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    Samueli Theater

    4.0 (9 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues

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    Feb 2022 - Neat design right in front of the theater
    Elle K.

    How many of you knew of the Samueli Theater? Not I! Nor my guest. I'm a fan! It's an intimate space where I got to experience one of Broadway's most sought-after stars, Caissie Levy. The set up for last night was a 350-seat arrangement -- circular tables with high-rise chairs. It made for a very comfortable spacing situation. There was generous spacing between you and your neighbor. There are two levels -- artist/floor level and 2nd level. I had Table 209. It was an excellent spot. Had an unobstructed view and only one neighbor to the left of us since we were at the corner. I would recommend this venue and this seat again! Caissie's performance was excellent. Just wish it was longer. She was so good. Lastly, a deduction of 1 star for lack of signage. You cannot see this building from the main area that everyone is familiar with and there continues to be a staffing shortage which makes getting to where you need to go (outside and inside) challenging. Signage will help out with the staffing issue. Something for Management to consider.

    Caissie Levy
    Amanda W.

    This is a nice theatre, and all of the staff were mostly helpful. The theatre itself was difficult to find. I have seen many shows in the main auditorium, which seats more than 3,000. This much smaller theatre seats just upwards of 300. Unfortunately, a cabaret with Covid restrictions is much more difficult to enjoy than one without. I have been to very similar Broadway star cabarets in New York that offer (often themed) appetizers, drinks, desserts. Being able to only take bottled water into the theatre for this type of show specifically was disappointing. For being so strict with the safety protocols, I am surprised they are seating strangers at the same circular bar-height tables as one another on the second floor. The seats were not assigned beyond the table number, so we were able to select the two directly facing the stage, while the other two chairs faced the complete wrong direction and resulted in obstructed views due to the table in front of us. Caissie Levy's performance itself was good. It started with a sort of story that followed her theatre career but that seemed to unravel mid-show. I question the performance line-up choice, as it started off strong with more recognizable tunes corresponding to her Broadway journey, it unraveled with less and less relatable music and the dissolution of her story. I was let down with the finale that consisted of the acoustic version of Let It Go. Not sure if I'd return unless I was extremely tempted by the performer/group, and certainly not until more restrictions are lifted.

    Aftin J.

    Stopped by for a show and I never even knew that this little theater had been sitting here. I have been going to Segerstrom for years, but I have typically seen broadway shows. This theater is small, has chairs instead of booth seats but holds a couple hundred people. It's a really nice venue for a small intimate show.

    people entering the building

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    3 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Beautiful "golden black box" theater. Great place to enjoy chamber music or light jazz.

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    5 months ago

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    2.8
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    Solid 3.5 star. We came on a Friday night to see Dj Kim Lee (from Bling Empire). And no it was not…read moreinitially my idea to watch B.E. but my friend made me do so & he reallllly wanted to see her. Yeppp I ended up watching the entire season of B.E. Hence here we are! My friend booked online the day off the event for an Upper Level VIP Booth for $300 + tax/fees. We had a good time & of course with thanks to the alcohol too :) Music was not bad but I felt it was better towards the end of the night. Well, here's the quick run down --- Arrived by 10:45PM. No lines whatsoever & no hostess at the front. Just the security working out front & they walked us in to our VIP table. The main club room was at no more than 40% capacity but the smaller patio room was packed (more chill vibe, music was not my liking tho). We didn't get the Upper Level Booth cuz there were hardly anyone there that bought a VIP booth so they closed off all that section. So we were on the floor bout 3 tables away from the DJ booth. The choice of alcohol (priced at $300) we wanted was not available said our hostess. IMO - there was not a lot of bottle choices to begin with. So we had to pick something of a higher price & we ended up having to gett a decent bottle priced at $500. Otherwise if not, we all be having hangover the next day! Oh don't forgot that increase of bottle price doesn't include tax & gratuity, so will have to pay more than what was paid online. 3 lovely waitresses did come out with signs & bottle sparkles to our table. They were super sweet. We had water bottles & mixers. I forgot her name but our assigned waitress came to check on us through out the night & made our drinks as needed. Service was good. They also had 1 aerialist which seemed a bit outta place & unnecessary . DJ Kim Lee did not come on til 11:30PM and left by 12:30AM! Her set was a-ok but we made the best of it & enjoyed our time out. We almost stayed til the end but left around 1:30AM where there was practically no one on the dance floor. Few wore masks & most did not. So all I can stay there was plenty of room to dance all over the main room & no long lines waiting for drinks at the bar or even at the restroom!

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    Photos
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    So cold tonight
    So cold tonight
    Outside entrance - line can get long, better if you can get a table for the VIP experience (no wait)

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    Outside entrance - line can get long, better if you can get a table for the VIP experience (no wait)
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    I'm always looking for an experience, and I'm happy to say I officially kicked off my summer at the…read morePacific Amphitheatre with UB40. I've been listening to this band since the '90s, so hearing them live was such a fun nostalgic night. Of course everybody gets older, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that... let's just say maybe Dispatch should now be called UB80. Bad joke, but it had to be done. let's face it. That's the dream to do what you love till you're dying day. I'm down for that. I'm definitely that girl. I'll go see you No matter what age if I love you! I love this outdoor amphitheater. The tickets were very reasonably priced, the atmosphere was relaxed, and it felt like the perfect starter concert to set the summer off right. I'm already planning my return for Sugar Ray and English Beat on July 23.A little tip: if you drink, the venue advertises cocktails, but it's mostly canned beverages. I'm sober so it didn't matter to me, but good to know ahead of time. Also bring cozy clothes because it definitely got chilly once the sun went down.Overall, such a great summer vibe and an easy five stars from me.

    This is a great venue - not too big and great acoustics. The reason I'm giving 3 stars is the very…read morepoor signage and customer service. We walked into the fair area and our tickets were scanned. No one mentioned where to go for the concert until we tried to enter the door area of the venue where a guard told us to exit and go left. No where was there any signs that said no entry go to blank. No wonder I love the Hollywood Bowl. Unless some band I love comes here this is the last time I come here

    Photos
    X concert, 2025 Orange County Fair
    X concert, 2025 Orange County Fair
    Cool Signage !
    Cool Signage !
    Looks like the llama got in for free. Lucky llama

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    Looks like the llama got in for free. Lucky llama
    Observatory

    Observatory

    3.1
    (1.2k reviews)
    2.2 mi
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    This is mostly for the VIP area. I'm at the age where I don't want to stand for an entire show nor…read moredo i want to push and throw elbows with fellow music fans. Bought reserved seats upstairs. Decent view of the stage. Great sound. I paid extra for premium parking. There is free parking within a couple of blocks. I think premium parking is worth it as I've heard there are predatory tow services that tow cars parked in lots of nearby CLOSED businesses. Douchey move. Enjoyed the show, food was decent "pub grub" but pretty limited menu. Nice selection of beers, cocktails and seltzers, really limited wine options.

    I have been to many shows at the Observatory and I am quite disappointed with my last experience. I…read morecame to see Plain White Tees, New Found Glory and Yellow Card, who were playing at their festival grounds. I saw a bunch of bands play at that space many years ago, and it was a great time. I go to shows often and have never experienced something as horribly organized and planned as this. The first thing is that there was no approved parking in the nearby area. They had everyone park at Santa Ana College and take shuttles and buses to the venue. There are several businesses in the area, with large parking lots and it would have made way more sense to have people park there (even for a fee). We drove by one and there were actually security guards from the venue posted up, not allowing anyone in. I even asked a guy if there was paid parking options, because I really didn't like the idea of my car being so far away + feared the lines and getting back (post show). We couldn't find an alternative, so we did park at the college and waited in an enormous line to take a city bus. The bus was packed with concertgoers and was not comfortable, with many of us standing. The driver drove extremely erratically and I felt very car sick. He slammed on the breaks and even stopped in the middle of the road at one point. I was so happy to get off the bus and we realized the driver dropped us off at the front, which meant we had to walk nearly a mile to get into the back of the line. The line moved somewhat quickly, but it was wrapped around the nearby buildings 2xs. It was so awful, especially because that whole experience made us miss the first band, despite getting there over an hour early. I heard many other people talking about how terribly organized this was and how they came just for the first band and were pretty upset. Going through security was ok, but they made some people go through the serpentine line and others didn't, so if you were the one in the serpentine line and your friend didn't, guess what, they're waiting for you! It's just so strange, everything felt so horribly planned, despite the fact that this is what the venue does on a regular basis. I honestly don't feel a huge draw to go back to this venue for a long, long time.

    Photos
    View from my seat.
    View from my seat.
    Venue clearing out after the show.
    Venue clearing out after the show.
    Table seating at the balcony.

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    Table seating at the balcony.

    Samueli Theater - musicvenues - Updated June 2026

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