I went to the Guthrie Theater for the first time this week to see Waiting for Godot, and this was definitely my first visit but not my last! Our show started at 7:30, and I would absolutely recommend arriving well before 7 if it's your first time. The Guthrie is an experience beyond just the show, and there's so much to explore before you even get to your seat. We had time to check out the Amber Room, step outside onto the balcony, take pictures, and just wander around the building. There's also a restaurant on site and a bar where you can grab drinks and snacks. I really appreciated that there was plenty of space throughout the lobby to sit and lounge before the performance rather than feeling like you needed to immediately head into the theater. The employees were incredibly friendly and even gave us recommendations for things to check out before the show. The building itself has a very modern feel, which was a fun change for me since I'm more accustomed to traditional theaters. I also really enjoyed the design of the theater and how the stage extended into the audience. It felt like there were good sightlines from a variety of angles and made the performance feel much more intimate. We happened to attend on an especially fun night because it was opening night and the kickoff to the new season. After the show, they completely transformed the downstairs lobby into a party! There was a DJ, photo booth, snacks, and drinks available for purchase. At one point it genuinely felt like we were in a club rather than a theater, and I loved it. Overall, such a fun first experience at the Guthrie. Come early, give yourself time to explore the building, and don't treat it as just a place to see a show--the venue itself is part of the experience. I'm already interested in coming back for another production! read more

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I don't think I've ever seen a bad show at the Guthrie. I still find it hard to believe this building 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. read more

Guthrie Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Back at the Guthrie but this time it was for their open house. I got to see behind the scenes, a "acting" lesson, a sing along and got some swag. The Guthrie is the best. Ready for the new season read more

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Always a 10!! This theater is an amazing classy place. Only one play I haven't enjoyed (cabaret). I loved the location. The city. The view from the balcony. I love that they host lots of different artists to sell their jewelry and art. I love the people that work there and that usher. Always a great experience. Most recent was Little Women and It. Was. Delightful. Such great talent in the Twin Cities. read more

Guthrie Theater - Little Women set - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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We went to the Guthrie today for the play Come From Away. The Guthrie is very nice. Easy in easy out. Parking directly across the street. We walked around before the show went to the infinity bridge overlooking the river, falls, stone arch bridge and hennipen ave bridge. Very pretty. We had a lovely time. Hope to see another show there sometime soon. read more

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Great theater experience and tickets are affordable. There isn't a large selection at the concession stand and you'll definitely pay a lot for whatever is there (regular m&m and beef stick). Would love if they could add a sandwich, sour patch kids, or hummus and pretzels. I went during lunch and should definitely have eaten before. read more

We saw a new version of Little Women in the smaller theater. What a stellar experience! Diverse cast, a wonderful mix of play and narrative of Louisa May Alcott's own story. Wonderful *exact* quotes from the book, a rarity. Go and enjoy!! read more

Guthrie Theater - Single stage in the round. - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Didn't come here for a show but just came here to explore, roam, and take some fun pictures. 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 :) read more

Was in the area for the farmers market. Heard that the theater was open for touring, so we took advantage of the opportunity. The entire facility is so creatively designed. Plenty of areas showcase interesting architectural forms. And then there are the spots that allow different views of the surrounding area. They use a combination of form, light, and space to stimulate your senses. Really enjoyed "Endless Bridge", the cantilevered (blue) structure that led outside to an open area for viewing the river and bridges. Didn't actually get to see the theater itself -- those areas were not open to the public. So glad we had a chance to check it out. read more

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I have been attending the Guthrie for about 46 years. We used to go as a school field trip and I was hooked. Over the years there have been some amazing plays. The Return of Martin Guerre was a favorite, and I was sad when it never made it to Broadway. They should bring that back. The best A Christmas Carol was the one narrated by Sir John Gielgud. Last year's version was a budget production. I have noticed that several of Joseph Haj's productions are very minimalist. Please bring back the splendor. The worst was Julius Cesar, modernized with briefcases, and it forever ruined Shakespeare at the Guthrie. Joe Dowling and I had a lengthy correspondence about it. This year I await Macbeth with horror to see how they may ruin it. It is sad they haven't had a restaurant for years, but Owamni is coming soon. Excited about that. Chowhound's snacks have been mediocre. The theatre itself is a gem and not to be missed. read more

My major complaint in this otherwise terrific theater is the sound engineering at their recent performance of the Kander-Ebb musical Cabaret back on Thurs August 21st, 2025 where they let the sound levels peak near 100dbs. Cabaret is not a rock opera. There is no excuse for letting the sound levels get to that danger zone and 90dbs should have been the absolute maximum. Not all of us are deaf (yet). This kind of dangerous noise pollution should not be tolerated any more than smoking inside the theater would be. read more

Guthrie Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I've been to the Guthrie Theater a handful of times, and my most recent visit on Friday, 11/21/25 for A Christmas Carol with friends was wonderful. The theater itself is spacious and beautiful, and the performance was a lovely way to kick off the upcoming holiday season. Our seats were in a different area this time, and I actually think I liked them better than past seating location. Seats are surprisingly padded and comfortable, more than other theaters I've been to. Drinks are allowed in the theater, but food is not. Staff were friendly and helpful when directing us to our seats. Parking is street parking or ramp parking which we opted in for as it was easy and cost was $15 (pay as entering). My small wish would be for the gift shop to stay open a little bit after the show finishes to allow guests to see all the great merchandise options. I was bummed I couldn't get a magnet because it was already closed. Overall, another pleasant experience at the Guthrie. read more

Guthrie Theater - View of stage from seats - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This place was pretty cool, especially because entry was free. I definitely recommend for all tourists in the area to check this place out. The theater was bustling with activity as there were events going on but nobody stopped me from checking out the Amber Room and the Endless Bridge, two areas in the theater which offer great views and distinctive perspectives on the city scape. The Endless Bridge was a very cool spot to check out and hang for a little bit on an open air balcony, overlooking the river. It was definitely very serene, especially since the weather was beautiful. The Amber Room was almost like being in another world or an art exhibit. Every window in the room has an amber filter over it, which plays tricks with your eyes and makes for some really interesting photo opportunities. I stayed in this room longer than I could admit and loved every minute of it. I really enjoyed how the theater had many areas for entertainment and ticketed events, but also areas for the general public. It's truly a great space. read more

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A Minneapolis staple for theatre productions. Offering a ramp across the street and proximity to the Stone Arch Bridge, you can't go wrong. Whether you choose to come here on a date, with friends or family, you will enjoy the entire experience. For awhile, I was seeing A Christmas Carol in December as a tradition and have lately steered away to allow myself an opportunity to venture into other productions and switch things up. If you are a local to Minnesota, you know that January and February can get ultra tiring so I recommend seeing a show in these months. I brought a girlfriend with to A Midsummer Night's Dream which exceeded my expectations. There were colorful costumes, a fun photo setup on the lower level and lots of humor. Note: no bathrooms on the lower level entry so be sure to use them prior to making your way out before heading home. Enjoy!! read more

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I have always seen the Guthrie Theater on my walks throughout the city and have always been really interested to go up on the protruding balcony as well as see what the inside looks like and last weekend I had the opportunity to do both. My parents were in town and so we decided to see a play at the Guthrie Theater: The Importance of Being Earnest. We came a little early so we could check out the viewing station and wow, I was really blown away. You can really see the whole city from up there and it is so beautiful. Atop of that, the inside of the building is very cool architecturally with a very nice setup and some of the longest escalators I had ever seen. As for the play, the setup was great - there were bars stocked with a variety of drinks that could be brought into the theater, there were free water coolers set up, and plenty of bathrooms. We had seats pretty far in the back, but everything was set up so nicely that you can see the stage perfectly from every seat. The theater is very well designed and the stage sets were impressive. The acting was amazing, and the play was hilarious. I surprisingly really enjoyed my time here (I am not much of a theater fan historically), but maybe this converted me! I highly recommend everyone to see a play here. read more

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What a great production! I've been wanting to go to the Guthrie's summer musical for years, and I finally was able to see Little Shop of Horrors! So funny, so campy, and overall such a good time at the theatre. The facility itself is gorgeous, the ushers are super helpful, and the themed drinks made the evening even more fun! The costumes, lighting, music, and actors are all top notch. I was so impressed with the fantastic quality of the production. read more

Guthrie Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I've always admired the Guthrie Theatre for its commitment to inclusion and fresh perspectives, dating back to when my mother first took me there in the '60s. As someone who believes deeply in equity and in the power of art to break barriers that divide people, I approached this year's A Christmas Carol with excitement, curiosity, and positivity, not having seen it for nearly a decade. I left feeling conflicted and, frankly, kind of sad and empty. This year's interpretation reimagines the beloved Dickens classic through an entirely new lens. For me, Scrooge's transformation -- from isolation to connection, from greed to generosity -- is overshadowed by creative decisions that draw too much attention to concept and not enough to soul. In these tumultuous times, I missed the longstanding natural warmth that has made A Christmas Carol a nostalgic touchstone in my family for generations. I especially missed the epic bounty and unbridled joy of the Ghost of Christmas Present who is a yawn this year. While I am grateful for the Guthrie and its commitment to challenging itself, I hope future productions will find a better balance between reinterpreting classic works and preserving the warmth, wonder, and humanity that have cemented their place in our hearts and minds. read more

There is not a bad seat in the house at the Guthrie theater! The productions are always full of great props and acting. My husband and I love musicals and they do not disappoint here at the Guthrie. The building is beautiful and includes a gorgeous view of the lock and dam from the endless bridge. Make sure to arrive early to explore the amber box too! read more

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It is a great theater! The building itself is amazing. With fantastic views from the endless bridge of the Mississippi River. Then the theaters are great, not a bad seat in the house. The plays are fantastic with the staging and the performances, it never disappoints. read more

The Guthrie theater always put on high quality shows. They also have a huge variety of plays and there is something for everyone. I have never had a bad experience at the Guthrie and have seen 15+ shows there. The acting talent in Minnesota is incredible! read more

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I just love the Guthrie! The plays are thought provoking, well acted, and on such a variety of topics! We got a group together to do the preview tickets and have really enjoyed ourselves! Eating out nearby and then enjoying the stage productions. Leaving is a bit much with large groups all going the same way so just enjoy the views a bit until the crowd dispersed a bit or you'll wait in your car to leave the parking ramps! Even so it's worth it to see such a wide variety of works done so well here. read more

Guthrie Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Another great experience at The Guthrie! The Twin Cities are so lucky to have such a powerhouse of a theater company in our midst. read more

Guthrie Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Great place to spend an evening with friends. Before the show we enjoyed dinner and drinks onsite at Ovation on Level Five. They have a small menu perfect for a pre show meal. I had their grill cheese sandwich which is accompanied by homemade chips and it did not disappoint. read more

Guthrie Theater - Grill cheese with chips, tomato jam and sour cream dip. - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you get a chance to see "English" at the Guthrie, seriously, go for it. So fine and so great for right now. A steller and accomplished cast tell the story of a group of Farsi-speakers learning english. The characters are engaging, the story is moving and it will move you. It will give you a point of view you may have not considered. Have to say too, the classroom set was fantastic right down to the details -- we're talking light switches and electrical outlets from the country in which the story takes place. Dynamic and dramatic. An evening at the Guthrie is always a sure bet. read more

We could barely hear the dialogue of the Christmas Carol at our upper level seats. What we could hear was largely unintelligible. No sound system and most of the performers could not project their voices sufficiently. Hard to enjoy a play if the dialogue is largely unintelligible. read more

English was a very moving play. It helped me to understand how my mother felt coming over here and trying to fit in with English being her second language. The Guthrie never disappoints. read more

Beautiful building and although we didn't get to see a show here, it was still nice to take the escalator up to the fourth floor and enjoy the view from the bridge. There's plenty of information, posters and other things to read and learn, even if you didn't pay to see a show. Really appreciated the kind staff and service that were enthusiastic about helping tourists learn more about the city even if we weren't paying to see a show. Also, there are plenty of clean bathrooms if you're in the area and just need a spot to stop by and get some AC and bathrooms read more

Recently saw a showing of Hamlet here and it was great! I'm not a huge Shakespear fan, but the cast and production was amazing and made it much easier to follow. The building is gorgeous and easy to get to by either public transit or driving. It was a lot more intimate than I have seen at other theaters, with no bad seats in the house. Already looking at getting tickets to other shows here! read more

Guthrie Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

An incredible experience! I saw Hamlet here last weekend and was blown away! 1000/10 Even with back row seating we were able to see and hear everything - I was totally immersed. The actors were fantastic! Parking was pretty easy since there is a large parking structure right across the street. The building is also surrounded by a beautiful park. One thing to note is the accessibility of the building. There are elevators, but keep in mind that here are many stories and the wait can be long after shows finish. There were a few bar/food areas but they weren't open when we visited. read more

Guthrie Theater - Audience and stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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One of the greatest regional theaters in the USA. The plays here are dynamic and groundbreaking. The performance spaces are top of the line. The staff is incredible: friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. The endless bridge gives amazing views of the city and Mississippi River. A must for any theater-goer! read more

Guthrie Theater - Guthrie Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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I've been attending plays at The Guthrie Theater since I was a teen. It means so much to me. (More than I can ever say) It's an honor to experience this awe-inspiring entertainment now, with my family. What a pleasure to have seen Director Jennifer Tipton's production of The Tempest ('91/ 92), Garland Wright's Clytemnestra Project (1992), The Good Hope directed by Bartlett Sher, Dipankar Mukherjee (at that time Assistant Director) graciously spoke to our class and answered all our theater questions after watching Paul Winfield's outstanding performance in OTHELLO (1994). I ugly cried at director M. Langham's adaptation of A Doll's House (with dream come true Megan Follows) in '97. Joe Dowling's delightful take on the Bard's Twelfth Night (2000) and who could ever forget Patrick Stewart & Oscar winner Mercedes Ruehl in the unforgettable Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? ('01) courtesy of David Esbjornson? Not me. It was life changing. Last weekend we watched Cabaret by director JOSEPH HAJ and it was a masterpiece that'll haunt me 'til death. Absolutely superb. I treasure the companies that bring this theater to vibrant life. I will forever have gratitude for the legacy of the Guthrie. It has brought so much epic art, deep emotions, and pure joy to my life. I dearly love this theater and everyone in it. read more

Had a great experience seeing The Tempest here. Was able to score some discounted tickets on the slope side, which I thought was elevated, but was right down close to the stage, so that was a welcome surprise. Honestly, I don't think there is a bad seat in the place. Staff were friendly. The facility itself was a bit different to navigate, as all of the signage wasn't terribly clear, but staff were available and willing to assist. It didn't seem like the concessions were open yet, which was a bit of a bummer. I would have happily had a glass of wine. They are still adhering to COVID protocols as of April 2022, masks required and enforced and proof of vaccination. read more

Watched the production of Emma at the Guthrie. It was clever, fast-moving, well-acted, with simple but effective sets. The show is a lighthearted romp that modernizes the classic novel, but keeps it within the original period. It is fun, bordering on campy at times, but a delightful take overall and entertaining throughout. read more

Guthrie Theater - Emma stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

It was my first experience with the Guthrie and it was amazing! From the moment we entered the theater I could see why! That escalator ride alone was awesome! We were there to see A Christmas Carol and the show was just simply awesome! read more

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We saw "What the Constitution Means to Me" last night at The Guthrie. This was our first time back at a theatre since the beginning of the pandemic. Given the guidelines and precautions taken by The Guthrie, I feel very comfortable going back for more! They require either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test AND masks are required. We felt very safe. SO - we made a big mistake. We accidentally got tickets for Friday and we showed up for the show on Saturday. (oops!) But thanks to the wonderful staff at The Guthrie, we were able to attend the show at no additional cost. (BIG thanks to the staff here!) The show itself was serious when it needed to be, funny most of the time, inspirational and informative. Even though history and politics typically bore me - I would highly recommend the show! read more

Guthrie Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Great place to visit while in downtown Minneapolis, even if you aren't seeing a show. The building offers cool features to enjoy, such as the endless walkway and amber room. I love when such thought is put into the architecture of a building. Truly art and an experience in itself. Parking is right across the street and is very reasonable. read more

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It's always a special theatre treat to see a show here. Wonderful sets and costumes, and top-notch performances are the standard. Kudos to the cast of Emma! Especially Emma who brought a strong sense of humor in monologues to the audience. What a delight. Check the schedule and get tickets. read more

I came here a couple of weeks ago with work to see a Christmas Carol. The performance was excellent, but what really impressed me was the theater itself. The building must be new - it felt very modern and high end (ahem, well funded). The theater itself that we saw our musical in was very intimate. We had good seats, but by no means the best, and still we felt like we were up close to the action. The have plenty of staff to help guide you around, find exits, restrooms, etc. There is also plenty of parking nearby with 2 garages across the street. read more

This is the local performing arts center in Minneapolis. I think they also have a school inside. Its nice to walk by as you are going along the Mississippi River. It's fairly new, constructed in 2006. The design is interesting by Jean Nouvel. read more

Guthrie Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I saw a couple of shows here thus far. One was a short(er) dramatic play and another a dark comedy musical. Not stoked about dark comedies in general, so the dark comedy bit I saw made me really sad, though I overheard so many people talking about how much they liked it. Overall, both shows were great! The stage talent is engaging and the works they pick to put on are really thought-provoking! Love, love, lurv this place! read more