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Lancaster Opera House

4.5 (17 reviews)
Closed 6:30 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 2 months ago

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Seeing Annie at the LOH!!
Hannah K.

This place gets an extra star just for how blown away I was that you could hide an opera house inside of a Town Hall building! I wasn't sure I had the right place when I drove past it, because I was looking for more opera-house like architecture on the front. But yeah, this place is stashed away inside of the town hall building and on the second floor. We came here initially to see a friend of mine in a play - Annie! I hadn't bought tickets until the day of, so reading on their website I was directed to the second floor of the building itself. That's where the magic happens. Up a flight of squeaky old stairs you'll find the well-maintained, but obviously historic Lancaster Opera House. There's not much of a lobby, just a small waiting area half way up the stairs, and a big doorway that'll lead you into the Opera House. The room to the left is the box office, and to the right is the snack bar. (Brownie points for refreshments during a play.) I gotta say, I didn't know you could keep such a beautiful space tucked away on the second floor! I found out that combining town halls and opera house spaces were not uncommon back when the building was built, so I am pretty pleased and surprised that this building still exists today. The theatre isn't incredibly large, though it may seem that way considering the semi-narrow pathways that lead you to the hall. The stage itself is a fair size, not incredibly large but roomy enough for a cast. The seats are just standard cushioned chairs, not nailed to the ground or anything, opening said space up for a variety of uses other than seating during stage plays. Quoting some cool history I found on their website: "The early years of the Opera House were devoted to dances, recitals, and commencement exercises, as well as musicals and traveling shows. In the 1920s and 1930s, musicals and minstrel shows were presented. During the Great Depression, the hall became a center for the distribution of food and clothing to the needy. During World War II, a sewing room was set up in the dressing room beneath the stage, and parachutes were packed on the auditorium floor. Following the war, the theater was the Civil Defense Headquarters to coordinate plan spotters and air raid drills during the 1950s and the early 60s until an underground bunker was constructed in Chestnut Ridge Park." The production was great, and I'm definitely keeping my eye out for interesting goings-on in Lancaster because of it! Also, I've kind of fallen head over heels for this place, mostly for its obvious historical significance. I can't wait to come again!

Fleetwood Mac tribute band!
Vicky B.

I've been here a few times for plays and concerts and every time the shows have been phenomenal! Great variety of shows and the ticket prices are great too- usually between $20-$25 for adults. Came this weekend for a Fleetwood Mac tribute band concert and it was a packed house! Very good performance and easy to get in and out. There's plenty of free street parking and free lot parking next door. Accessibility- There's some handicap parking on the side and behind the building, and if you use the back entrance, you can take the elevator or stairs up to the 2nd floor. Seating- there are chairs with arms but they're not as comfortable as traditional theatre seats. Refreshments- there's bottled water, pop, iced tea, popcorn and candy. Would highly recommend checking out their schedule for a fun night out!

The clock is too bright I can't see the time can you turn it down a bit
Fox E.

Came here after being at the hospital. No big deal. They didn't have to opera-te. For years I loved this beautiful imposing tower in the heart of the lovely suburban village of Lancaster. Until recently I did not realize it was an opera house. How cool! I mean it has other functions to such as the Town Center Clock Tower, but it also doubles as an opera house and apparently is really awesome to see shows here, which I have yet to do. But I am rating it purely for the aesthetics and it's one of my favorite buildings in Suburban Western New York.

Godspell great show

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8 months ago

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4 years ago

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

Old time theater with great acoustics. Saw Rumours it was funny and enjoyable. Will come back

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15 years ago

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12 years ago

Wonderful classic American musicals now being produced by the Opera House itself. They keep getting better and better.

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12 years ago

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Review Highlights - Lancaster Opera House

But yeah, this place is stashed away inside of the town hall building and on the second floor.

Mentioned in 2 reviews

Read more highlights

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We were there to hear about the 2026-27 season. Tickets are free, but we had to register. The event…read morewas called for 5:30. At 6 the doors were finally opened to sit down and hear about the season. It is now 6:15. The organ is still playing; there is no evidence of someone coming out to talk about the '26-'27 season. There are vendors in the lobby, selling beer, water, wine, popcorn. Nothing complimentary. 6:32 and the first speakers have appeared. Very disorganized. The presentation was a bit lengthy, but very nice. Each of the seven shows in the subscriber series was introduced. Guest artists performed songs from two musicals in the subscription: "Sound of Music" and "The Great Gatsby". There are three additional shows which are not part of the subscription, but to which subscribers can purchase tickets ahead of the general public. The presentation lasted about an hour.

When you think of going to the theatre, this is the place I would picture in my mind. Shea's is…read moreabout to turn 100 years old in 2026 and it's a Buffalo staple through and through. If you had a day in Buffalo, this is one of the places you would want to check out. The shows I have been to here over the years are always well done. The staff are always so helpful and genuinely seem happy to be there. I am not a big theatre person so it's great to have them there to make sure I am in the right place and not committing any theatre mistakes. The concessions here are pretty decently priced. There is a good variety of drinks and snack options. As someone who generally goes to the movies more than the theatre, I was pleasantly surprised with the options. This space is beautiful. It makes you feel like you've stepped back in time but in the best way. The architecture alone is a reason to come check out this spot, but stay for a show and enjoy!

Greg Frewin Theatre - Picture with Greg Frewin in the middle holding our tiger photo

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We came in for a Saturday night magic show. We thought it was amazing, but left at intermission…read morebecause we were both incredibly exhausted. From what we saw the show was great, the illusions were incredible and unlike cases where the tricks are obvious, there were some amazing illusions that had us questioning how that was possible. Two magicians performed and it was very cool to watch. My husband was even able to participate before we left. The one downside I would note is that this is a child friendly show, which isn't a problem, except you may be put at a table with young children. When sat we were put next to each other causing a party of five to be across from us, they sat the young children at the end of the table, so they could see understandably, but they sat parents down at the opposite end. The family was very respectful, but if you are not a children person, this may not be the environment for you. Over all great show! I wish I wasn't exhausted and could have stayed for the whole thing!

Great experience! Found the show in a Google search after we decided we were done with the falls…read more We chose it because of the reviews and they were accurate. We had a great time! When we started to think we knew what was happening, he had a unique twist that surprised us. They incorporate animals into the show and we loved that. Overall, 3 adults and 2 teens were captivated. We didn't eat there but feedback from the table was that the food was "meh". We did get some mocktails and were surprised by affordable pricing. We wished there were some desserts to order. Note: If you have a WEGO pass, it's off the blue line by the Howard Johnson's stop. Parking was still advertised as "free" if you had tickets to the show so we parked there earlier in the day. **It is not**. We were told by the attendant that it is $5 cash/$6 card with tickets (still reasonable for the area). Free ended 2 months ago and to take it up inside. I did and they confirmed it ended. I sent an email with the info from their site that says it's free still and they said they would take that down and did offer a refund if I called.

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Dance Workshop

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The Dance Workshop is an amazing dance studio and I have been dancing there since I was 5 and I…read morelove it. I love all the teachers and all the friendly people. It is so fun to dance there and this dance studio has made my dream become a reality. These people helped me become a better person and a better dancer, they taught me some of my very first skills like a backbend and a roundoff. I absolutely love this place. I practically grew up here. The Dance Workshop is basically my second home, and I love it. I will continue dancing here until I can't anymore. The recitals and classes are so much fun and everyone there is so understanding and fun. It is an amazing place with amazing people and amazing talent. I have been dancing for a long time now and have been doing contortion for two years and cheerleading for one. Dancing will forever be my favorite thing and will always be my number one thing. Even when I grow up and do bigger better things I will never forget my first passion and the people and place that got me there. I love it so much and can't express all my love for it in one review. It deserves so much praise and love. And if you don't believe me you can see for yourself. I love these people so much and they are pretty much my second family. I love you all. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. I love you all!

She has moved to behind McDonalds on Broadway.We will not attend next year . I was still working in…read moreSept. when dancing started so my husband took the kids (My grandson and granddaughter) They would forget their shoes so Miss Joann told my husband to leave the shoes there then he would not have to worry about forgetting them so he did.The kids said they lost Julians and he was wearing girl shoes so I started looking again at the consignment stores for boy tap shoes (hard to find) finally found some in tan( I had black at the beginning of dance) and Morgan said hers were tight also so I had a pair from her sister and told her to bring the tight pair home I would take them to the consignment store. Well when i picked up the kids they said she wouldn't give them Morgans shoes she said the shoes were hers that they never had shoes.I was so mad who would send kids to dancing with no shoes ( NOT ME ).Well she would not even listen she just kept saying they were her shoes and they had shoes so why did i want them anyway...to take them back to the consignment store to sell and if she found Julian's black would be better than tan!! I am sick of people lying and not even listening to what you are saying. FIND A BETTER STUDIO FOR YOUR KIDS!!!!!

Lancaster Opera House - theater - Updated May 2026

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