The Orpheum is a gorgeous theater in downtown Phoenix. Arrive an hour early to find parking and to…read moremake your way to your seat. You don't want to be late because once the doors are closed, you will wait in the lobby for a break in the program before the ushers will allow you to enter. Thankfully I'm not speaking from experience, but my mom clued me in that this had happened to her in the past. There is NO parking at or with the theater venue. You will have to be resourceful and find other options. Again, arrive at least an hour early to find parking and make your way to the venue. The streets around the theater will be packed. Car traffic will be at a standstill and lots of pedestrians will hold up traffic at every lighted intersection. We used a parking app called SpotHero to reserve a space at the hotel caddy corner to the theater. Despite reserving and paying for the space in advance and arriving early, we were stuck in traffic circling around the block to get to the valet drop off at the front of the hotel. It took us over 30 minutes to be served by the valet because there was a long line of cars hoping to use the service. Once at the theater, there were two lines around the block on both sides of the building! These were people lining up to get their will call tickets and others lining up to show their ticket to go inside. The queue took another 20 minutes. Thankfully, we made it inside to our seats right on time. However, it seems management decided to start the show late because of the large number of people still waiting outside in line to get inside!!! We saw the Phoenix Symphony perform on this occasion. One thing that was extraordinary about the performance was the presence of a harpsichord on stage. This instrument was often used during the Renaissance and Baroque ages. Since the concert we saw had a lot of Baroque period pieces, this instrument was an amazing addition to the performance. The conductor was from another state and had collaborated with the local symphony in advance to put on this unique holiday arrangement. He had a biography on the website and a link to a video where he discussed his collaboration and musical arrangement. He was so passionate about the work he did. I was excited to see the performance, and he did not disappoint. The symphony was on stage, so it was somewhat difficult to see them. We brought binoculars to get a better view, but unfortunately the harpsichord and the pianist playing it were behind the conductor, so you couldn't really see her play. I wished that they had her up front and turned to the side or had a camera projecting her fingers playing the instrument so that we could see it closer. There were several performers that cane and went from the stage during the show. The soloists were beautiful and projected well throughout the hall. I love the beauty of this old venue, but it does require advanced planning to get to a performance in a timely manner. Keep that in mind, and you will surely enjoy the show.

The self-appointed king of events is back at it with another venue review. I checked out Orpheum…read moreTheatre for the first time for the Grand Kyiv Ballet's performance of Snow White. Located downtown, they don't have a parking lot so you either have to pay for metered parking on the street or park in a parking garage. Lack of accessible (and free) parking is usually a detriment for me, but this theatre is so amazing that I can't help but give them five stars. There are several Orpheum Theatre's across the country. This one is stunning on the inside and outside (especially on the inside). Going through security was quick and painless and I was able to bring an empty water bottle (gotta stay hydrated in Phoenix). Upon entering the venue, I was taken aback by the old school charm of this theatre. The architecture is absolutely stunning, both in the lobby areas and the theatre itself. Pretty much every city has an old school theatre, this is Phoenix's version (and it's an amazing one). In terms of concessions, even though I didn't by any, I noticed that they have your typical full bar featuring adult beverages and soft drinks. You can't get a full meal here, but they do have some snacks. All of the ushers and everyone I interacted with was friendly. Orpheum Theatre holds various events ranging from ballets like the one I attended to concerts to comedy shows and more. I can't wait to return for my next event!

We went to see Million Dollar Quartet and it was amazing. These musicians killed it. The bass…read moreplayer almost stole the show. You really felt like you were in Memphis at Sun Studio with Elvis and the legends. Parking is free in adjacent lots. There is a bar with snacks and drinks open before the show, and if you want to order a drink ahead of time for intermission it will be ready and waiting for you. Great venue.

My wife and I watched a play for the first time today. It was a great experience. We watched…read more"Come From Away", a play about the town of Gander, Newfoundland who sheltered 7,000 people for 5 days after 9/11. It's a very nice venue. Parking is close (and free). If you like you can take the Light Rail there also. The Stephenson theater, where we saw the play, seats 500. There are no bad seats. The play itself was very well done. We thoroughly enjoyed it! We'll be back.

From experimental plays in the Kax Black box theater to Broadway shows in Center stage, the free…read moreoutdoor performances on Saturdays and First Friday, to their Art Gallery, I am always finding something my friends and I will enjoy!

I checked out Herberger Theater Center for the first time for an event hosted by Fever: The Jury…read moreExperience. Located downtown, this charming theater puts on various performances (plays, musicals, and The Empire Strips Back (a Star Wars burlesque parody) to name a few. Parking is notoriously bad downtown but here's a cheat code: if you park at the Arizona Center's parking garage, the Herberger will validate your parking ticket for a deep discount off of the fee. It's not free but it's a deep discount. Just talk to the box office and they will take care of you. The theater itself is a charming, old-school theater. We enjoyed the event and the seats were relatively comfortable. We were on the upper level and didn't have any issues seeing the stage. In the lobby, you can find some concessions selling drinks and snacks. I went with a beer. You're allowed to bring it into the theater, but there are no cup holders. Upon leaving, I found out that for certain parts of the year, there are free concerts in the grassy area outside of the theater. I'll definitely have to check that out at some point, and also come back for another perfromance!

very funny i was well entertained great way to kill 90 minutes there was never a dull moment just…read moreimprov after imrprov

Small cozy theater. You line up under the valet tunnel of sorts, and you offer your name once they…read moreopen the doors. No physical tickets. They offer you an optional shot once you come in, then usher you to your seats. You have a qr code menu to order any food or drink and it will be brought to you quickly. As for the most important part, the show itself. It was a fantastic mix of improv and classic Shakespeare. You will laugh and you will enjoy yourself. Highly recommended.

One of my favorite artists was touring with a Phoenix stop at Monarch Theatre. The show was delayed…read moreover an hour which didn't start the night off on the right foot. Additionally, it was very crowded and loud. Personally, I'm not a fan of this location and would only visit again if it was an artist I really liked (like Ekoh). I didn't see beverages/food, but it was extremely crowded and could have missed that being an offering.

I came here to see a concert last night. Worst club I've ever been to. The bouncers are rude, the…read moresound system isn't good. There were 2 bartends for a packed house. I lost my wallet inside and when trying to get back inside or communicate to the bouncers the issues, I was dismissed due to his "long line". Will I return? Never.

My most recent visit was to the Phoenix Theatre Company to watch Jersey Boys, and I must say, the…read moreperformance was truly electrifying! The talent, energy, and passion displayed on stage from the beginning to the end were incomparable. This has become one of my go-to places for entertainment...

Definitely an interesting experience, but I admit straight away that this experience is a little…read morepricey. I like the fact that there are daring enough to challenge the audience with nudity (both male and female) in a very tasteful artistic way and I'd give them high regard for that. It honestly reminds me a lot of what the Greeks used to do through the history of their plays and performances. There were a few minor things that I had disagreements about when I went. First off it may have just been that performance but the play I attended just didn't see them that well written. Again it could've been a bad play on this attendance and it doesn't mean I won't give it another chance to see if the writing of gotten a little better. On a positive side, it was good to see them use actors who are new to the acting experience to get them seasoning. So when you go you will definitely see local upcoming talent on stage. The other negative part I have was the sound quality. They had to use headset with microphone which I thought took away from the experience of watching one on stage. There are a lot of feedback issues, dropped sound quality, and the likes which took away from the experience. I think though this too could be rectified with a little work backstage for the next time. I would like to go again and see what they have to offer. Definitely This place gives you a whole new perspective to the idea of theater which I think is a good idea. It is a pricey ticket though so be forewarned.

What beautiful hall! I saw the holiday pops show a few years ago and most recently Madama…read moreButterfly. My first opera. I was impressed.

As the self-appointed king of events, I'm back at it with another review of a venue. This time,…read moreSymphony Hall. Located in downtown Phoenix, this venue, you guessed it, houses the Phoenix Symphony. Though that's not all. They also host ballet performances and opera performances, too. I've stopped by three times for matinee performances on Sunday: the Mask of Zorro (opera), a Dia de Los Muertos performance (symphony), and Rick Steves' Europe (symphony). Since this is downtown we're talking, parking isn't easy. You'll either have to park in a garage/surface lot or on the street. I'm morally opposed to paying for parking, but I've had to shell out a couple of dollars to use metered parking ten minutes or so from the venue. Minus the parking difficulties, the rest of the experience is pretty awesome. You go through metal detectors to get in, but the line moves fast. They have complimentary water, which is always a nice touch. There are multiple areas to buy refreshments and snacks (beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, desserts, coffee, etc.). And most importantly, the theater is beautiful. Pretty much every seat in the house is solid. And the prices tend to be affordable. They also have a nice variety of performances throughout the year. As a lover of the arts, Symphony Hall will continue to be a frequent entertainment option for me. If you've never seen a symphony performance, ballet, or opera, I highly encourage you to give it a try!

A night at The Nash is the perfect date night for anyone looking for a classy, cozy place to enjoy…read morejazz, drinks, and conversation. This RoRo staple has gotten even better since the remodel a couple years back! We most recently stopped by for a free First Friday performance, when a lovely quartet took the stage. Seats cleared out quickly during the break, and we were able to grab a nice side view. The acoustics were perfect all throughout the room -- loud enough to be immersed in the music, but quiet enough for groups to easily chat. The gorgeous lighting and velvety curtains behind the stage really add to the ambiance. The staff was super attentive, walking around to take drink and food orders. The food isn't anything crazy, but I still enjoyed the charcuterie plate as little snack (and a way to support this amazing local venue during the free set!). Highly recommend this incredible jazz club!

Sorry Yelpers but I have to give a BAD review for the Nash. I had a reservation for 10 last night…read morefor 5pm and without letting me know....they did away with Happy Hours. The manager was very unapologetic. Thank goodness that I called to confirm or 10 people would have showed up and the doors would have been closed. Also, last time I went the bartender was rude and the drinks (made with flavored wine) were horrible. They also had a food menu but the kitchen was closed. The music was fabulous and that alone was bringing me back. They wonder why their business is slow....REALLY!!

Great time & good food!…read more Although we had a lot of fun with live music and the food was really good the drinks were AWFUL. If you get anything other than a beer or a shot you won't even taste any alcohol. We actually sent a Gin & Tonic back and our waitress said "This is the third drink I've had to return" and she said she didn't want to return it because the person making the drinks was getting mad. Pretty sad when even the servers know how bad the drinks are. That said, we'll go back to enjoy the food and music but we're only getting shots or beer since it's pretty tough for even that bartender to mess up. Live and learn All in all we had fun and will try it again.

This is one of my favorite restaurants with live music. I've been here probably a dozen times this…read moreyear and really appreciate that they feature local cover bands and artists. It's always a fun atmosphere. They offer a good selection of beer, wine, and American cuisine (pizza, wings, salad, burgers). I also like that there is usually no cover charge since it's a restaurant/pub, though there are occasional cover charges for special events like New Year's Eve. The staff is very nice and attentive. Parking can be a challenge, as it's located in the CityScape development and the restaurant validates parking for up to two hours only.

(Would have been 3 Star review, but I gave an extra star for the company cast)…read moreThe Senior Center in Buckeye hired this company to do a "50s Sock Hop gone sour" themed party. It was a fun event, the hired actors were good and the food was decent. I don't know if the Senior Center provided the food, or if it was part of the show cost. Regardless... if you've never been to one of these murder mystery shows, it can be extremely confusing. The actors gave each table a hard book folder with notes in it, they chose one person from each table to be a "suspect" of the murder. Not a whole lot of explanation goes in to what each suspect is supposed to do. You really have to read the notes in the folder. I was chosen as a suspect and I needed to say specific things when all the suspects were interrogated up in front of the audience, on a microphone. "Anxiety spike!" A couple times, everyone in the room has to go around to other tables, or mill around the room, asking questions to try and figure out who the killer is. It gets very convoluted. I noticed that some people just gave up because it was too confusing. There should be a little bit more explanation as to what people are supposed to do, ESPECIALLY the people from the audience who are chosen as suspects, or people who have NEVER been to a murder mystery themed show. Overall, it's a fun time, but be expected to do some reading, take some notes and actually participate in the show. It's not like you're there just watching a tv show. Kudos to the company actors. They were fun. Good job, cast!

This was such a great date night experience. We attended The Murder Mystery Co show at the OSF…read morePhoenix and had a fantastic night. I like to be a jokester so I really loved being chosen as a suspect and getting to play alongside the actors in the event. It reminded me of being in a sitcom murder mystery episode like the Golden Girls. The food was great and I thought the $70 ticket price was a steal for a 3 course meal and 2.5 hours of entertainment. Planning on going again when I am in Philadelphia next month!