I have never been to a true opera but was so happy to be invited to the Apprentice Scenes performed…read moreby students that are moving from academics into the professional world of Opera. My daughter's very good friend went to school for Music/Opera and has an incredible voice. She was part of the Apprentice Program for Singers this past summer. This program has had more than 1500 singers participate in the program. When we found out she would perform here, we decided to fly in for the weekend and support her. The theater itself is called the The Crosby Theater as the property was taken over in 1956 by John O. Crosby who then with the help of others found a location on the property that was a natural amphitheater. Construction was then began and this magnificent open air theater was completed. With this being an open air venue, the acoustics are incredible, views are phenomenal and the vibe is exciting. Our seats were more towards the back of the house which I enjoyed providing a full view of the stage and a front row seat to an exquisite New Mexican sunset. The show itself was set up as one act operas and were performed by the apprentices. They featured eight different and uniques scenes from operas such as Hansel and Gretel, La Clemenza Di Tito, Sweeney Todd, Aida, and Hamlet. I had no idea that many of these operas are so old. For example, La Clemenza Di Tito premiered in Germany in 1791. WOW! What I loved most of all were the caption boxes in front of each seat. When an opera is being performed in a foreign language these boxes translate into English the words being sung, thus allowing the listener to fully understand the opera being performed. Pure magic! Restrooms were very clean and snack bar available before the performance is open. Parking is no issue at all with a huge lot in front of the theater. Sustainability was high on the list for the theater during its most recent renovation. The roof collects over 80,000 gallons of rain water annually and delivers the water through underground cisterns which irrigates the property. Happy I was able to enjoy this experience.

Went to see Orfeo at the beautiful outdoor Santa Fe opera. The story where Legendary lovers, Orfeo…read moreand Euridice, face sudden death and separation. Yes, a snake caused it. They undertake a perilous journey from the underworld of death back to the world of the living. But one rule must be followed, Orfeo cannot look at Euridice. Tragedy obliged his conviction falters, as he cannot resist and succumbs to the temptation. The new production directed by Yuval Sharon was too avant-garde for my taste. Really did not like the set and costumes and unfortunately starring tenor Rolando Villazón was not there because of an accident. Such a pity as he was discovered in Mexico by his neighbor singing in his shower and became one of the best tenor in the world! So, we hope it is not too serious. Needles to say that for our family and friends, this was a major disappointment, as we travel from Texas to see him.

What a treat to be able to see such gorgeous contemporary ballet choreography that is both…read moreaccessible and artful. I saw their mixed A program which was three pieces, each one unique and well executed. I felt that the tickets were so under priced that after giving a standing ovation, I wanted to go and double what I had paid for my second row seats. My eyes were watering as I tried not to blink for a moment of the show. Costumes, lighting and score were all up to snuff. The theatre itself is a treat, as is people watching. Not to be missed!

This is the place for the absolute best classical ballet training in town. Not a place for razz…read morematazz and sequins galore in the recital - this is the real deal for top notch training. The dancers trained here go on to have professional dance careers. They tend to get into the most competitive dance programs in the country, and often with scholarships as well. Gisela and Jefferson are really caring and inspiring. Incidenally, they also have classes for the really young and for those who just want to have fun dancing.

1st time visitor here for a show. Nice place, plenty of room and reasonably priced concession…read morestand. Plus goodies are allowed in the auditorium. Plenty of ushers to get us to our seats and answer questions. We sat near the orchestra pit so view was good, not too close to the stage and not overly loud. Parking was a little hard to find - especially since it was a mid-week afternoon show while classes were in session.

Accessible seating is awesome here! Good cost, they have listening devices available by leaving…read moreyour ID with the person up front at the rotunda that allow you to hear the play from the stage mics. The chairs in Accessible area move and while they have arms, they are high enough to allow for larger behinds to sit in them. Even the main seating has been updated to allow for larger behinds, though you are very close arm and leg wise in those seats and getting out with a cane would not be advisable. Sound is great and so far every play has been stellar. From the Popejoy of my childhood the improvements are astronomical. A+ (PS they now allow the food from their little food area to be taken into the theater. No outside food. It's cookies, nuts and candies, hot drinks or sodas and water. (Baked goods and warm drinks are 'as available' and may run out or be unavailable some shows.)

Tonight saw a great show. This small theater at the Fine Art Center at UNM is a hidden gem. The…read moreshows are small and the theater is intimate. I want to see other things.

It had been years since I was on UNM campus for a show. ... My cousin and I went to see White…read moreChristmas. We arrived early enough to park in the garage closest to the theater. Easy pay station and we were off. We entered the theater along with those attending the Nutcracker in Popejoy Hall. Many volunteers were around to direct traffic and answer questions. We entered Rodey and to our delight had the perfect "middle" seats. We could see everything. White Christmas was an outstanding show!! The musicians were phenomenal, the dancing and acting all brought the spirit of Christmas home! I left there with the feeling of Christmas in my heart and the lingering of those traditional carols still on the tip of my tongue.

Amazing place. My fiance and I spent six hours over two days exploring everything, and there was…read morestill so much left to discover!

This place is like a HUGE 3-D game of Clue, designed by out-of-control artists. It's incredible, a…read moreplace where the more time you spend the more you discover! The people who work there are friendly and helpful.

Albuquerque Academy puts on amazing stage productions, and Simms is a great performance space for a…read morehigh school. The stadium seating gives you a splendid view of the stage from any seat, even the wings, and some spots even give you a good view of the orchestra pit. It should come as no surprise that this school's resources are outstanding, and the attention they give their performance departments is enviable. The sound and stage lighting are awesome and the usable space is really top-notch for this type (highschool) of venue. AA kids are well instructed and spectacularly talented. We just went to a production of the Phantom of the Opera and I was moved to tears more than once. The stars of the show couldn't possibly have been highschoolers! They were very nearly as good as any act I've seen at Popejoy and their voices were simply stunning. I love Webber's Broadway score and was really pleased to find AA was putting on that same version of the legendary story. Although they didn't quite match up to the amazing vocalists' performances, the school's orchestra (+ certain wind instruments) did a not-too-shabby job for a highschool crew replicating one of the (IMHO) most powerfully moving scores ever written.

Kimo, how do I love thee? For your bizarre glowing eyed skeletons, and your red velvet drapes. And…read moreis it haunted? Hmmmm. We may never know. Gem of downtown Albuquerque, the Kimo theatre is home to Burlesque, live theater, comedy shows, and the silver screen. Yes. All of these things. I love when they do film festivals. Nights upon nights of old film noir and classics. And every February, Southwest Burlesque makes me want to quit my job and become a dancer. The Nutcracker every December. Ah, the memories. Literally, my only complaint is the seating. It's very old school. Which is fine, but those comfy new-fangled seats in the new theaters have me (and my tush) spoiled. Hint - restrooms are on the sides down a hallway that doesn't seem like it belongs to the building.

The Kimo is a gem in the Albuquerque area! Tonight we attended the Kimo's 90th anniversary…read morecelebration and it was simply magical. Mayor Berry had a real silver screen installed as well as new carpet to compliment the well preserved vintage space. The Kimo is a destination for all lovers of the arts. It is host to book readings, poetry, and movie showings. For tonight's event, we were treated to Buster Keaton's "The General" with the Alloy Orchestra playing the score live for just $0.50 per ticket with free water, popcorn, and cake. (Concessions typically not included in movie ticket pricing.) The movie was outstanding and the Alloy Orchestra was a once in a lifetime experience. The Kimo has so many of these incredible events that people need to know more about. I know our family will be attending more of them!