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Madison Center for the Arts

3.9 (19 reviews)
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Energetic, precise and talented.
sandy b.

Accessible parking for all. Easy access to seats. Shows have been very enjoyable. There are some snacks for purchase. I look forward to repeat visits. I think it's been about 6 times.

Stage
Belle V.

Came here for a show called Yamato, Drummers of Japan. The place is really clean and located in Mesa, AZ. I didn't get a chance to check out their concession stand. The restrooms are clean. The seats are not very comfortable. They could have designed the theater better; seats in the back rows should be more elevated. The staff are friendly and ready to give directions.

Sonia B.

What a nice space! We went for a free symphonic concert and weren't sure what to expect. Parking was super easy and close to the theater (plus free and covered, thankfully). The lobby is a bit cold/uncomfortable if you're waiting to get into the theater. It's very open/spacious, but when we were there, it was freezing. There was a small concession stand, and some art to look at on the walls while you wait. But, there aren't very many seats! The theater itself is fine. Good sound, comfortable seats and a pleasant place to see a performance! It's not a deluxe experience, but it's a nice location in the center of town to experience art without much hassle.

Stacy M.

I didn't try the food. The bar only has one white wine (Chardonnay), one red wine (Pinot noir) and three beers that are lackluster choices. Service was good. Ambience is definitely cozy. Parking is actually great. They have their own parking structure and it's easy in, easy out.

Showtime!
Glen L.

I came to the Madison Center for the Performing Arts to see Zuzu African Acrobats (definitely catch this performance when it comes back into town!). I had never been to the Madison Center and was delighted to see that it's a short drive from Biltmore Fashion Park (pro tip: eat dinner here before or after your event). The Center itself was quite a surprise. Kind of a hidden gem in Phoenix and the exterior reminded me of Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. A free parking garage and free valet service were both available. Access was quick in and quick out. Maybe the only design flaw was that where the ticket takers stood, they sort of blocked access to the restrooms. You were able to use the restrooms without entering the theater, but you needed to wait for people to finish the ticket-checking first. Another opportunity area here would be to incorporate a little more art to warm up the space. It's nice and bright but slightly cold from an aesthetic point of view. They were requiring masks to be worn to enter. Once guests sat down, several took off their masks which seemed to be acceptable. The auditorium is large and the acoustics are wonderful. For most events, an orchestra seat will run about $80-100 so it means that you can get quite close for less money than other venues. ADA seating is available but needs to be arranged through the box office as opposed to buying off Ticketmaster. The box office opens two hours before performances. The Lobby opens one hour before the performance. Concessions, including beer and wine, are available before the performance and during intermission. The theater opens thirty minutes before the performance for seating. Large oversized bags and backpacks are not allowed in the building. You will be asked to return them to your car. Constructed in 2017 for the Madison School District which includes eight schools for elementary and middle-school students in the north-central Phoenix area, the Center cost $13 million and has seats for more than 900 people. At a time when too many schools are having to cut back on funding for the arts, it is inspiring that this school district made this investment. Not only do their students have a dedicated space for performances, but it's also available to the broader community, too. The calendar for the rest of the year looks pretty solid. The final Broadway performance of "Rent" will be coming. They also offer some free shows. Pro tip: sign up for their newsletter online to stay informed of upcoming events.

Lobby with bar stations, beautiful
Kris L.

Beautiful performance center with good acoustics and very comfortable seats. The venue is moderate size with not a bad seat in the house. The lobby and outdoor deck are very spacious and the restrooms are large and newly furnished. They were serving $5 beer and wine at the show we saw (the Hit Men) you could bring drinks to your seat such a deal!

Lobby area.

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2 years ago

Great venue. Sound was really good. Clean and fun atmosphere Definite would go back anytime parking is also great.

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7 years ago

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4 years ago

Beautiful space and we will be attending The Nutcracker this year. Appreciate the Arts and the venue.

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Ask the Community - Madison Center for the Arts

What restaurants are close to this venue?

Rojkeri, Luci's Marketplace, Zipps, Richardson, Dicks Hideaway

Is parking free?

Yes, sometimes depending on the event they have free valet but majority of the time you can park in their garage.

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Review Highlights - Madison Center for the Arts

“Central Phoenix has long needed a first-class venue for cultural performances and this new establishment fulfills that need.”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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Herberger Theater Center - Calamari Sisters

Herberger Theater Center

4.1(159 reviews)
4.9 mi

Today, I attended the Herberger lunchtime theater for the first time and am hooked already! Each…read moreseason is five months and five shows. They run 1-2 weeks each, Mon thru Thur, start at 12:10 in the afternoon, and are less than one hour long. You can even prepay for lunch, provided by the nextdoor neighbor, Huss Brewing, to be waiting for you as you arrive in the theater. Show tickets are only $10 each. Lunch is only $12, and you pick from a dew different sandwiches or salads, and each one includes chips and a cookie. I would suggest arriving 10 or more mounties early so that you can enjoy your lunch without feeling disruptive to the play. I saw The Moment, which is running one more time, tomorrow at 12:10. It's a play, in progress. It's only one act so far and is in the works, so it was fun to be a part of it and to hang around afterward to give feedback to the writer. The play is about how Barack Obama announces his run for president and how that affects a Washington DC black family and the trajectory of their lives. I cried and also enjoyed the group of elderly black women sitting behind me as they giggled over handsome younger photos of President Obama and how they commented on historical events that they themselves lived through. It was a moving moment to be a part of.

Not many styled shows make their way here that care to my liking, but recently I've seen an uptick…read moreand find myself looking more and more at upcoming events. I've been here recently now for 2 shows that I would call nontraditional, but man, they were great shows, and I had such a blast. The layout of the theater is great. I was on the 1st level for one show and on the 2nd level for the 2nd one. Despite being on the 2nd level, it still gave a personal feel and kept us engaged. If you don't like heights, make sure to arrive early to get in the lower level, as once you're on the upper level, it does go shallow & up. Getting cocktails from the bar downstairs typically has a long line, but if you go upstairs, there's usually another make-shift bar to help offset it. I didn't take advantage of any parking, as I used a ride service to the venue, as I just wanted to get dropped off at the door. It's hit or miss with parking, especially if there is something going on at the arena (basketball, concert, baseball game, etc...) Looking forward to the next event.

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Herberger Theater Center - Calamari Sisters Set

Calamari Sisters Set

Herberger Theater Center - Calamari Sisters

Calamari Sisters

Herberger Theater Center - Calamari Sisters

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Calamari Sisters

Arizona Broadway Theatre - Fun show!

Arizona Broadway Theatre

4.0(291 reviews)
13.0 mi

I've been to Arizona Broadway Theatre twice and I've been impressed both times. Located in Peoria,…read morethis theater seats roughly 100 people or so making for an intimate experience. Parking is easy in the complimentary surface lot adjacent to the venue. Getting seated is just as easy. Compared to other theaters in town, part of what makes ABT different is that you have the option to do the show only or to do dinner and a show. If you do the latter option, you arrive earlier. I've done show only both times but I like that you have the option here. Before or during admission, you can stop by the lobby and pick up a themed cocktail or other beverage. Always a nice touch. The venue is clean, the seats are comfortable, and the performances have been quality. I most recently saw a performance of CATS. Already looking forward to my next performance!

We purchased our tickets six months in advance and had been eagerly looking forward to celebrating…read moremy husband's 80th birthday at your murder-mystery dinner show on August 14, 2026. Unfortunately, the evening was extremely disappointing. We arrived at 6:30 p.m., and the doors opened at 7:00. After we were seated, we waited approximately an hour for our food. My ravioli was so unpleasant that I could not eat it. It tasted like frozen ravioli served with old tomato sauce. Even after dinner was finished, the actual show still had not begun. Meanwhile, a cast member was moving between the tables and interacting very loudly with the audience. We understand that audience participation may be part of the experience, but after the long wait and disappointing meal, it only added to our frustration. By that point, my husband was understandably unhappy, and it was clear that the special evening we had planned was not going to be enjoyable. We therefore made the difficult decision to leave before the show began. We spent a significant amount of money within our limited entertainment budget and chose this event specifically to celebrate an important milestone birthday. We were deeply disappointed that an evening we had anticipated for six months turned out this way.

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Arizona Broadway Theatre - The stage

The stage

Arizona Broadway Theatre - Beauty and the Beast inspired display.

Beauty and the Beast inspired display.

Arizona Broadway Theatre - Salmon

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Salmon

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts - Virginia G. Piper Theater

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

4.1(72 reviews)
7.4 mi
•$$

5 out of 5 for the concert experience and parking 1 or 2 out…read moreof 5 for SCFTPA's branding/markeitng...i'll explain we went for the BBVD concert in Oct 2026. great show, the band is still rockin since the 90s. concert was on a Weds and the theater was maybe 70% full -- we thought, same concert at this venue on a Fri/Sat, it would have sold out, but that's neither here nor there i had never been here and the parking is a little wonky. it's across the street and over the hill but it's FREE (i know...WHAT?) and it's a short walk to the entrance. slightly confusing to find but you'll figure it out. you can also probably call the box office ahead for info. after the short walk from parking we found the theater in the large arts complex i guess. anyway where the shows are held is the Virginia Piper Theater. there was no signage or advertisements for our show, so we just guessed all of these people standing around like at an airport were like us, and waiting for the doors to the V Piper to open. we were right. but i mean, you're an entertainment venue....you should have a marquee or posters or...............SOMETHING that gets you hyped for the show ahead. the stage set-up for BBVD was also very minimal. no screens. no laser light shows. but the band was AWESOME. rare is the band that can get by on talent alone (i'm looking at you, 2026 Motley Crue) all of the theater staff/volunteers were very helpful and friendly. the merch stand staff equally great to do business with. the theater and bathrooms are C-L-E-A-N. even the men's restroom has dividers between every uninal. wowsers! no trough-style sausage party like you get at Celebrity Theater, Financial Theatre, and the other A stages in Phoenix with no concern for a gentleman's privacy. i mean, some of these places are like that snake pit in Indiana Jones where you're just trying to avoid the glare of many garden hoses. too much bro, too much. THIS place was class class class, all the way for my little man. privacy AND clean porcelin. outstanding! all of the seats seemed to have plenty of room. overall just a great night-out experience. clean and easy parking. clean and easy venue. it helped that the band was outstanding. it's just too bad there aren't more big acts that come here. i would compare this stage to the Mesa performing arts stage, but the Mesa venue gets way more acts. anyway, Scottsdale, build up that line-up and we shall return, you sexy city you!!!

This is one of my favorite venues. Big enough for good audience energy, but not overwhelming. I…read morehave friends that are VIP members, and have taken advantage of some of the VIP lounge activities before or after an event and that is quite lovely. They have a cute store with fun and diverse items. Parking can be convenient, unless there are other activities like a ball game, and then add extra time. The seats are comfortable, and the acoustics are great. I love the variety of shows that they offer. I just saw big bad voodoo daddy last night and they were awesome.

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Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts - View from V9

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View from V9

Celebrity Theatre - A-11 section 5 seat 1 and 2

Celebrity Theatre

2.9(328 reviews)
4.8 mi
•$$

Very fun! I really liked that the theater spins because it's so different and makes the experience…read morefeel more interactive. It definitely adds something special to the show! I also loved that it's a smaller theater because you're SUPER close to the performers. Like, so close that they can actually see you and notice that you exist haha! It makes the whole experience feel more personal. Another plus is that the traffic wasn't bad since the area isn't insanely busy, which is always a win! They have food, drinks, and alcohol available too. The chairs aren't the comfiest, so beware haha, but it's not terrible, at least they have chairs! it does give the feel if it was built in the 50's though! Haha Such a fun and unique venue! I definitely recommend checking it out. I would recommend getting your tickets ahead of time because seating is limited and they can sell out pretty quickly!

Pretty upset. Came to Celebrity Theater to see Justin Wilman and were turned away at 7:53. This was…read moreafter the parking lot attendants told us to park along the curb and that security was going to let us in. Let us in? They did not. They said the doors were closed by Netflix and Justin Wilman at 7:52 and that they were also given last minute notice as well. Also, the parking lot to Celebrity Theatre has several open spots while the parking lot next to them was looking pretty sparse. Why have so much open parking spaces? We did not see or receive notice that we had to be at the theater at a specific time - only that the doors open at 7pm. Given that information, we figured if we showed up a bit later, we wouldn't have to wait in line. This screwed us up terribly. This was completely terrible service and I will not be supporting Justin Wilman (we've been huge fans of his since 2021...maybe even before then as our daughter who is now 11 loves him....and saw him last year when he came to Tempe... again due to when the doors opened we waited in the hot hot Phoenix heat for about 45 min before making it inside...which again IS WHY WE WAITED TO ARRIVE SO FREAKING LATE). It's sad because we literally were raving about Justin at our dinner with a group of 12 that were all coming to see him. More than half of the group for the first time would be seeing him. If he is familiar with NPS, he'll know he and the venue are a 1/10. Never again. Celebrity Theatre needs to also give MORE detailed information on when doors are closing. I will never come to this venue again nor attempt to purchase tickets to see Justin again. Also, what BS is it that we were told by the parking attendants that we would be let in and were not.

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Celebrity Theatre
Celebrity Theatre - 10/16/25 Alan Stone Pre show.

10/16/25 Alan Stone Pre show.

Celebrity Theatre

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Madison Center for the Arts - theater - Updated October 2026

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