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Will return Their Opera House is a modern box structure that reminds one of Lincoln Center. It's next to the Disney Concert Hall, across the W 1st Street. The fountain changes color, which looks cheap. The foyer is small, but the pre-show talk is most wonderful. The interior is good and the seats are comfortable. Like the Sarasota Opera House, they put English subtitles on a banner above the stage, whereas the Met puts them on the back of the seat with multiple language options. Inside, there are many vendors. The five-act opera by Charles Gounod (1818-93), which premiered in 1867 in Paris. It was based on Shakespeare's play (The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet) that premiered in 1597. The production of the opera is great. It's a packed house. Rolling in bed, half naked: seriously? They received thunderous applause.
Do not park in the parking structure next to the Opera. You will be stuck in traffic for over an hour, especially if you're not close to the exit of the street. We were on the 6th floor and were trapped in a long slow moving line. The $10 flat fee was not worth it. Otherwise, great show. The plot was a little slow moving but the singers were fantastic. The subtitles weren't exactly correct or very behind and the Hollywood Pantages does a better job. They have a preview an hour before the show where the staff talk about the play. There are lots of spoilers so I wouldn't recommend going if you want to go in blind. However, if you already know the plot, then it's a lovely insight on behind the scenes and themes of the play. We sat in the Balcony and it was a little hard to see the actors' faces and expressions. But you get a great overview of the stage and orchestra. I recommend sitting a little closer like the Loge unless you have binoculars. They sold generic sandwiches, snacks, and lots of alcohol. No drinks allowed in the seating area. There's a souvenir shop but it's more general to the opera and not specific to the play being held unlike how musicals have specifically musical merch available. Bathrooms were very nice but insanely crowded during intermission. So try to go before the show. Plenty of stairs since the elevators move slowly. Overall, it's a nice venue but not equipped for max capacity. Staff is very nice though.
An amazing venue in the middle of downtown. Acoustics are fantastic and the view from almost any level is great. We love coming here for all of the operas! Prices are less during the week days.
We went to see Rigoleto . It was good preforming, the building is nice and clean . We enjoyed it all together. Definitely going again for another event
I confess that I didn't watch anything inside the theater yet, but last Saturday, in free events in DTLA, we could to appreciate three opera singers there. It is amazing! So beautiful! We have the best theaters in the country. When it is possible, check the places. Including LA Opera house.
Once upon a time, this Faerie Queen was brought to the opera with her favorite SPG. A lovely evening! Madame Butterfly (set in 1930s) was a gorgeous production. The diet between Butterfly and her Lady in Waiting was spectacular. More opera! The end.
I haven't seen an opera in many years! It's so great we have this place to celebrate the holiday season and watch some tragic love story. Tosca's heart wrenching love story and beautiful vocals made my orchestra seating super special. Lovely time and show! Great set designs, costumes and wonderful vocals filled the evening.
I have been a young(ish) LA Opera-goer for nearly a decade. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is one of the most beautiful spaces in LA and always worth a visit. LAO's recent production of Frida y Diego was one of the best I've seen. It was visually stunning and every movement, sound, and shot was meticulously planned and effortlessly delivered. I especially appreciated LAO's effort to create an evening of cultural immersion and inclusive festivity. From the artist commissioned Dia de Los Muertos altar on the plaza to the pre-show cultural performance and talk and Mexican-inspired audience attire (for those who chose to participate), I have never felt so connected to the opera community as I did on opening night. Make an evening of it before the run ends on December 9!
Such a great experience! Talk about dressing up to the 10s. It is a great opportunity dress up however when you sit you're completely crunched up in your beautiful gown. The space is extremely tight and small so I don't recommend being a Cinderella in your gown. If you're tall definitely get the outside seating and if you're afraid of heights the seating might scare you a little bit with the angle of seating. I really don't understand why everything has to be so tight and crunched up but I guess this used to be a venue for the Oscars and we had to fit all the stars. And there are plenty! Depending on your seating you'll be taking the elevator to your row. It only goes as high as a fifth floor so If you don't like the elevator it's only five flights of stairs. Oh I forgot if you're in heels that could be like a tough climb. Definitely get the program so you know when intermission is and you can rush down to get your food which is not plenty but it is snacks that is offered as well as some drinks. I have to say the snacks are pretty spot on! We went to the Cinderella and it was such a great experience. They would sing in Italian and a translation would be on top in English. If your hard of seeing definitely get your binoculars or eyeglasses. For those who love opera and plays this is a must do if you're in LA ! There is valet parking as well as plenty parking in the surrounding area.
A lovely woman who I met recently on a dating app invited me to the opera. I only agreed to go because I thought she was mispronouncing "Oprah," and I will drive to the ends of the earth to see Oprah. Turns out she was talking about the LA Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and specifically their production of The Marriage of Figaro. I ultimately agreed to go because I'm trying to be more refined and counter my ex-wife's incorrect opinion that I'm too coarse and ill-mannered. Since my divorce, I've actually started to learn Spanish, watch 15 minutes of PBS each month, and call my trash, "rubbish" in an effort to sound more urbane and worldly. The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart was my first exposure to opera and it was MAGICAL. Mozart wrote the opera in the late 1700's, but it still entertains - even after hundreds of years and the invention of Netflix, Dave & Buster's, and the crossword puzzle. I appreciate that the production broke free of the ossified cultural standards of the 18th century with a wonderful diversity in casting that reflects our modern society. I did get a bit of the side eye from other patrons when I opened my Doritos and beef jerky during the show, and when I leaned in excitedly to tell my date that "I know that character from Bugs Bunny," but people were mostly friendly and focused on watching the wonderful performances. The sets were evocative, the orchestra sublime, the actors were fantastic and their voices divine. I was particularly moved by one scene in which the countess sits heartbroken in her quarters at the edge of her bed in a delicately-layered white linen dress that was partially and brilliantly illuminated by an intense beam of white light that pierced the darkened room through a window at the opposite end of the stage. Gorgeous. I guess my only beef is that the very title of the opera completely spoiled the ending for me, which could have easily been remedied had Mozart only added a question mark to the title. I'm embarrassed to say that I thought opera was going to be rubbish. It's anything but. Go see any production put on at the LA Opera and, if this work is any indication, I'm certain that you won't be disappointed. Thanks LA Opera!
4 months ago
Went to see this amazing production of Mozart's THE MAGIC FLUTE. it was fantastic, magical and I wish I could go again! It's sad this is the end of an era. I wish they had merchandise with imagery from the show!!! I would have bought it ALL!!! read more
The end of an era, James Conlon's final opera performancc is fittingly the Magic Flute, my favorite. We have had season tickets for years, and I especially love the Queen of the Night, but all performances are professional from West Side Story to Carmen. The Dorothy Chandler is a beautiful venue with excellent acoustics.Lunch before our matinee at Kendalls makes for a wonderful cultural experience in DTLA. read more
3 months ago
If you love Opera, this place is a great place to watch them. Drinks can be ordered prior to intermission so you aren't waiting. Highly recommended. read more
Will return Their Opera House is a modern box structure that reminds one of Lincoln Center. It's next to the Disney Concert Hall, across the W 1st Street. The fountain changes color, which looks cheap. The foyer is small, but the pre-show talk is most wonderful. The interior is good and the seats are comfortable. Like the Sarasota Opera House, they put English subtitles on a banner above the stage, whereas the Met puts them on the back of the seat with multiple language options. Inside, there are many vendors. The five-act opera by Charles Gounod (1818-93), which premiered in 1867 in Paris. It was based on Shakespeare's play (The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet) that premiered in 1597. The production of the opera is great. It's a packed house. Rolling in bed, half naked: seriously? They received thunderous applause. read more
1 year ago
Do not park in the parking structure next to the Opera. You will be stuck in traffic for over an hour, especially if you're not close to the exit of the street. We were on the 6th floor and were trapped in a long slow moving line. The $10 flat fee was not worth it. Otherwise, great show. The plot was a little slow moving but the singers were fantastic. The subtitles weren't exactly correct or very behind and the Hollywood Pantages does a better job. They have a preview an hour before the show where the staff talk about the play. There are lots of spoilers so I wouldn't recommend going if you want to go in blind. However, if you already know the plot, then it's a lovely insight on behind the scenes and themes of the play. We sat in the Balcony and it was a little hard to see the actors' faces and expressions. But you get a great overview of the stage and orchestra. I recommend sitting a little closer like the Loge unless you have binoculars. They sold generic sandwiches, snacks, and lots of alcohol. No drinks allowed in the seating area. There's a souvenir shop but it's more general to the opera and not specific to the play being held unlike how musicals have specifically musical merch available. Bathrooms were very nice but insanely crowded during intermission. So try to go before the show. Plenty of stairs since the elevators move slowly. Overall, it's a nice venue but not equipped for max capacity. Staff is very nice though. read more
8 months ago
1 year ago
We went to see Rigoleto . It was good preforming, the building is nice and clean . We enjoyed it all together. Definitely going again for another event read more
9 months ago
I confess that I didn't watch anything inside the theater yet, but last Saturday, in free events in DTLA, we could to appreciate three opera singers there. It is amazing! So beautiful! We have the best theaters in the country. When it is possible, check the places. Including LA Opera house. read more
2 years ago
Once upon a time, this Faerie Queen was brought to the opera with her favorite SPG. A lovely evening! Madame Butterfly (set in 1930s) was a gorgeous production. The diet between Butterfly and her Lady in Waiting was spectacular. More opera! The end. read more
11 months ago
I haven't seen an opera in many years! It's so great we have this place to celebrate the holiday season and watch some tragic love story. Tosca's heart wrenching love story and beautiful vocals made my orchestra seating super special. Lovely time and show! Great set designs, costumes and wonderful vocals filled the evening. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
I have been a young(ish) LA Opera-goer for nearly a decade. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is one of the most beautiful spaces in LA and always worth a visit. LAO's recent production of Frida y Diego was one of the best I've seen. It was visually stunning and every movement, sound, and shot was meticulously planned and effortlessly delivered. I especially appreciated LAO's effort to create an evening of cultural immersion and inclusive festivity. From the artist commissioned Dia de Los Muertos altar on the plaza to the pre-show cultural performance and talk and Mexican-inspired audience attire (for those who chose to participate), I have never felt so connected to the opera community as I did on opening night. Make an evening of it before the run ends on December 9! read more
Such a great experience! Talk about dressing up to the 10s. It is a great opportunity dress up however when you sit you're completely crunched up in your beautiful gown. The space is extremely tight and small so I don't recommend being a Cinderella in your gown. If you're tall definitely get the outside seating and if you're afraid of heights the seating might scare you a little bit with the angle of seating. I really don't understand why everything has to be so tight and crunched up but I guess this used to be a venue for the Oscars and we had to fit all the stars. And there are plenty! Depending on your seating you'll be taking the elevator to your row. It only goes as high as a fifth floor so If you don't like the elevator it's only five flights of stairs. Oh I forgot if you're in heels that could be like a tough climb. Definitely get the program so you know when intermission is and you can rush down to get your food which is not plenty but it is snacks that is offered as well as some drinks. I have to say the snacks are pretty spot on! We went to the Cinderella and it was such a great experience. They would sing in Italian and a translation would be on top in English. If your hard of seeing definitely get your binoculars or eyeglasses. For those who love opera and plays this is a must do if you're in LA ! There is valet parking as well as plenty parking in the surrounding area. read more
4 years ago
A lovely woman who I met recently on a dating app invited me to the opera. I only agreed to go because I thought she was mispronouncing "Oprah," and I will drive to the ends of the earth to see Oprah. Turns out she was talking about the LA Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and specifically their production of The Marriage of Figaro. I ultimately agreed to go because I'm trying to be more refined and counter my ex-wife's incorrect opinion that I'm too coarse and ill-mannered. Since my divorce, I've actually started to learn Spanish, watch 15 minutes of PBS each month, and call my trash, "rubbish" in an effort to sound more urbane and worldly. The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart was my first exposure to opera and it was MAGICAL. Mozart wrote the opera in the late 1700's, but it still entertains - even after hundreds of years and the invention of Netflix, Dave & Buster's, and the crossword puzzle. I appreciate that the production broke free of the ossified cultural standards of the 18th century with a wonderful diversity in casting that reflects our modern society. I did get a bit of the side eye from other patrons when I opened my Doritos and beef jerky during the show, and when I leaned in excitedly to tell my date that "I know that character from Bugs Bunny," but people were mostly friendly and focused on watching the wonderful performances. The sets were evocative, the orchestra sublime, the actors were fantastic and their voices divine. I was particularly moved by one scene in which the countess sits heartbroken in her quarters at the edge of her bed in a delicately-layered white linen dress that was partially and brilliantly illuminated by an intense beam of white light that pierced the darkened room through a window at the opposite end of the stage. Gorgeous. I guess my only beef is that the very title of the opera completely spoiled the ending for me, which could have easily been remedied had Mozart only added a question mark to the title. I'm embarrassed to say that I thought opera was going to be rubbish. It's anything but. Go see any production put on at the LA Opera and, if this work is any indication, I'm certain that you won't be disappointed. Thanks LA Opera! read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
The L A OPERA opening last night of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, was a cinematic tapestry of drama, poetry, and art. As the score, the singing, and the Spanish libretto swirled around and swept me away, I realized I was seeing an opera unlike any staged artform I had ever beheld. Ricochetting between opulence and minimalism, the eloquent singing and staging constantly surprised and delighted. In the end, the sweet, teary union of Frida y Diego's story left me breathless read more
3 years ago
A world-class opera company presenting both classic operas, and premieres. I'm not the biggest opera fan, but every time I've seen one at the LAO I've been not just impressed, but moved. Eurydice, a new opera premiering in LA, was musically, visually and emotionally stunning. Some of the finest singers and stagecraft you will see anywhere. Tickets as low as $25 are available, and operas are big, so you can enjoy them even from the last row! (WARNING: If a seat is marked as "restricted view" it really is - some of the balcony seats, especially the aisle seats can have very obtrusive railings blocking your view (see attached image). Also know that if you're in a seat like this, and there are empty seats once the opera has begun, you can move to a better seat). read more
2 years ago
After a long hiatus due to Covid-19, LA Opera is back, and it returned with a triumph! We are season ticket holders and recently attended the premiere/opening night of Il Trovatore. It was such a special performance and oh so poignant! The orchestra, the singers, the stage were absolute perfection and when the curtain closed, we felt immensely happy. Maestro Conlon is the Master of LA Opera and we will be gladly attend all of his future performances to relive these special emotions. Bravi tutti and thanks to LA Opera for healing us our souls with the power of music after a very difficult year. NOTE: They do a great job of keeping everyone safe. We had our vaccination card and every person in attendance was request to show theirs. We also had to wear a yellow bracelet showing that we had been vaccinated. read more
I'm a subscriber and have attended the L.A. Opera's performances for many years. The L.A. Opera truly is among the best out there. I appreciate their current COVID measures. I also appreciate their push for inclusion and diversity. They also have a special program for people 40 and under called CODA that has discounted tickets to encourage opera-going among the younger set. read more
4 years ago
Everything nice in the opera. But in the garage somebody stole right 2 Corolla wheel cover. That's sucks. 10$ the parking but 75 $ buy the covers again!! Why???? read more
I really enjoyed the LA Opera. It was my first time visiting. A group of friends got dressed to impress for a night at the Opera! We had a really good time. There was a quick intermission where you could purchase a drink. We watched Hansel and Gretel. It was fantastic. The props were WOW and glow in the dark. Super neat. I will be coming back. The plan is to have dinner in downtown and then come watch a play. I am looking forward to it in the near future. Stay safe, everyone! read more
2 years ago
LA Opera is always the best. The orchestra is fabulous! We had the opportunity to see Tosca last night. If you get a chance, go see it. Beautiful. IMHO this is Puccini's Masterpiece and that's a tough call because he composed so many wonderful operas. Angel Blue and Michael Fabiano are perfectly paired as Tosca and Cavaradossi. It's staged beautifully. My only annoyance is with the conductor Louis Lohraseb whose motions are so large they distract the audience eye from the stage. Plus he doesn't realize that "downbeat" means down not up. John Caird is the Director and he simply was spot on! Bravo to all the cast and crew! read more
7 years ago
I truly enjoy performing arts. However, opera was never on my must-do list. So, a recent decision to attend an LA opera performance took me by surprise. That decision was prompted by seeing previews of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" popping up on Instagram. This particular production, set to lively animation, had the characters interacting with colorful, beautiful imagery while they sang. Very cutting-edge for opera, I must say. Also, the fact that Mozart was involved in all this made it seem like it would be a sure win. So I make my way to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and as I enter the lobby and ascend the stairs to my balcony seat, I'm struck by how outdated the the place looks. Very 70's. It felt like the ghosts of Liberace and Bob Hope were roaming the hallways. The worn carpeting added to the effect. The aesthetics were not quite my taste, but it didn't really bother me as I was there to check out the show. The ushers I encountered were friendly and helpful. Getting to the production itself...I really enjoyed it, mostly because of the charm of the animation. I loved seeing the performers interact with the animation. It was unique, delightful, and dynamic..like nothing I had ever seen before. The singing was well done and while I have very little knowledge of opera, I was quite impressed with the vocal talents of all the performers. And to sing in German is no small feat! My seat was in the upper balcony (Section B) and I wish I had paid a bit more for a closer seat so I could see the animation and performers better. That was my only disappointment. The animation was so quirky and graphic, and the performers facial expressions so important in conveying the story, that I really wish I had a better view. Since it was my first opera, I expected that most of the patrons would be dressed to the nines and of older age. To my surprise, the audience was quite diverse in age and clothing choice. Most attendees wore nice slacks or dresses; however, I did see some who dressed very casually. The young man in front of me wore a hoodie and jeans. I also spied several children at the show, one being a little girl of about 10 years of age wearing a fancy dress and faux fur scarf. So cute! Also in attendance were many, many teenagers who all looked very excited to be there. That was so cool to see. In short, I thought the Magic Flute was extremely charming and memorable. I'm not sure I'd go back for a different production, as I'm still not sold on opera itself. It's gorgeous in it's own right but just not my taste. Would still recommend seeing a production (particularly the Magic Flute) at the LA Opera at least once. You will walk away feeling a bit more cultured! Tip: read up on the storyline before you go. I did this and it helped immensely in following the story and in becoming familiar with all the characters. The provided subtitles at the theater were also extremely helpful. This is where the balcony seats helped...the subtitles, located above the stage, were very easy to read from the vantage point of the balcony. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
9 years ago
Acoustics good but venue very dated. Women's restrooms need major overhaul and redo! Third floor restrooms only had 7 stalls and there was an empty space waiting area that was as big an area as the restrooms. Line had at least 50 women who looks annoyed and exasperated with limited facilities. Patrons unfortunately arrived late for the show and were constantly getting up to leave and re enter their seats. A few geriatric patrons tripped on the carpeted Steps. Several people talked very loudly during Plácido 50 year celebration show so that was annoying given how much we paid for our seats. Intermission not long enough for women to use the restroom so they arrived late. Recommended but with some reservations. Does not compare to Met or SF Opera or Florence Opera House. read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
It's such a stunning music venue, fourth-largest opera company in the states, which has produced a wide variety of education and outreach programs designed to bring opera to people of all backgrounds, from young children experiencing opera for the first time to experienced opera lovers of all ages, also the spanish tenor and conductor Plácido Domingo has been general director of LA Opera for years. read more
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More info about LA Opera
135 N Grand Ave
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Downtown
Directions
(213) 972-8001
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http://www.laopera.org
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Ask the Community - LA Opera
Gentlemen and women's attire for a weekend evening at the Opera (non-opening night)?
At the opera, it is customary to wear formal wear after 6 pm. Black, charcoal, or navy suits with a white shirt (stiff collared non-oxford) and tie (try to keep the tie subdued in color) accompanied by a white tv-folded pocket square. Black shoes:…
10 yrs old kids are allowed?
Yes! Children are always welcome, however, some operas are more interesting/suitable for children than others.
I have never watched opera. I don't know any European language. Do they sing in English?
Almost all of the operas are not in English. They have supertitles projected above the stage, translating the lyrics into English.
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