I love musical theatre. When I saw that "Hello Dolly" was the Spring Show I invited a friend and…read morebought tickets, in the center in the second row. The Huntington Beach Academy for the Arts put on such a great show! The orchestra was amazing, the student actors were amazing, the soloists were amazing, and the chorus was amazing. The dance numbers were spectacular. The dance was so athletic and energetic! I would have been happy to see this show at the Music Center. The Huntington Beach High School theatre, built in 1928 is an amazing and historic venue. It was truly magical Saturday night. The parking was easy and free. The volunteer staff were friendly and accommodating. There were snacks at intermission. The only thing missing was my customary glass of champagne at intermission. It is a High School!

The music is good. The problem is the leadership of the music program. The leadership does not…read moreprotect the students in the program from abuse from other students. When asked for help, they literally said, "Let's just focus on the music." I have emails saying that. The leaders are not objective and obviously put talent over ethics; teaching kids that they can behave any way they want as long as they are good at music.

I went to the Golden West College Mainstage Theater to see an on-stage production of Herman…read moreMelville's classic American novel, "Moby Dick." It was great!: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/golden-west-college-mainstage-theater-huntington-beach?select=T8CKz6UQoLckecoKqeincg#T8CKz6UQoLckecoKqeincg So as not to ruin or spoil the play's narration or momentum, I won't, however, spend much time reviewing the show. If you've yet to experience the book, you'll be enlightened: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/golden-west-college-mainstage-theater-huntington-beach?select=T8CKz6UQoLckecoKqeincg#xcpkDky8g78aToWGiJ7upQ . But if you have read "Moby Dick," don't let that stop you from attending. While the enigmatic, white whale certainly occupies space in this imaginative adaptation, the spotlight is instead directed upon the depths of character development and the relationships among the Pequod's crew. Awesome performance notes and applause go to the intriguing Elijah and Father Mapple. As a venue for experiencing community theater, I whole-heartedly recommend GWC's Mainstage. The seating is intimate and comfortable, the ushers are helpful and all smiles, and the direction of the theater is completely supportive of its cast. In fact, the programs themselves open the college's doors for available enrollment, course offerings, and audition information. Makes you wonder... Have you yet had your 15 minutes? For a listing of upcoming events and shows, visit their website: www.gwctheater.com . ***Tips*** * The address listed is the main address for the college. The theater is not facing Goldenwest St. It actually faces Gothard St., which parallels Goldenwest. Parking is also located off Gothard.

Easy parking and a nice size theater. Every seat is a good one. I saw Evita here and while I…read moredidn't enjoy the musical I was comfortable. The sounds was a bit off so it was hard to hear the cast; the mic kept going in and out on some folks. There were refreshments (cheesecake and coffee) for purchase in the lobby during intermission. Restrooms are outside, but clean. If there was something here that I really wanted to see, I'd return.

The theatre is very intimate, and the play feels like it is being performed just for you. The…read moreticketing process was easy and fast and surprisingly affordable. The production of "Fences" which we attended was well produced, and directed. The staging and costumes were so well done they enhanced the overall power of the play. The acting was breathtaking and the characters were believable and empathetic. The lead actor gave as powerful a performance as you could possibly imagine. I can't wait for the next production! We will be in attendance.

This is one of the best and most comfortable small playhouses in OC. Run by Mike & Steve, who have…read morebeen there for years. The shows are time notch, and their directors like Kathy P., in a class by herself, she's just terrific! Every show I've seen there was well cast, had great props and was very entertaining. I go here regularly, bringing my theater group almost buying out the theater it's so popular. The group of us love their productions and their large lobby with a snack bar is great and very clean bathrooms. Not a bad seat in the house, and the stage is pretty large for a small community theater. It may be tricky to find, since they are located on the campus of a high school, but don't let that deter you. See you all next month for "Street Car Named Desire" and the following month, "The Whale" which is a great show!

We came here to watch Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast venues…read more Both times, were very good. Snacks and beverages were acceptable. Prices were to be expected. Staff assisting people with their seats were friendly. The theater itself was well maintained. We like coming here, since it is much better than going to LA Downtown. Parking is easy, since there is a parking structure across the street. $15 fee is not a bad deal. You can also park for free across the street in the South Coast Plaza. Going to LA Pantages, is always a struggle, since parking is difficult to find and the area is full of homeless and sketchy people. Overall, we enjoy coming to this theater.

It's always a treat coming here with friends and family to enjoy a show. There are so many to…read morechoose from throughout the year. We chose Beauty and the Beast this time around. We purchased orchestras seats for six people. The seats were great and our view was good. Staff are always nice and helpful. Venue is clean and magical looking, especially at night. Parking at the structure was $15. You can pay with card or cash. The show was amazing!!! You can't go wrong with whatever you choose to see!

Love this theatre. There is never a bad seat in the house. Parking is easy and you can pay at the…read moremeter or online - how convenient!!! TIP: Ladies, go to the restroom BEFORE the performance instead of intermission. Trust me, the line moves quickly and there is plenty of time before the show. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat had a more contemporary story line. Great concept. Excellent cast, voices and choreography. Costuming and wigs were on point. Exiting the parking lot was very easy and in no time at all. Can't wait to return to this theatre again. Ok, bye.

Why I will not be returning to the Carpenter's Center of the Performing Arts and to any Musical…read moreTheatre West Productions, or for that matter to any Live Theatre in SoCal. I will find other forms of entertainment. Before I tell the why of my first sentence. I want you to understand that for 22 years I had season tickets to a live theatre in Glendale till they went under due to Covid and owners' divorce. I've have seen a lot of live theatre what happened at the Carpenter Center is the last straw. Goodbye live theatre. First the Actors, Actress, and Musicians. Thank you for sharing your talents. As a person who can miss all the notes all the time, I truly appreciate your talents and abilities. I hold the Producers and Directors responsible for the Show. As for the Carpenter Center, Musical Theatre West, and other places and production companies. I'm done. When you advertise you are doing "Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" or any other production this is what I expect to see. If you are making a new adaption of the play, let everyone know before they spend their hard-earned money. This visual experience is part of the performance. Your new adaption was for the most part very poor. As my mother of 85 said, "I kept closing me eyes hoping it would change." I laughed, yet never having been to a "Chip and Dale" review it's the only thought that came to my mind to describe what was being presented. Last note Bruno Mars is not a King, sorry, a very disappointing part of the performance. You didn't want Elvis okay, then use a King... Michael Jackson, the king of pop or James Brown the king of Soul. I just love the Pharaoh as Evlis.

These shows are beyond anything you can imagine! For 40 years they have put on shows that are…read moreastounding and mesmerizing. It is hard to imagine what they can do to top the last show that you see but they do not disappoint. The nice thing is that they have many traveling shows and resident (Vegas) shows so you will not be bored with the many acrobatic, juggling, contortionist,comedy and unique music.

Cirque de Soleil rarely disappoints. I have seen about ten of their shows in So Cal and Vegas and…read morethis one was simply stunning from a visual and style perspective. It's a tent in a parking lot, folks....how good can it be? Well, once you walk in, you get that they spent some time, money and effort transforming it into a wonderful show place. The stage is a real highlight transforming from water to trapeze to giant treadmill to rotating waterfall...it was spectacular. Great music, great costumes, great talent. Easy parking for only $10. Lots of souvenir, snack and beverage choices...pricey, but available and clean portable bathroom trailers. Just a killer show at the conveniently located OC Fairgrounds.

My daughter has been dancing since she was 2. We moved to Huntington Beach when she was 9 and…read morechecked out several local dance options (there are a lot of great options in the area). We decided on HAD because it has all the things she wanted at the time.(lots of performance opportunities, kind experienced teachers, a friendly dance community, a focus on ballet and proudly stayed away from some of the dubious costume choices one sees at competition studios). I could go on and on about this place,but I will try to be concise. A few notes on why we love this studio still (7 years later and going strong) 1. Safety. They use a defined curriculum (The Cecchetti Method). It may seem slow, but no kid goes up on pointe until they are physically ready. This helps reduce and prevent injury and provides a clear path toward their goals. 2. Quality. As my kid and her friends transitioned into High School, they were all able to succeed at any high school program (academy for performing arts, dance team, ASB), whatever direction they went, the dance foundation they got at HAD paved the way. 3. Options. There are many levels and styles of dance that kids can focus on. They can spend 1 hour a week at HAD or 12. They can aspire to join the studio youth company or become a student demonstrator or just perform in the spring recital. 4. Opportunity. So many of the kids have gone on to prestigious collegiate dance programs, some have pursued successful dance careers at world class dance companies around the world. Some danced in a few shows,gained confidence, learned about taking corrections, hard work and collaboration and took that to the next thing. 5. Community. Most of my kids closest friendships were fostered here. She has some incredible mentors and role models in the teachers and girls who have gone through the program before her. I highly recommend you check Huntington Academy of dance for your child. I believe they offer a free class so check it out to see if it is what you are looking for. Go in and talk to some of the families at the studio or the people at the front desk, they are super helpful!

I have two girls that attend HAD and feel fortunate to have found HAD. Both girls and I have…read moredeveloped a great love for ballet and great friendships through HAD. As a mom, I appreciate this studio because the studio follows the Cechetti method and focuses on performances instead of competitions. The end of the year performances, as well as the performing group shows, are very high quality. As with all things though, the studio, the kids and the parents are not perfect. Each situation is so different. However, as you can see by Miss Kimberly's responses to the reviews, she is very professional and cares deeply about the studio and especially the kids. I feel very very fortunate to have found HAD.

My family and I attended an older, classic rock/orchestral event at this venue…read more Located on the UC Irvine campus, this theatre is very nice and modern. The lobby was very clean and shiny, and the restrooms were large and clean. The theatre's interior was very beautiful and comfortable. Every comfortable seat in the theatre offers a perfect view of the stage, and the sound system was perfect. The employees were all very friendly and professional, and they assisted anyone and everyone who needed help. Though the music was a tad different from what we are used to on the radio, the performers worked hard and did a GREAT job of keeping the audience engaged and entertained.

Our seats are on the top level dead center. I was looking forward to a wonderful experience, Then a…read morelarge lady wearing enough perfume to choke a horse sat next to me. I hadn't realized that I was going to cough all night. The show was excellent. Carole King on piano and James Taylor on guitar were played by British actors who sang and played all the hit songs. The show was very entertaining and enjoyable. Lots of familiar hits.

First time seeing a performance here! I didnt know what to expect, but knew I had "nose bleed"…read moreseats. But, there are no bad seat. Small quaint venue where every seat is great!!! I was 3rd row from the top and loved the view of the stage and performer!! The sound was great! The seats are padded and fairly wide. I did not feel crowded by my neighbor. Parking is free and 100' away next to the Vietnam War Memorial. I would not hesitate to see another show here!!

Very nice staff and plenty of parking, especially when the courthouse isn't open. The concessions…read moreare cheap and the seats are very comfortable even in the back. No fuss and no hassle. Metal water bottles were okay and everybody was very relaxed. Definitely recommend.

Very entertaining and very cozy... Talented performers...I'm done with my review this is just…read moreextraneous random stuff to appease Yelps lame minimum character policy

This is a good group for community theater. There is not an excess of talent but there is a lot of…read moreenthusiasm. We have seen several plays here and we know some of the cast members. It is a good venue and there is not a bad seat in the house. It is a tad bit overpriced, but compared to a movie, it is not bad. They have a lot of shows and they seem to have a good following. I think if you take the best talent from the Junior Colleges that is what you will find here. Overall I recommend.