First, this place is situated a little weird. You can't really see the front of the building…read morebecause there is a parking garage immediately in front of it and immediately behind it. If you didn't know where it was you could miss it. That's the only negative thing I can say about this place. The lobby has plenty of seating areas with sofas, which is a really nice touch. There is a gift shop with many lovely gifts, and the concession stand with cocktails, wine, so does, and water is incredibly reasonably priced compared to other venues. What really makes this place stand out is that there is not a single bad seat in the house. The show we were at did not have a lot of choices left when we we're looking for tickets, and I was concerned that we would have bad seats. That is impossible here. This is a great venue and I'll be looking into more shows here because of the fantastic seating arrangement.

Derek the bartender is the friendliest face and warmest energy you'll feel when you step into this…read moretheater, whether you're grabbing a drink, a snack or simply saying hello. The shows are great, parking can be a challenge when busy but the garage just outside Az88 is a great option. Acoustics and theater layout are great.

It's always good to get out and enjoy live theater. Perfect date night too since hubby enjoys it as…read morewell. Remember it's a time to really disconnect and put your cell phone away! Our theater company in AZ is some of the best you will ever see. This one is nicely air conditioned so women please remember your jacket! In the round so truly not a bad seat in the house. It's so nice to be back after I haven't been for awhile, and while we are at the start of tonight's show I have never seen a bad play here- ever!

This is a wonderful local theater with phenomenal directors and artists. The stages are well done…read more There is ample time to interact with the actors after the show..

Over the last couple of decades, I've seen various shows at the Orpheum Theatre. Parking can be…read morevery difficult, and deters me from seeing a show here if I can avoid it. I'll see shows that are touring if they have a spectacular stage presence like Anastasia; which was truly remarkable! A beautiful theatre, and for the right show, worth dealing with downtown Phoenix parking.

What an absolutely gorgeous venue! As I walked in, I felt like I was stepping into a different era…read more I was so impressed and in awe with the beautiful Spanish architecture with all the intricate murals, moldings, gold accents, arches, and hidden decorative peacocks. We went to watch The Phoenix Symphony performing with Troupe Vertigo: Cirque Carmen. It was a magnificent combination of orchestral music with aerial acts, dance, and circus style performances. The seats were very comfortable and the quality of acoustics was fantastic. Make sure you take a clear bag or a small purse (8.5" x 5.5") as they do have a bag policy. Large purses and backpacks are not allowed. They also use metal detectors and have security screening. I'd definitely love to go see another performance here.

Incredible evening with stellar performances! A magical…read moreevening filled with rollicking fun & excitement. They are Stars of comedy and improvisation. The ambiance was cozy and the food was incredible! If you are looking for a memorable evening, look no further! Would very highly recommend and can't wait to go back!

While visiting AZ for spring break we were researching fun things for our family to do. My husband…read morecame across this experience and we had a BLAST! Coming from Los Angeles we can be real snobs with this subject as we have experienced great theater at places like Disneyland, Upright Citizens Brigade Improve theater and even The Hollywood Bourbon Rooms interactive production of Rock of Ages (sadly ended during COVID). It is wonderful to see this group has sustained for so long and many people rave about it. I even had a client in Los Angeles visiting from AZ tell me he had heard great things about this company, albeit not experienced it before. The show we saw was hosted at Maggiano's Italian Restaurant. The food is in alignment with the restaurant; oversized portions served family style with a limited set menu. That being said, they were able to accommodate my vegan husband and other guests at my table that are gluten free. The theater production takes place before and during your dinner in one of the private rooms at the restaurant. Everyone gets a character name tag so be prepared to be pulled up to participate. It's all a part of the fun. The room hosted about 20 diners/attendees making it an intimate experience. Perfect for all ages and laughs were shared all around. I highly recommend to any local or out of towner to spice up your dinner with this lively and colorful experience.

I took my family (husband and two teens) to see Dear Evan Hanson at The Phoenix Theatre recently…read moreand had a great experience! The show was fabulous and we all really enjoyed it (even my teens who complained about going to a show in the first place) We found the theatre itself easy to access and scored a great parking spot even though we arrived just about 10 minutes before the show was set to start. It said 7:30 start time but probably started closer to 7:45. Tickets were waiting at will call as requested and all of the staff working that evening were super friendly. At the performance we saw, the role of Evan, normally played by Mason Ballard, was played by his understudy, Daniel Shain Graf and he did an excellent job as did the rest of the actors. We purchased some refreshments at intermission, which were very overpriced, but that is to be expected at all entertainment venues these days. Thanks to all of the companies and individuals who contribute to the arts to keep this theatre company going... we will definitely be back!

By far, my favorite place to see theater in the valley. They get great actors and great shows. At…read morethis point, I've seen over a dozen shows there and I've never been disappointed. Unlike some theaters *cough* Gammage *cough* there's not a bad seat in the house. I loved taking advantage of their student deals, and now I love being a member of their young adult deals club. It can be tough to get tickets to something super popular (à la Les Misérables) or their Christmas show right around the holidays, but it's always worth a trip. I recommend taking rideshare or the light rail to take advantage of their drink deals and avoid the large parking lot (shared with the art museum). It's a great area and a beautiful building, on top of its other charms.

https://youtu.be/wWwH7NWOAl4…read more 1.5 hour show. Great for adults and kids. Located McDonald and Scottsdale in a small theater. The Davis family makes you feel welcome with cookies and bottled water. The show was above my expectations. My kids 6-13 loved the show. Pass the word. It is the best hidden gem in Scottsdale!

Please sit before reading this review. It contains accounts of witchcraft and occult behavior, and…read moreI will not be held accountable for any injury obtained while reading this review. Had I not witnessed the Davis Circus of Illusion with my own eyes, I would not be able to tell you about it. The Davis Circus of Illusion is a group of three people, headed by 'magician' Craig Davis. I put 'magician' in quotes because of course I am a grown, educated man, and do not believe in magic. I do, of course, believe in witchcraft, which is more how I would describe the events of the evening, as Davis and his associates perform unnatural feats. He is accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Davis, and a bellydancer who goes by the name Myryka. Davis Circus of Illusion is in a great location - right up in the general Scottsdale vicinity. So go eat dinner someplace close, and then come here. If you are a member of a family, bring your entire family. If you are courting a young lady, you may also bring her here. If you are alone, you will be allowed admittance, but probably looked upon with curiosity. Dress is casual, but classy. Imagine what you should be wearing while witnessing OCCULT BEHAVIOR. The event takes place at a joint called Cattle Track, which has a building that serves as kind of a gallery/stage. I do not know if there are any cattle there so please stop asking. Before the show, Davis was talking with some of the early arrivals, his presence tempting them to inquire about the dark arts. I did not listen in on their conversation but I can only imagine he was describing to them the cursed acts he had to commit to obtain his power. As show time drew near, he demonstrated his abilities by reading a man's mind. Upon seeing this I quickly focused my thoughts, locking away the secrets within my mind that Davis might have otherwise been able to gain access to. I suggest you take this precaution ahead of time. The show began with Mrs. Davis singing a few songs. She's got a pretty good set of pipes on her, but I was there for the occult! Davis retook the stage, and almost immediately summoned his bellydancer from some astral plane, and then a bird, which proceeded to stare me down for half the show with his beady black eyes. The obvious conclusion is that the bird was a mind reader as well. After having summoned his minions, Davis now conjured up dark magics for a freakin' hour and a half. Breaking things, making them whole again, reading more people's minds, putting a lady in a box and then trying to crush her with drawers - all kinds of madness. He had his assistant get in a box, and then he collapsed the box and the woman was STILL ALIVE INSIDE even though there was only room for like, her arms and head. Everything else was just smashed. Then, what does he do? Freakin' heals her somehow and makes a new body for her and she's still alive. My wife was all, "It's just larger than it looks - she probably has extra room in there" but I know what I saw. Hah! "Mirrors." People always use mirrors to explain witchcraft, when the truth is far more deadly. Not only is Davis a practitioner of witchcraft, but he also juggles, which I find to be an odd combination. He is apparently one of only a few people in the world who can juggle 7 things at once. Like, actually have all 7 of the things in the air at the same time. I saw him do it, and if you told me that no other human being on earth could juggle 7 things at once, I'd believe you. It was pretty nuts. Anyway, the show was like, 2 hours, and thank god he didn't try to use any of his witchcraft on me, and that bird stayed away from me or I would have gone nuts. Should you go see the Davis Circus of Illusion? Only if you are stout of mind and heart, and are not fearful of mind-bending illusions and inexplicable acts of otherworldly magic. If you're ok with that, then yeah you should probably go.

Beautiful venue with friendly staff, excellent meal catering and unbelievably talented musicians…read more Plus, Bob Ravenscroft is a generous philanthropist! ps. Brownies at intermission!

Went to the Jazzbird venue. Very disappointed. It's a venue that has no identity. It's not a…read morerestaurant. It's not a bar. It's not a nightclub. It's not a music venue. It tries to be those things and fails in all. The layout: It's a long narrow room. The stage is on the smaller far end. The tables are arranged going back along the long direction. If you're sitting more than halfway back you'll be disappointed in the seating. In the back are high-top tables which are very small. The "bar" is along the long wall. The "restaurant" is catered food ( I don't think the venue has a kitchen). It's arranged buffet style on portable tables in the lobby. You go in a line and chose your dinner and they hand it to you in a plastic to-go container. You eat at your table and then bus your leftovers and trash to the trash can. There is no wait service. Just like eating at a fast food restaurant. If your sitting at a small high-top table there's not enough room for more than two people to eat. You'll be seated with strangers and they'll be right in your face as you eat. The "bar" only has beer and wine for alcohol. Or you could get a canned mixed drink. Stand in line and wait your turn at the end of the bar. The bar seats are reserved for the show. Remember no wait service. So if you want a drink during the show you have to go to the bar. Music was not Jazz. Very slow, boring folk. The crowd was 70+ year olds. And they charge for this experience? Won't be going back.

Surprised my boyfriend for his birthday by taking him here. I got us the queen's royalty upgrade…read moreand it was worth it. We got great seats, red crowns, and an awesome view of the show. The theatrics, horses, jousting, costumes, and overall atmosphere made it such a fun experience. I even had a dark pink carnation thrown at me from the red knight which was a cute surprise. The food was okay but honestly you cant come here expecting a 5 star meal, you come for the entertainment and experience. We started with Texas toast and tomato soup followed by corn, half a potato, and chicken. Then we got cake and an eclair for dessert. We did get plastic forks for the cake but everything else you eat with your hands like a true medieval barbarian! Our server was phenomenal! You can also order and pay for other drinks/alcohol drinks before being seated and I got a strawberry slush with whip cream and it was delicious. Got a pretty souvenir cup too. And then you can order alcohol drinks at your seats ad well. I would personally choose this over the Renaissance faire. You can actually sit back and relax and get fed while you watch. My boyfriend and I had such a great time. I definitely recommend it for a fun date night.

I didn't think I would enjoy the trip to the castle, I bought tickets to treat my mom but ended up…read morehaving a fantastic time. The food was great, loved the show and we cheered for our knight so much we had sore throats. The service was great, server came by often delivering food, drink or asking if we needed anything. There is no bad seat in the arena so buy the cheap ticket just to have the experience. You show up to this huge castle and enter through giant doors. They have many working the front of the house so check in goes quickly and then we walked into the large area where you can buy drinks and various souvenirs for children or adults. We had assigned seats so it was very nice not having to rush in to find a seat and there is room between the row below you and above you so much that the server can walk between us. No head obstructs your view which is great for us shorter people. We were served drinks first, then bread and soup, next up was 1/2 a chicken that was moist and flavorful. Next came the corn and potato wedge that were also nicely flavored. Lastly was dessert and because we upgraded we got a second dessert of cake. If you are a light eater, they will give you a to go box. There is a wipe for your hands before you dig in eating with your hands and then a hot towel is brought after dinner. I would definitely recommend and go back again.

I just got home from class and felt compelled to share how grateful I am for everything Verve does…read more It's clear how much care, thought, and intention go into the experience. I'm truly enjoying my experience at Verve and left class this week feeling energized and on such a high. I signed up for my first class last summer not quite knowing what to expect, and I've thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated learning from everyone at Verve. It's an incredibly supportive, intentional, and inspiring place to learn. Highly recommend.

I found Verve Studios after my previous acting teacher closed down her studio and I never regretted…read moremy decision to try a class. I've done 3 different classes so far and they were all packed with information, helpful tips, and real world acting advice that is beneficial for both working actors and non-actors. Amanda and her team are very professional, thoughtful, and knowledgable. They create a truly welcoming environment, at the same time giving you an opportunity to challenge yourself. A special thanks to the Improv Instructor Navaris, so is fun, witty, and talented. I had no idea I would learn so much about improv in 6 weeks. Looking forward to my next class!

We visited the Scottsdale Waterfront to see the annual Canal Convergence. Admission is free and it…read morewas teaming with people. There is an immersive light show at hourly times. The show is played to music. There are also several other light displays throughout the canal. It is a site to behold. The show will continue through November 16. Free lot parking in the Scottsdale Waterfront parking lot or street parking as well.

We had a good time, it wasn't a super busy Sunday night affair which was nice. However tents for…read moreactivities made for long lines that blocked sidewalks making it more challenging to move around the crowds. The show was fun as always!