The Sound of Music (Broadway San Jose) --…read more We saw this yesterday and it was beautiful. The sets were absolutely stunning -- genuinely took my breath away a few times -- and the singing was extraordinary. So much talent on that stage. If you know the movie by heart (I do), there are a few differences. A couple of songs that aren't in the film, and "I Have Confidence" doesn't appear at all. There are some small changes to the story too, but nothing that took away from the show -- a few of the twists I actually liked better this way. One tip: take an Uber or Lyft. Getting into the parking garage took forever because there's only one lane in, and someone at the front couldn't work the machine and held everyone up for about fifteen minutes. Not the theater's fault, but worth knowing. Wonderful show. We'll be back.

Went to watch the phantom of the opera -which the play itself was very good but hard to enjoy with…read moresuch a terrible venue. This theatre is probably the worst theatre I have been to to watch a show. The seat design is terrible. There are no middle aisles. We were sat in the middle which made getting in and out of the aisles a nightmare. The absolute worst part is that there is not enough bathrooms for the amount of people attending. Combine that with a 20 minute intermission which basically makes it inevitable to miss the beginning of the second act. More importantly, with the lack of middle aisles, the tight hallways, and overwhelming amount of people packed into the theater, I feel like this is a disaster waiting to happen in the case of any type of emergency. Parking garages near by were crazy once everyone is leaving after the show. I would account for an extra 45 minutes just waiting to get out of these garages. Pretty disappointed given the amount of money we paid for our tickets. We will probably not return.

California Theater is a gorgeous old historical theater with distinguishing beauty and exquisite…read moredetails. It's the type of place you go to where you spend just as much time ogling over the venue as you do the show itself! I went there for a film festival and loved it. The location is also pure perfection because it is within the same block as several restaurants and bars for those who want to grab a bite or drink before or after their show. The only (small) downside is finding parking. We parked in an outdoor lot 2 blocks away for $20. It is about the average rate for the area but still seems steep to me for a 2 hour show. *breathe* Trying to not sweat the small stuff, so I say pay for the steep parking and enjoy the gorgeous theater and watch a nice show! It will be worth the experience.

It looked like it got a 4.6 star review but they say doors open at 6:30 and it didn't. I thought I…read morewas in the back of the place so I walk to market street to find the front but it turns out I was at the right place. It is at first street. I didn't think I showed up early but then someone told me they changed the time and they'll let everyone in at 7 pm. I waited and we didn't get in until 7:15. I don't know; maybe I'm strict with time but it threw me off. We had plenty of time to get to our seats so we got beer for one of us. I was expected an open space to get to my seat because I had a cane. They blocked the open space so I had to scoot in to the aisle to get to my seats. I guess the show was packed and they had to add seats. Seats were not bad but not comfortable. I did have good seats so I can see the people performing.

Re: Summer CMP camp - My child LOVED this day camp. She…read morespent two weeks learning how to sing, dance and act. The camp culminates with a show at the end of the camp. It's amazing what they can do in just two short weeks. This camp fed my child's creativity and sparked a love for performing. Great!! staff, easy registration and communication made this one of the highlights of our summer. We will definitely be back!

My family and I frequently visit this theatre for all different plays and school events. We love…read morethe energy of the staff and how the plays are organized. The enthusiasm is just mind blowing. Very clean and well maintained theatre for the young students and parents to enjoy . A big shout out to all the staff and sponsors for this theater in San jose .

I grew up attending the theater and I consider myself very lucky. Community Little Theater in…read moreAuburn, Maine is still around today. I had two brothers who both performed in the theater and one of them is still teaching theater arts now. I usually attend the Broadway musicals at the San Jose Performing Arts Center a couple of times every year and I go alone. John is not a fan of musicals. But he agreed to go to a play last year in SF with me and he enjoyed it. So, when we saw the synopsis of "Running After Shadows," we decided to check it out. The second I walked inside, City Lights Theater reminded me of those wonderful memories I had as a teenager at Community Little Theater. City Lights is smaller than I'm used to but I loved its compact, intimate space. Every seat seems to be a good one and comfortable as well! I loved that the manager spoke to the audience before the show and that they pick a non-profit to donate to that matches with the theme of the play. They also have a little get together after every performance. They have refreshments and you have the chance to talk to the actors. We didn't stay afterwards but maybe next time. John surprised me by wanting to get tickets for the next show. Maybe I can get him to try musicals one day...

It's All an Act…read more Foreword: So, it turns out I kind of like plays. I mean, I recall enjoying watching theater friends perform at school and college back in the day, but I've never actually gone out to see a real live play with professional actors. Anyway, if you're on the fence about coming to see one, then you should definitely do it once. And if you really dig it, do it twice. :) OK, onto the review... The City Lights Theater Company has been supporting local actors and theater makers for forty-five years (ca. 1982) now, and have been in this space since 1991--despite a looming threat from developers... The Good: *Very small intimate venue of ±100 seat theater. There is no bad seat in the house, as even in the back row you still feel like you're practically front row. *Tickets are fairly inexpensive at ±$50-80/ea with season passes available. There's also afternoon matinee shows available for us old farts. *Staff was very friendly *They have a small snack bar and even serve wine *A chance to interact with the performers at the end of the show. *We watched "Running After Shadows" by Vincent Terrell Durham and it was excellent. Great story telling, fantastic acting, and it takes the crowd on a wild range of emotions. The Meh: *Street Parking only but it's free on the weekends. The Ugly: *They must start cutting onions in there at some point, cuz I swear my eyes started watering for no reason. That's right. No reason whatsoever. Conclusion: Intimate venue with great storytelling means a great time out by all. Good spot for a date nite or afternoon (see aforementioned "old farts" mention above).

Broadway San Jose consists of various performances held at San Jose Civic and SJ Center for the…read morePerforming Arts. The latter, the setting of my recent viewing of Phantom of the Opera. This is one of the classics and easily my fave due to the captivating music. This past Sunday, I enjoyed the musical for like the umpteenth time, and it was as thrilling as usual. The stage setup for this new production was spectacular. The orchestra was impressive too. There are packages available to get a deal by combining shows, but that doesn't include some of the best ones recently featured, like Phantom of the Opera or Beauty and the Beast.

Although I can't speak for the plays and musicals, I love Broadway San Jose's film concerts! So…read morefar, I've seen the film concert productions for Across the Spiderverse Spiderverse and Avatar: The Last Airbender. They were both FANTASTIC. The audience is always very enthusiastic, cheering on their favorite characters and scenes. The orchestras are also very passionate about the films as well, earning their standing ovation at the end of the show. My favorite seats are in the orchestra section. Only issue would be parking, but there's a garage about a 5-min walk from the venue that I usually go to. I'll definitely be back again!

I remember when this was part of the Camera Cinema family. Movies are my Hobby and it saddens me to…read moresee another theatre close. I love to sit in the Privacy of a Dark theatre and being taken away by the Various artist who make films. For those who sit at home and Stream films and other programming. You are the downfall of what made Cinema Great. I realize that Movies have become expensive and the Quality of the product has not been that great since the Virus. But, I still go to support the Special films that Stand out. I recently saw THE MANDALRIAN AND GROGU and THE GARDENER. Both, not the greatest films made but they still took me to somewhere away from day to day life and entertained me. Even if your not like me. I go to two to three films a week. Take the time a few times a year and get out of the House and support your nearest Cinema and/ or Theatre and Drive-In. In Memory of My Mother, who introduced me to Films. In Memory of the Garden theatre (Willow Glen), The Fox and the Studio (Downtown San Jose. The Saratoga theatre (Saratoga) and the Old Los Gatos cinema (Los Gatos). Many Memories. The Art of the Interiors of these Auditoriums were Amazing. A great mention to the Jose Theatre in San Jose which was turned in a Comedy Playhouse. Here is looking at you. Jackie SS.

So lucky to have one of the few indie theaters in the Bay Area, in San Jose…read more 3Below has excellent indie film curation. The customer service is superb. And the snack bar has reasonably priced goodies! The cherry on top? FREE VALIDATED PARKING FOR UP TO 3HRS!! I'll be seeing 3Below soon, again!

Great regional theater. Good variety of plays…read more Good acting. I am always impressed with the staging.

Good people. Friendly atmosphere. Easy parking. Professional grade productions. Talented acting,…read moresinging, musical accompaniment. Affordable. Been there several times, for years.

I've come here for 3 different shows namely 39 Steps, Radium Girls and the Nut Cracker, all of…read morewhich have been held in three different auditoriums. 39 Steps has been hands down one of the best live performances I've witnessed during my time on the west coast purely due to the seasoned performances and script. The place has free parking in addition to the ample parking in and around Castro Street. On most days, you'd be able to buy a ticket directly at the ticketing centre without having to buy in advance. The place has a small cafe that serves packaged food, hot chocolate, coffee and snacks during the shows. Pro-tip: Season premiers are followed by happy hours and the chance to mingle with the cast over a glass of wine and some cookies :-)

This is always such a great venue to come and see a show. It has an underground free parking…read moregarage. It's easily accessible if you have any mobility issues. The theater itself is very intimate and allows you a good seat no matter where you are. The staff is friendly and helpful. All shows from my experience, have been reasonably priced. Before the show grab something to eat, a cup of coffee, or even a glass of wine at the Bean Scene Cafe which is linked to the theater.

Had a wonderful experience at the Hammer Theater! It's accessible via public transport or close to…read moreso many parking garages and food spots as well. I went here for a kpop concert - SF9. The organization was well done with trained volunteers and staff, which made it an easy seamless experience for the attendees. It's a great venue that has 3 levels from close to the stage, middle section, and a balcony. Would come here again!

Went here for Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi and had a great time. Parking was convenient as…read moreyou can park at ParkSJ: Second and San Carlos Street Garage which was right next to the venue. The venue itself is a bit dated but gave a nice cozy vibe. Ushers are welcoming, helpful, and will guide you to your section and seat. There's a coat check available as well as a an area to purchase concessions. The seats in the theatre are old but decently comfortable; you're a little close to your neighbor but it's not a dealbreaker. It was a lovely evening and one worth checking out, perfect for a date night.

Montalvo Arts Center feels like a peaceful escape--the grounds are beautiful for an easy hike or…read moreslow stroll. The Carriage House Theatre concerts are intimate and special, and membership comes with fun concert receptions. One of my favorite memories was meeting Charo at one of those receptions after a concert. If you haven't been, check their program schedule and upcoming events: https://montalvoarts.org/

Such a beautiful park maintained jointly by the Montalvo arts center and santa clara county parks…read more It's truly a hidden gem in Saratoga with beautifully maintained lawns, and ample trails. The Great Lawn in front of the main building ie the Montalvo Center allows picnics without reservations - just set up camp under a tree. There's a very well maintained Italian garden right next to the great lawn with varieties of succulents, a pagoda like structure and cedars. Also saw a wedding in progress while we were there and it is such a beautiful location for it! I will definitely visit again to explore the trails. Parking can be a little hard on weekends but you gotta just wait till a spot opens. If the event venue is booked out - that makes parking harder since they reserve a lot for guests. Free entry and free parking