thief during a rehearsal here. This place is teeny, but if you love getting interactive with your theater, this is the place to be. I was fortunate to see Venus In Fur with Nina Arianda right when it opened, and to be able to see her performance in such an intimate setting was incredible. I love the little cafe out front that keeps this place from feeling too stuffy. read more

I live out of state but come annually. Love the coffee house. The three sided seating around the center stage allows you to be up close and personal with the actors, such a treat every time! read more

Just saw their production of 'School for Lies.' So good it inspired me to leave my first Yelp review. Who knows? There might be a second.

Review is for the cafe open to all guests. I found the staff to be robots and not very friendly. They didn't command any service and most customers seemed confused on what was going on. After everyone ordered, we all were further confused because the staff didn't call out the drinks loudly. They mumbled something or just handed drinks out quietly. My drink order seem to get pushed back in the order. I did not enjoy my experience here. read more

Came here to see Orlando recently. The production was great! I didn't read the book, but a friend did say that they were faithful to the overall theme and story of it. As for the space, CSC looks like it seats about 100 to 150 max, so anything you see here will be intimate and the repertory group tends to do avant garde/progressive plays. The space has a little cafe before you enter the theatre, so you can grab some coffee, tea, brownie before you head in to be enlightened & entertained. read more

Intimate theater space with quality productions in the back of a coffee shop. We saw Elizabeth Olsen in Romeo and Juliet and had a great time. The coffee shop also sells wine in spill-proof cups to take into the show. read more