I didn't realize it until I went again last night, but I've actually been to this theater a couple…read moreof times before... it just wasn't under the auspices of Illusion Theater at the time. The Illusion Theater is housed on the 8th floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts, which is also home to Zenon Dance Company, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, and many other performing art companies. The building itself was constructed in 1888 and originally housed a Masonic Temple; it now appears on the National Register of Historic Places and is a beautiful example of preserving architectural gems for functional use. The stage at the Illusion is an "end-on" or proscenium space with audience members facing the performance straight on. Seats are ample and comfortable; the area for those using a wheelchair is convenient and easy to access. There's plenty of parking around the theater, but if there's an event going on in the area, look for parking east of Hennepin--you'll save a bundle. On our recent visit, the surface parking lots around the theater were charging $14; just a block away we scored enclosed parking at the 50 South Sixth Street ramp for only five bucks.

I've been here twice to see Miss Richfield perform. Based on the interview with the production…read moremanager, I'm intrigued to catch other shows here, as well. Unassuming location on the 8th floor of the Hennepin Center for the Arts/Cowles Dance building. The space is perfect - small enough to feel intimate and personal, but large enough to be able to score tickets. The interior is quite understated (read: a bit outdated) but charmingly quaint. A couple of cons: Audiovisual work is quite sub-par. The projection for the show was blurry and dark. Also the drinks are over priced for the service size. All in all, it's a cute hometown theater that deserves patronage for their commitment to local talent. I'll be back.

Our daughter has been part of the dance program at Ballare Teatro for over 13 years, and it has…read morebeen such a positive and formative experience for her. The teachers are professional educators, dancers, and performers who are well trained, knowledgeable, and invested in their students' growth, both as dancers and as people. One of the things I appreciate most is the thoughtful structure and pedagogy of the program. My daughter has been trained in a way that truly prepares her for the future--her plans are to dance in college and to continue beyond. The instruction is serious and high-quality while still being encouraging and supportive. The studio also offers opportunities built into the program, including performances and audition workshops that help students gain real-world experience and confidence. Additionally, the Repertory program for the higher levels allows dancers to work with well known choreographers in multiple dance styles and perform in a professional atmosphere. While these opportunities are unique and come with high expectations, the environment remains non-competitive, inclusive, and encouraging, which creates a healthy and joyful place for kids to grow. As a discerning parent with a degree in dance, myself, I can honestly say this studio has been an incredible foundation for my daughter's dance journey. We're so grateful to be part of this community.

Our family has been part of the Ballare community for over a decade now. We have had dancers from…read morefundamental classes to adult and at every level we have been so impressed with the caliber of dance education. In addition to the phenomenal teachers, Ballare truly is a healthy community space for our kids and me. The atmosphere is positive and inclusive. As a therapist, it was extremely important to me that any participation in dance be body positive and focused on healthy movement, strength, and wellbeing rather than any particular size or dance aesthetic. In 10+ years, I have never once had pause that Ballare is not the place for us. Our eldest has made some of her closest friends within these studios and additionally has been mentored by adults we have grown to love and respect in our time here. We have watched them demonstrate tremendous care for our community during COVID, finding ways to keep kids dancing while also keeping them safe. We have watched them support kids transitioning into the fullness of themselves with loving acceptance. As dancers age, we have been impressed by the way in which constructive feedback is given, helping them develop to their fullest with compassionate honesty, which in our experience of youth sports is not always something that happens as well as it does here. As an adult without a dance background, these classes have been empowering, good for my body, soul, and spirit, allowing me space to try new challenges without shame. Ballare is truly a special spot in the Longfellow community.

Tiny but mighty theater! Not a bad velvet covered seat in the house. Came here to see "Speechless"…read moreand was not disappointed. The bar and lobby area is beautifully decorated with chandeliers and intricate artwork on the walls. The bar had some beer and wine selections. The coffee was warm but watered down; my grandparents would have loved it. Great area. So many fun restaurant options nearby. But I wasn't a fan of paying $15+ for on street parking for the evening. The price of convenience I guess.

A small wonderful theater! All seats are good seats. Good acoustics, and a GEORGIANA & KITTY was a…read moregreat show well acted and an interesting teen of events! Thank you for the free hot tea in the lobby on this cold afternoon! Will definitely be back.

INTIMATE AND IMMEDIATE…read more Ten Thousand Things has typically performed plays with the audience seated on 4 sides, in a small area. This makes their performances very intimate--the actors may literally brush against you if you're sitting in an end seat. Since their productions are designed to be shown to the less privileged, including in homeless shelters and prisons, decor and props are minimal, and the lights are left on through the performances. Their actors for the most part are excellent professionals, so the acting is quite good. Ticket prices are not expensive, and sometimes I've even been able to catch free performances during the week, although normal public performances are paid (and they've done virtual performances since the pandemic). They used to do mostly Shakespeare, and it was great. In recent seasons they've done more new plays & plays by contemporary authors, still worth seeing. I definitely recommend seeing them.

A quote on this theater's website is - "Theater is richer when everyone is in the audience" - this…read moreis so true! I've enjoyed every TTT production I've went to, whether a drama or a comedy. The actors and actresses are amazing, often playing multiple parts in one show, and I love to see how the shows unfold with a minimal set and props. Park and Lake is the show currently playing; I highly recommend it!

It was an amazing experience, and the tour guide did a most excellent job. After your trolley tour,…read morebe sure to check out the attic. Me and my family are still talking about what a fun experience it was

I love this Theatre!! Amazing shows and amazing staff. I forgot my phone there after a show last…read moreweek and the staff waited to close up until after I got it back. 10 out of 10!

I don't think I've ever seen a bad show at the Guthrie. I still find it hard to believe this…read morebuilding has been open for Twenty years. There are some things I miss about the place that disappeared over the years like some of the bars that you could just stop in at even if you weren't coming for a show. But I am sure Covid and other factors caused retrenchment. . I still think it's worth seeing the building for the views inside and out. More importantly, their plays are excellent . We saw Macbeth. Really well done show. You cannot beat the Guthrie for theater.

Didn't come here for a show but just came here to explore, roam, and take some fun pictures…read more It's a really cool space! I would love to explore it more and even see a show there sometime. I love the layout, the fact that you can wander, even go outside in the winter. The bathrooms are super accessible / not hard to find which is always a plus in my books :)

Caught the Craig Ferguson stand-up here. It was funny AF and the nearly two-hour show flew by. No…read morefood at issue here, though one pro tip I can share is the line for cocktails was significantly shorter downstairs. A gorgeous old theatre, the Pantages is a fine venue but with an entertainer with a heavy Scottish accent, it was occasionally hard to make out Craig from our balcony seats. He could have benefited from close-captioning. No matter - it was a wonderful show.

Gorgeous and intimate theatre! I didn't realize this stunning spot was nestled in the middle of…read moredowntown Minneapolis! I've driven by it several times but never realized how beautiful it was internally. We appreciated the usher's passion for the theatre itself. They shared insight into some of the historic figures who have graced this stage as well as their excitement for what's to come in the coming months. Prices on beverages were a little wild considering the amount we received ($16+ for less than half a glass of Sauvignon Blanc) and the additional 18% automatically tacked on. I wish expectation for photos was more clearly marked. I didn't see anything when I went in (I definitely could've missed it). The instructions provided by the security (?) of no video but ok with photo was confusing when they came back a second time to say no more photos.

Top 5 spot in the Twin Cities for theatre or concerts!! Went…read moreto a comedy show here and it sounded amazing. Lots of seating, very clean bars and restrooms. Staff was accommodating of anything we needed. Plenty of food/drink options nearby as well. Parking: on street or ramp, very reasonably priced.

The Fillmore is one venue that will vary wildly depending on the night, but when the artist is good…read moreit is great. Located just steps away from the light rail in North Loop, The Fillmore is one of the newer Livenation venues that has 2 floors, a box office just outside, and expensive drinks. Note that if there's a show you want to go to, buying at the box office is cheaper than online with Ticketmaster. Saved $10 with a Troyboi ticket that way. Also as I said, the Filmore has some of the most expensive drinks in Minneapolis for no damn reason. $23+ for a mixed drink is a robbery. The sound is okay but not amazing, I think other venues actually have better sound especially since the layout of the building doesn't let the bass reverberate well. Overall it's an okay venue but I feel like it's potential was kneecapped by these issues.