I'm leaving a review solely to say, Don't get seats in rows B or C. My siblings and I thought we…read morewere getting my mom really good seats in row C. When we got to the theater, it turns out the second and third rows aren't on a raised step like the other seats. It's behind A and B on the floor. D, E, and F would have been better choices. The seats are slightly staggered but my mom can really only see one side of the stage clearly. I feel a little miffed we paid to look at the actor through two rows of people.

I went to the Theatre on the Square a while ago to see a flamenco performance (Fanny Ara in Juncal…read moreStreet: Flamenco) and I find it odd that I have driven past this place several times and never knew it was a performing arts space. I had been to the Pantages Theater before, which is right up the street, and I guess this building fits right in with the other spaces in the square. There is a parking lot right across the street which makes it very convenient to get to the venue. The space itself is very clean throughout and modern looking in structure and paint. It is wheelchair accessible with elevators and the volunteer staff are very friendly and can answer just about any question you want to know. It appeared to mainly be made up of older ladies who probably have been patrons to the arts scene for the longest time. There is also a nice concession area with small snacks, coffee, adult beverages, and other things. I didn't purchase anything so I don't know what the prices were like. The theater itself had a very intimate setting in that it's a smaller theater with limited seating. It's quiet different from the theaters that require a larger stage for ballets, operas, or other events were there are larger in production and stage presence. I really liked the setting. The seats were easy to find and you don't feel cramped. The performance itself was amazing. The lighting and sound were also equally as amazing. I had seen flamenco at a theater in Olympia and this one was much better. I'll definitely be back to the Theatre on the Square. I will say that if you see a show you want to attend, buy your tickets early since the theater is small the performances sell out quickly.

Attended my first event there, Carol King & James Taylor musical show. Very interesting venue, it…read morewas built in 1918 and the design reflects the affluence of the time after WW1. It's a former movie theater in its time. The molding in the auditorium is fascinating. The venue seats 750, the show was sold out last night. The auditorium is white and yellow, These colors give it a sterile feeling. Whenever I go to a venue I always note the number of emergency exits. The auditorium had two on each side of the stage. This venue is located on a steep hill in downtown Tacoma, the entrance to the venue has not been altered to today's standards so it's two double doors with a several steps up from the sidewalk. When the show was over all 750 of us funneled out of the theater via the double door entrance. I was stunned, had there been a fire trampling would occur, the small lobby we funneled thru there was a set of emergency exit doors. I truly felt my safety was at risk as we were all trying to exit via a set of two doors. I was trying to understand why the two doors in the auditorium were not open as an option to exit. The show was great I just really question the exit strategy.

Pros: Came here for The Naked Magicians and had a blast; was able to find free parking fairly…read moreeasily (lots of parking lots/garages nearby that were inexpensive--$10 for the evening); smaller, intimate venue; pretty much every seat is a good seat with a good view the way the venue is set up; friendly customer service--both in person and over the phone; checked in quickly; would definitely recommend/return Cons: Kind of an older theater; does not have a parking garage if its own; built on a hill, which can be challenging for some; limited food options (snacks and alcohol, but no real entrees); I believe no food/drink allowed in theater

This is a dance community. My daughter started about 4 years ago, and soon after her older brother…read morejoined too. Aside from the regular class, my son also attends the Boys Class. How many studios have enough boys to do that?? This one! This is not a "competitive" studio. You compete against yourself to do your best. The Company (high schoolers) dancers are all different body types and even skill levels. They do it all together though. The older kids are serious about setting an example for the younger dancers. I started volunteering to Stage Manage (previous life for me) about 3 years ago, so I have a solid look at back stage behavior when other adults aren't looking. I have never heard a snide remark between any of them, only support and encouragement. I've written so much about the community and that probably isn't why someone is looking at these reviews! Instruction: the director is highly qualified and continues to take classes to grow. She understands the growing body and made it her focus to learn how to support highly mobile (flexible) bodies with muscle strengthening. Since my kids are hyper-mobile, this was critical to our decision. They are doing something right - I've yet to hear of a dancer getting hurt from dance. The performances are gorgeous. This is not a recital at the community center. This is full on lights, sound (sometimes live), tickets, and a story line. The youngest dancers are part of the compelling story, not a cute aside. Yes, they are cute, and the costumes scream, "Take a picture for graduation yearbook!" If you are interested or even curious, call the studio and ask to visit a class. We are looking for the next members of our community.

My kids are taking ballet from MBT for over 3 years and they really enjoy the classes. There is a…read morenativity ballet during the Christmas season, a spring company repertoire, and a June full production with all levels. The choreographers and teachers are excellent and work diligently with each age level. The shows produced are beautiful. We love the staff. I would recommend to anyone looking to enroll your children in basket to look at MBT.

This review only relates to the administration process. I received an e-mail offer on the 24th of…read moreDec of this past year. It offered two tickets for the price of one and included the following statement "With so many shows to choose from,head over to our website to grab your holiday gift." Since it was a one day only offer I did so and selected one of the near term events. When the discount was not automatically applied to my on-line purchase as the offer said, I called the ticket office which was closed and wouldn't open until Jan 18th. I left a message and someone called to tell me that the event I selected wasn't part of the offer. I think the lesson I learned is that one needs to be sure when responding to an offer from this group when buying on-line as they can be difficult to contact even during non-holiday periods.

Pros: Went to the Rialto Theater for The Naked Magicians and had a blast; was able to find free…read moreparking fairly easily (lots of parking lots/garages nearby that were inexpensive--$10 for the evening); smaller, intimate venue; pretty much every seat is a good seat with a good view the way the venue is set up; friendly customer service--both in person and over the phone; checked in quickly; would definitely recommend/return Cons: Kind of an older theater; does not have a parking garage if its own; built on a hill, which can be challenging for some; limited food options (snacks and alcohol, but no real entrees); I believe no food/drink allowed in theater

It is free admissions to this small art gallery. They have a beautiful whale skeleton with an…read moreautomated tail. There was a nice volunteer there that gave us a short story about the whale. She also taught us more about whales with fun facts and let us hold a real whale bone too. It was much lighter than anticipated and I believe our first time holding a real whale bone. They had a nice gallery of local artists' works for sale. There were beautifully crafted hand baskets, pottery, and repurposed aluminum can artworks on sale when we were there.

Beautiful venue! They also were serving beer and wine. We…read moresaw Ricki Lee Jones and the sound couldn't have been better. I wish I could see every show here as it accommodates just enough, people for it not to be too crowded. Super comfortable!

A great venue to see a show! The staff was so nice the whole time: through security, directing is…read morethrough the theater, even taking us to our seats. I don't think there are bad seats in the entire theater; good views from just about anywhere. Unlike comparable venues in Seattle, there is ample, low cost parking near the venue. We found a garage on Commerce, paying only $4 for the entire evening, including time for dinner! Will definitely consider coming again.

My partner and I had such a wonderful time at this theater watching the nutcracker! I was shocked…read moreat how gorgeous & timeless this theater was (as it was my first time in). The outside of the theater does not do the inside of it justice. The ornate beautiful walls and ceilings of the theater took my breath away! They had cocktails and some snacks for sale as well during the show which was a nice respite. Absolutely recommend booking a show here!

My oldest daughter went here for a few years and it was such a great experience for her. All of the…read moreteachers are so loving and caring, the environment she was in was very encouraging, and with the instruction she received she was able to learn and apply new skills quickly. We greatly appreciate the purity of music that's used and the intention to get to the true heart of worship in dance, as well. I couldn't recommend them more.

From the owner: Paradosi Christian Ballet Company is a dance ministry that uses ballet to lead worship and for…read moreevangelism at a wide variety of venues including churches, theaters, conferences, fundraisers, schools, fairs, festivals, homeless shelters, retirement homes, assisted living facilities, care centers, rehab facilities, and other community events throughout the United States and Internationally. Paradosi additionally hosts an annual Summer Dance Intensive in Tacoma, Washington for dancers from the age of 11 to 21. The ministry also has a two-year vocational ballet ministry trainee program helping dancers to grow as artists while equipping them for full-time dance ministry. Paradosi's official dance school, Surrendered School of Dance, has locations in Tacoma, Orting, and Gig Harbor with classes for students from the age of 3 through adult.