I came here last night to see The Maltese Falcon (based on the book by the excellent Dashiell…read moreHammett). I had no idea how popular this would be! There was barely an empty seat. The mixed aged crowd was really into the whole experience which included the organ playing, wheel spin for prizes from local businesses, and fun cartoons and old movie previews. It was a fun, unique way to spend an evening.

This the best and most ornate theater in the Bay Area. It was originally opened in 1931 as a grand…read moremovie palace (yes Palace!). The Art Deco Decor is everywhere, on every surface, with unique patented ceilings, gold leaf everywhere, art carved into the walls, period furniture, carpets, light fixtures, and a Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ (which can reproduce the sounds of a symphony orchestra, including percussion). Wandering around the theater looking at the hundreds of artistic elements in the decor is worth the price of admission. I have been here many times over the decades and each time I am in awe of the decor. You don't get tired of it. There is so much to see you can't see it all in many visits. I was here on Friday 17 July 2026 for a performance of the 1920 movie "The Mark of Zorro" with Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. This silent movie was accompanied by Mark Herman playing the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Not only was the original Zorro (all the other Zorro movies are remakes of this one) movie very good, the music was fantastic. I was seated in the center of the balcony in the second row, perfect for the full sound experience of the mighty organ (whose pipes are level with the balcony on both the left and right walls just in front of the state). You can feel the music as well as hear it. (I did say the organ was Mighty!). This showing was part of the Paramount's summer classic movie series every Friday night. Get there at 6pm to explore the theater. Then there is a half hour concert of theater organ music, then the Cartoon Short (it was Tom and Jerry on this day). Then follows a prize drawing (Deco-Win) where based on the numbers drawn that match your ticket stub, you can win prizes. Then the movie follows. Everything here is perfect except one thing. The prices at the snack bar. There is a mandatory 20% service change and sales tax applied after the high menu prices. I had a cognac and some caramel corn and it cost about $32!!!. The price of the movie ticket was only $10. The theater is only a half a block from the BART 19th station (20th street exit), so BART is the best way to get to the theater.

This is the most beautiful venue I have ever visited…read more I love the layout with multiple bars on the back wall. It was very easy to grab a drink whenever I wanted. The merch stand could be in a better spot, but this is an old theater and that wasn't a thing back when it was built. I was amazed by the size of the stage once I got to the floor. From the outside I had no idea how tall it would be. The balcony is huge and for some shows would be a great view. I was on the barricade singing along to New Constellations and The Midnight. It sounded so good and I can't wait to come back for another show!

The inside of the theater is beautiful. Thats pretty much it for a positive note…read more Seating is super tight. Sound was not very clear at the balcony level. Unless you are seated very close up, you are just looking at an ant. Drinks are close to $20 each. Also, if you order water at the bar, they tell you to go get water in the lobby. Bad service for that.

I'm extremely disappointed with all out comedy. I had a bad experience a while ago but then tried…read moreto give the place another shot recently and left feeling disappointed. I feel like it's just not for me. Now, I'm giving 1 star because I have further concerns about their professionalism and customer service considering the owner kept changing their response to my other review to random rude replies. First they wrote in all caps saying I'm spam, then they said something like "your car wasn't even ever here".Maybe they are confusing me with another customer and not intentionally trying to manipulate the feedback to discredit my review, but I still can't recommend this place by the odd and unprofessional behavior toward customers regardless of who they think I am instead of offering the typical kindness that you'd expect from a business. It's safe to say I won't be giving this another shot in the future

We went to All Out Comedy Theater for an improv musical, and it was fantastic! The performers were…read moreso talented -- funny, quick on their feet, and the way they turned audience suggestions into a full-on musical was seriously impressive. The energy in the room was contagious, and the crowd was fully engaged the whole time. It's such a fun, welcoming space with a great vibe. If you're looking for a night out in Oakland that's different, hilarious, and totally unique, this is the place!

Really bummed I couldn't continue with Pan Theatre. Great place to learn how to get back to having…read morefun with awesome people! I loved the experience and hope to one day return! Check out a show you definitely won't be disappointed. Improv is so much fun to watch and be a part of. The theatre is small which makes it great because the audience ends up becoming part of the show!

I passed a poster on Piedmont Avenue announcing Open Auditions at Pan Theater and thought, "huh, I…read moreshould take a picture of that for my husband John. I bet he would like it." Somehow, John convinced me that we should both audition. This is not usually my kind of thing, but it was Covid and any distraction from the monotony of the times was welcome. Now we are both all-in! Pan Theater Company is a courageous, generous, honest, challenging community. Everyone comes to improv without the baggage of the rest of their lives and they play together - with characters and storylines and emotions. I always come away from Pan Theater feeling lighter. I love this place!

Attended Slam Town's Ekpyrotica at the Continental Club this past weekend, and had an enjoyable…read moreexperience. The listed ticket time was 8:00 to 11-ish, but in reality it was more like 8:45-11:20pm (doors opened around 8:00pm, and the entry line went quick). The place wasn't too crowded, and though there was a bit of seating against the walls, it was mostly standing room for viewing of the show. Beware, the action takes place both inside and outside the ring, so be ready to move if you're on the first level and the wrestlers end up battling it out and rolling around on the floor or against the pillars, or on the merchandise table (like they did this past FrIday). We watched from upstairs, and didn't miss a thing... they had a large screen for closeup views of all the shenanigans happening in and around the ring, too. There were quite a few matches throughout the night, including characters like Cereal Man, Prisoner 420, and my bf's fave, Bart-Man, doing their thing. I was a big fan of the MonsterTown tag team, all of the creatures dressed in comical costumes and putting on even funnier moves against their rivals, especially the three-headed giraffe and mummy. Lots of props used throughout the show, including ladders, full-size doors (for the dramatic illusion of slamming opponents into these and breaking them), and fake weapons...... oh, but THIS IS REAL... and the dynamic chants from the crowd will remind you all night. Commentary by the "news anchor" host helped guide the storyline with a bit of humor, but I've experienced better and more entertaining announcers outside of Slam Town. Apparently this underground wrestling show is a lot tamer now (in April 2026) than it used to be, back when it was known primarily as "Hoodslam", but we still had a good time. The next Slam Town event is happening on May 22nd at Drake's in Oakland.

fun hyphy vibes in a quiet neighborhood AND hotboys for food?! it can't get better than this!read more

As a high schooler I volunteered for our Key Club one year and vowed to come back as an adult…read more Finally, made it back last night to see Carousel and I was so impressed with the quality of the cast and the production. The dancing and their voices were very strong. The main cast was charismatic. I figured this would be amateurish like how summer shows are portrayed on tv shows but this is talented cast with nice sets and production value with some effects. These is definitely a lot dedicated staff that puts a lot of love into the shows. What's amazing is the cast only recently performed a different show. These guys are amazing! The food at the concession stands was yummy and the bathrooms were clean. Some door latches in the ladies room need to be realigned because they couldn't be latched but I expected portopotties so was happy have clean bathrooms with working soap dispensers and paper towels. The weather was pretty chilly all day so I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't freezing my tush last night. A couple of blankets and a thermos of warm liquids did the trick. And, thank you to the generous donors who allow kids to watch for free. First night shows are also discounted for adults. For those who want to introduce your kids to theater without worrying that they can't sit through a whole productions this is an excellent family friendly way to give them a taste. They don't have to dress up and if you get a seat on the aisle they can take a break discreetly.

This venue fills a bit of the void left by the tragic closure of Cal Shakes earlier this year…read more Watching theatrical productions amongst the redwoods on a summer evening is not something I want the community to be without. We saw Anastasia this year, and the performers, designers, staff, and volunteers all created such a wonderful experience. The tickets were a little pricey, and the seats were a little hard, but there's no substitute for outdoor theater. (Bring layers so that you can bundle up once the sun sets!)

I came here with my friends to see Sunday in the Park with George. The production was very well…read moredone and our seats were only $8/each since the show was still in previews! Support local theater! I'd come again to check out other shows.

I write with an update about Shotgun Players. I do so because of the pandemic. That historic event…read moredivides experience, individual and collective. So much of the world did not make it through, even institutions. I'm glad this theatre is still around. It is as good as before. Shotgun Players actually is better. During the pandemic, they renovated. I thought that from looking around, and I googled for news articles to confirm. I also learned they are considered, with Berkeley Rep and Aurora, one of the Big Three in town. We subscribed again. I want to support local live theatre. I don't even reside in the Bay Area anymore. But my wife does. We're in the area enough weekends to want to catch more than one show. We go with another couple. The matinees are a favorite. We received free soft drinks as regulars, and a chocolate. The poster art, with murals to match on the side of the building, are by R. Black. They also have a set of tarot cards. I was not able to find too much more about the person. I am glad Shotgun Players has such a consistent look and feel. A note about the seating. I mentioned earlier my favorite, row L, which consists of bar stools for a high top table. They won't be for everyone. Your feet will be dangling. All of the other rows are benches with long cushions underneath and individual pillow cushions behind. The legroom is great. You are not cramped as at most venues. The truth is following the lockdown, we are not out as much for cultural events. But I am always interested in what Shotgun Players is doing. If you have the least interest in seeing performers on stage, I recommend them with enthusiasm.

The theater was an excellent place to watch a show, and I found it highly enjoyable. I went to see…read morePrescott Circus . They did an outstanding Performance.!

Great building, they do a lot for the community. My one complaint is that they don't turn off…read moretheir 4th floor bathroom lights (or close the blinds). As a next door neighbor, this is a bit annoying. And not energy efficient.