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    Opera San Jose

    4.1 (46 reviews)
    Closed • 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

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    Judy Y.

    I got tickets to the magic flute opera for my husband's bday and so we went to our first opera together in SJ. We found parking at a random but close independent parking lot outside and walked two blocks over to the opera. We passed by some hip restaurants which I definitely wanna check out one day. The opera is in downtown San Jose. We stepped inside and I was thrilled to see a beautiful indoor experience. It's very beautiful inside and grand I would say. People were somewhat dressed up and chillin in the lobby area. There is a snack concession but to my knowledge you're not supposed to bring food inside the theatre. I think you can put the food inside your purse but generally no food allowed. I bought what i thought were middle seats but to my surprise i realized that our seats were in the last row but right smack in the middle. This was a good decision for us b/c i ended up falling asleep a few times and i would have been super embarrassed had i been sitting in the middle as well as uncomfortable trying to force myself to stay awake. The actual opera performance was very good, i was impressed. And i saw some hardcore opera fans standing sometimes and clapping super hard at various points of the performance which was nice to see how much opera is appreciated. Although not my thing I'm glad we went to this opera and had a good time there. Would definitely recommend

    Leah T.

    Took my niece and nephew to see Carmen. Love it! Production was great, place was clean and inviting, seats were a bit too close for comfort but overall we had a great time! [Fyi you're required to show your vaccine card and id. Try not to complain about it, they're not asking for your liver!!!! Its a small price to pay to enjoy art and getting out of the darn house!!!!]

    Program
    Diane C.

    On 11/12/17, we went to see the Opera San Jose perform La Rondine (The Swallow) at the beautiful restored California Theatre in downtown San Jose. It's definitely not the Metropolitan Opera, but the performers are very good. Most of the performers really put their heart and soul into their roles. The orchestra is definitely very good. Also, the scene designs are nicely done. Opera San Jose does offer a subscription series. Ticket prices are a lot less than going to the Met :) I would definitely go back to see a program on my next visit to the area. If you want an enjoyable event to attend then definitely go to the Opera San Jose.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Opera San Jose

    Review Highlights - Opera San Jose

    “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful Opera Company right here in San Jose!”

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    San Jose Center For The Performing Arts - Beautiful grounds, especially at night.

    San Jose Center For The Performing Arts

    3.5(377 reviews)
    0.3 mi•Downtown
    •$$

    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.

    Pros: Getting there is pretty easy. There's quite a few hotels closeby for walking distance. The…read morestaff is super friendly. Felt safe. Seats were comfy and spacious enough that we didn't feel packed like sardines. Cons: not ADA friendly at all. If you're ok sitting far away from the stage, there's a couple limited seats way in the back but make sure you sort that out well before a show. It's not something I ever had to worry about before, and it wasn't a problem when I bought the tickets months ago. I had seats in the center of the 4th row and there's no way down other than stairs. The ADA spaces were all sold out and the only thing they could offer was a refund which, no...we'd been looking forward to this for months. So my friend had to hobble down quite a few stairs wearing a boot since she broke her leg a couple weeks ago. The other con, and to be fair I don't know if this is the venue's fault or the artist's, is that the whole time, the tickets said the show started at 7pm. I read every email from Ticketmaster to make sure we didn't bring the wrong kind of bag, what time the doors opened, all that. I planned the drive to the venue based on that. I had VIP Q&A tickets for the artist, which in the past, he'd usually done after the show. Tell me why we sat down for dinner across the street at 525 pm, I checked my emails while waiting for the food, only to see another email that Ticketmaster sent at 9am that the doors to opened to VIP at 515 pm, with the Q&A starting at 530pm. WHAT KIND OF PLANNING DOES THAT ALLOW?? And we weren't the only ones who had this problem. By the time we cancelled our food and paid for what we already had, it was 537pm and I zoomed my friend across the street, trying to find the wheelchair ramps, then having to hobble down all the stairs because this place was built in the 70's and didn't give af about ADA, we missed more than half the Q&A. So that was annoying.

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    San Jose Center For The Performing Arts - Center for the Performing Arts - San Jose, CA

    Center for the Performing Arts - San Jose, CA

    San Jose Center For The Performing Arts - Center for the Performing Arts - San Jose, CA

    Center for the Performing Arts - San Jose, CA

    San Jose Center For The Performing Arts - Center for the Performing Arts - San Jose, CA

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    Center for the Performing Arts - San Jose, CA

    California Theatre

    California Theatre

    4.6(203 reviews)
    0.0 mi•SoFA, Downtown

    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.

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    California Theatre - California Theatre, San Jose

    California Theatre, San Jose

    California Theatre
    California Theatre - California Theatre, San Jose

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    California Theatre, San Jose

    City Lights Theater Company - The cast of "Kinky Boots" (2023).

    City Lights Theater Company

    4.4(152 reviews)
    0.2 mi•SoFA, Downtown

    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).

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    City Lights Theater Company - They have a tradition of sharing treats and sips on stage w the cast after the production!

    They have a tradition of sharing treats and sips on stage w the cast after the production!

    City Lights Theater Company - Two of the four-person cast

    Two of the four-person cast

    City Lights Theater Company

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    Broadway San Jose - 4.9846 stars!

    Broadway San Jose

    3.8(81 reviews)
    0.3 mi•Downtown

    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!

    Show: MJ The Musical Venue: San Jose Center for the…read morePerforming Arts, a.k.a. Broadway San Jose 08/02/25 Matinee Performance 2pm Breakdown: The Musical (SPOILER ALERT?) The choreography, imagery, mutimedia, lighting, sound, costumes & visual effects were wonderful. The performance did not start exactly on time. Many of Michael & the Jackson 5's hits are featured, but due to show length, the songs are shortened. The songs are stitched together with a narrative, and there were a few parts of this that were a little draggy. I almost would've preferred just the full-lenth music selections alone. The play--while upbeat & exciting overall-- portrays Michael as somewhat a victim: A victim of his global success, victim of his handlers who were profit-motivated, and victim especially of his father Joe Jackson who is cast pretty much in the villain role. There is a brief 15-20 minute intermission in the approximate 2 1/2 hr. show. The Venue First time visit for me and the Center did a fine job. The workers--ticketing folks, ushers, merchandise folks--who I interacted with were great. The matinee show was packed to it's 2,600+ seat capacity. And of course with that many patrons, you're unfortunately going to see a handful of clueless one's with no theather ettiquette. Such as, but certainly not limited to, arriving on time, not silencing their mobile devices, holding conversations and blocking entrances & exits to the theater (pre & post show + intermissions), getting up multiple times during the performance, etc. Can't blame the venue or performers for this of course. Add the usual cluster mess when a good portion of 2,600 patrons need to all use the restroom during intermission. But the latter is pretty much standard procedure at most performances such as this. Ticketing & Parking Tips Smart theater enthusiasts would be very wise to look into 2 very favorable ticketing options offered by this venue: Digital Lottery & Rush Tickets. For digital lottery, download Broadway San Jose's mobile app to start. From there, you can enter a day-before lottery to score a pair of tickets at greatly reduced rates (they were $35ea for this musical). The digital lottery option is typically only for evening performances though. For the Rush ticketing option that I used, covering both matinee & evening performances, show up at the box office day of show 2 hrs. before the scheduled start time. When I got there around 11:45am, there were less than 5 people in line and I was able to score a single Orchestra ticket for $40 (inclusive of fees). Same ticket that Ticketmaster was trying to sell on their site for $445! lol. Parking can be a little bit of a challenge here. The closest major garage that most patrons seem to gravitate to is the Ernst & Young or "303 Garage" @ 303 S. Almaden Blvd. It's maybe 150-200 yds. to the main entrance of the theater. It's got some accessibility quirks, and is a $20 flat rate as of this review. This will typically cover you for several hrs. time for the show + exiting. In my case, the rate covered me 7 hrs. from 12pm to 7pm. I puchased this pass thru mobile parking app SpotHero, which charges a small processing fee, but tends to allow for an easier entrance & exit process. You can also pay directly at the garage. Driving in San Jose is akin to driving in Los Angeles for those familiar. So, be prepared for congestion, rude drivers and the frustration overload + ugliness that typically accompanies this. Not the theater's fault again, but just a word to the wise. Also, San Jose is usually known as a great restaurant destination, but there didn't seem to be a plethora of these options within comfortable walking distance to the theater sadly. Conclusion If you missed the relatively short run of MJ The Musical here in San Jose, don't worry. As it's returing in early 2026 to both San Francisco & Sacramento. Check it, it's a winner!

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    Broadway San Jose
    Broadway San Jose
    Broadway San Jose - Fun! 3.75668 stars!

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    Fun! 3.75668 stars!

    3Below Theaters & Cafe

    3Below Theaters & Cafe

    4.4(106 reviews)
    0.1 mi•Paseo de San Antonio, Downtown

    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!

    Full disclosure, my friend put this place on my radar. I am a bit of a setting snob, and by this I…read moremean: give me leather seats, give me reclining chairs, and if my seat warmer isn't working, I'm going to be upset. But that's merely because life is uncomfortable and I am intentional about finding cozy pockets of joy. This theater is not updated with the fancy seats, but what it lacks in that it more than makes up in charm, service, and community cultivation. Visiting 3Below reminded me that venturing out of that corporate capitalist bubble of perceived coziness would put me in a vibrant hub of social awareness. This is where you go to see the Documentaries IG mentions, but no theaters seem to have times for. This is where you can catch live performances on the same stage that you'll watch a thought provoking film. And, as the manager/owner of the fiercest security dog I've encountered mentioned, THIS is where you could learn to tap dance. Now, I'm hoping this could be a location for some line dancing in the near future, because I think Sofa Streetfair could be the place for some of this, and 3Below seems the perfect hub for practicing. But, what a cute location, and I'm told it's locally owned, too. I didn't actually fact check that, so my apologies if I'm spreading misinformation here. I'm just doing my best to sell you on falling in love with this alternative theater as much as my friend has...I'm converted and I'll definitely be back.

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    3Below Theaters & Cafe
    3Below Theaters & Cafe
    3Below Theaters & Cafe - Limited menu during Cinequest

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    Limited menu during Cinequest

    Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

    Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

    4.0(46 reviews)
    11.5 mi

    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.

    Excellent location on Castro Street in downtown Mountain View. I come here for specific…read moreperformances each year. Spacious theater with plenty of spots to practice or do rehearsals before showtime. Staffs are great communicators and are always helpful. This place has been around forever and City Hall is a great place to gather or use public restrooms as well. Cafe is easily accessible next door. If you come here in December during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event, you won't be disappointed. Colorful Christmas vibes everywhere. There's a good sized local park behind it and you can easily park on the streets which are all walking distance. Besides ballerinas and dancers, you get to watch singers, group choirs, and many more colorful entertainments on the outdoor stage area. Inside stage is usually reserved for larger popular shows. Yes, dressing room and areas for practicing before performance time is well set and they're usually on time moving groups in and out as scheduled. Love the backstage area and scenes. Good feeling inside and outside.

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    Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
    Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
    Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

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    Montalvo Arts Center - Community events

    Montalvo Arts Center

    4.3(312 reviews)
    9.9 mi
    •$$$

    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

    A dear friend is a member of Montalvo Arts Center and grateful for her to provide me some needed…read moreescapism as her luncheon guest. All proceeds support Montalvo Arts Center with the aid of a battalion of volunteers, young and old. From the first hello by Gail when greeted at check-in to exiting venue, high touch experience. Thoughtfully coordinated and seamlessly orchestrated, including redirecting exiting auto traffic due to nearby auto accident. Meal was delightful including iced tea and coffee. Can upgrade to wine and bubbly for a fee. There were roaming models (Sunny - a Tita from the Philippines - was in our area) showcasing outfits from a local Los Gatos boutique. Raffle for a 10 person dinner onsite. Gift shop with crafts to buy. Have more time can explore grounds. Was encouraged to take home the floral centerpieces which had plastic floral bags to aid with transport. If don't have a generous friend to treat you to luncheon, can purchase tix for $75. I was excited to learn they host Sunday high teas in November before Thanksgiving. Will add to my Yelp! High Tea collection.

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    Montalvo Arts Center - Italian gardens

    Italian gardens

    Montalvo Arts Center
    Montalvo Arts Center

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    Opera San Jose - theater - Updated October 2026

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