Quick Highlights
- The Nutcracker is 5 stars and a must see
- Order tickets online (much easier)
- Stevens Center is a great venue
- No bad seats from my experience
- Seats are comfortable
- Aisle are very narrow
- Restrooms can be challenging during crowded events
- Lobbys are rather small
- Ushers are very helpful and friendly
- Located in a great location downtown
- Street and garage parking only in downtown
Longer Review
Second time seeing The Nutcracker at the Stevens Center. For starters, The Nutcracker, put on by UNCSA, is an absolute 5 stars. The performances on stage were fantastic. The orchestra was great. The ushers were very friendly and helpful. If you have never seen UNCSA's The Nutcracker then you are missing out.
Highly recommend. Of course, it is only during the Christmas season. You can get tickets online and pick your seat from their web site.
They do sell snacks and drinks (including wine), at least for The Nutcracker. Also, Nutcracker items are also for sell, They do take plastic.
Regarding the Stevens Center. Loved the building. Seating was comfortable. Aisles for the seating are narrow so expect to have to standup to let people by. Two levels, orchestra and balcony levels. I personally have not had a bad seat. Only downside is if you get a big headed giant who sits right in front of you, but this can happen at most venues.
So why 4 stars and not 5 for the Stevens Center?
1) The entrance lobby is small. For popular events, it is too small to handle the crowd trying to get in. I will give credit to the staff for efficiently processing the tickets.
2) The orchestra level lobby is also small. Very crowded as everyone is waiting to get in and during intermission.
3) Not enough restrooms to handle capacity crowds. When intermission starts, you better run to the restroom otherwise you can be in a line 20 people deep.
Despite the minor downsides, probably due to it being an old historic building, it is a great venue. read more