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    Wells Theatre

    4.8 (24 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues

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    My review of little shop of horrors!
    Helen M.

    Only two more weeks left for little shop of horrors. I'm so thrilled to see such a great show again that's twice in one weekend. If you haven't see this show it's a must see with amazing talent.

    Kevin L.

    We came here to see a Sherlock Carol, my family is from Stratford Ontario which has a huge Shakespeare community so they are not easy to impress but they loved it! We sat in the mezzanine and had a perfect view of the stage. They offer wine and beer and you can bring it to your seat which is nice, as well as pay for a intermission drink ahead of time. The staff was extremely friendly and nice. It definitely re sparked our love of the theatre and can't wait to come back!

    Beautiful theater.
    Ray N.

    Several people have stated that eveRy seat is great. Let me tell you that is not an exaggeration. It is the truth. Combined with the history and the acoustics and you get a total experience beyond compare. Definitely recommend this beautiful theatre for all of the events and performances.

    Theater balconies
    Jessica P.

    Gorgeous venue with the most friendly staff. Highly recommend taking advantage of an intimate theater with a great variety of productions.

    As you're walking towards the theater
    Chelsea R.

    This place is beautiful! I was invited here via Yelp to check out opening night of "The Hound of the Baskervilles". It's been a long time since I've been to a play. I think my last encounter with theater was about 6+ years ago when Wicked came to the Scope. So I was excited to see and support something a little more local. I had never been to this Theater before, but I had an idea of where it was located. It's pretty much right behind the Macarthur Mall. So if I were you, I would park at the mall and just walk there. Which is what we did. When you walk inside it almost feels like you are taken back in time. To a time where theater was reserved for only those of wealth. It was beautiful to say the least. Most everyone was gathered in the lobby, chatting, and drinking complimentary glasses of Champagne. Not sure if they do this every night they have a play, or if it was because it was the opening night of ours, but it was a great way to kick off the evening. There is also a bar in the lobby. I;d recommend getting a glass of wine or something to sip on while you wait for the show to begin. I did see some people bring their beers into the auditorium, not sure if that's allowed or not, but it seems doable. We were seated in the top section in the center. Great seats, minus the lights on the floor. I think they are emergency lights? They were incredibly bright and actually started taking away from the show, especially when the lights would go dark, which happened a few times during the production. My peripherals were taking a major hit and it started making me a bit sick. If I could have one and only suggestion for the theater it would be to turn them down. They are just entirely too bright. Other than that we had a WONDERFUL time! The show itself had us crying from laughter. It reminded me how much I miss the theater. And attending this one was a real treat! I read from past reviews that they have "A Christmas Carol" playing here during Christmas time. My family and I are always looking for fun Christmas-y things to do while my father is in town. I definitely will make it back here this Christmas so the rest of my family can experience such a wonderful experience at this magnificent theater!

    Michaela S.

    The Wells Theatre is such a beautiful space! I went here for an Out 757 event over the summer and it was lovely. We all got to get on stage and enjoyed live music from a local band. It allowed folks to mingle with others in the community and allowed us a rare back-stage look into the theatre itself. The staff was absolutely lovely in taking care of all of us with food and drinks. They do a number of shows each year, and the venue is small enough that literally every seat in the house is a good one. I'd highly recommend checking this place out, especially if they are putting on a production you've been dying to see.

    Alexa S.

    This is a beautiful theatre with comfortable seats, beautiful architecture, great sound affects, and nice bathrooms. They have a bar in the middle where you can grab drinks before the show, during intermission, or after. I didn't get any drinks or snack, so I am not sure how much it costs. The ushers are all extremely helpful and will assist you to your seat. I will say, beware when sitting in the last 2 seats on the rows. You won't be able to see the entire stage. Other than that, awesome experience. Love this theatre.

    The Digital Program is beautiful!
    Jenna S.

    My mom, daughter, and I had an amazing time this afternoon seeing the production of A Merry Little Christmas Carol. The actors/actresses were fantastic and sang beautifully. It was a great take on a classic piece. Highly recommend seeing a show there. You won't be disappointed!

    Good seats in the front
    Jason P.

    Take a seat and support live shows! Theatre is an amazing experience as you get immersed in the play with actors right in front of you. This was our first time checking out a live play and it will not be our last. Wells Theatre is absolutely beautiful inside and it sets the mood for theatre plays. They offer a bar with drinks and snacks for refreshments during the shows. When we arrived, they were offering free champagne until supplies last. We then got seated and waited for the show. The Hound of the Baskervilles is the play we watched and it was a grand old time. It was a comedic spin on the Sherlock Holmes mystery tale and it was amusing. The play was performed by only 3 actors and they were extremely talented! The thought of memorizing all your lines alongside performing the act is mind boggling to me. Kudos to those three fellas for pulling it off and I have a new found respect for theatre actors. They certainly broke a leg! The play was a success and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We will continue to look for live theatre shows around the area and especially Wells Theatre. Switch it up and check out a live theatre play!

    Ceiling...sorry it's a bit fuzzy...it's the bright lights throwing off the clarity
    Amber D.

    What an exquisite example of Norfolk's bygone days that still screams classic vintage beauty from every crevice within its walls. The Wells Theater is gorgeous from every standpoint, and we could clearly see the effort so many put forth to keep this treasured theater in pristine condition. From the props to the actors within the plays, I am simply in awe of every element I experienced firsthand today. Bravo to all the people involved in making this theater a great success, and best wishes for many years to come!

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    3 years ago

    Beautiful facilities, gorgeously restored. Virginia Stage Company productions are usually excellent, and the venue adds to the experience.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Beautiful theater with excellent staff. We look forward to coming back for another show soon!

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    Ask the Community - Wells Theatre

    Review Highlights - Wells Theatre

    Connor and the staff at the Wells Theater and Virginia Stage company are wonderful.

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    Hell's Kitchen - Old bay wings

    Hell's Kitchen

    3.6(439 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    This is the ONLY place I eat downtown that has never disappointed. Ate there just after the NATO…read morefestival parade and Autumn was a fantastic waitress who chased me halfway down Granby after I forgot to grab my stupid card on the way out. I've never had that kind of service in this country.

    First thing I have to say... This is not Gordon Ramseys Restaurant, so please don't get excited to…read morego and be mad when it's not him. I will say? Cheaper prices for SURE lol. I go to HK too many times. The place is everything you can ask for in a bar. Cheap drinks, great food, happy hour damn near all day and the staff are always nice. They are always playing good music, going thru their slideshow on the tv with everyone up there (except me for some reason), or they got the game on and everyone is feening for a spot at the bar. When I work in downtown they are always a viable option for food and when I'm out on the weekends they are the place to go for a nice drink and maybe a pre snack before the main event of the night or the food that's gonna get me through until I get home from a great night. Also! They have daily deals! Monday they have Pizza and Wine half off, Tuesday they have margs for cheap and some tacos and quesadillas on sale, Wednesday is Steak Dinner Date night (2 for $22 bucks you can't beat that anywhere), and Thursday is the day you'll see me for burger night with $2 PBRs. Haven't been to HK yet? Then you're missing out. If you have been and didn't like it? You gotta try again something must've been wrong with you that day. If you're like me and go all the time? Then come say hi next time and shoot if you're cool I'll even say hi back! haha!

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    Hell's Kitchen
    Hell's Kitchen - The $8 half nacho. Bargain!

    The $8 half nacho. Bargain!

    Hell's Kitchen - Jumanji margarita

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    Jumanji margarita

    The Dome - Bar area

    The Dome

    2.7(33 reviews)
    17.2 mi

    Upon entry, there are lines for security. Check in is usually seamless and moves pretty fast…read more I've been to the dome so far for 3 concerts. 2 of them were standing room and the other there were seats. For the first concert, I had to stand way in the back and unfortunately i wasn't able to see much. The dome doesn't have any screens of the stage so if you don't have a good view of the stage, you're kinda screwed. Thankfully the other two shows i was up fairly close so the view was great but any further back it's kinda blah. Sound system is great but i really wish they had screens of the stage on the sides like most bigger venues do. At the second show, one of my friends got pizza and it was terribleeee it was so low effort, yet expensive. The drinks are also fairly high, but i do expect that in Virginia Beach. The seats were also extremely tight, it was a task trying not to bump those next to me or even have enough arm room. There is a parking garage attached to the dome, which most times you can pay for along with your ticket(s), however, I wouldn't park there unless you plan on leaving the show before the let out. There are other nearby parking lots that are a block or two away that are more convenient.

    Saw the Dancing with the Stars Live show last night( 3/17/26). Really nice venue with tiered…read morebalcony seating. Sound was good. 2nd Bar on the floor was a plus. They had clean bathrooms. Parking is in garage right next door. You can pay for it when you buy tix or conveniently with QR codes. Smooth operations. Prices for drinks are like most venues with a fountain 16oz soda for $7.

    Photos
    The Dome - Lobby area

    Lobby area

    The Dome - Final touches prior to opening to the public

    Final touches prior to opening to the public

    The Dome - Bar

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    Bar

    Chrysler Hall - Merch/Program

    Chrysler Hall

    3.4(108 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Whilel in the center of Norfolk, there's plenty of parking options available at all the parking…read moregarages. We were able to park right across the street and walk on over right as the doors were about to open for our Sunday, 1 pm show, We were in rather quickly and through the security monitoring where we were able to then snag some snacks and drinks before we headed to our seats. We sat in the dress circle in row A and let me just say that was a great choice. With our seven-year-old along, it can be difficult to keep her still so this seat choice allowed us a little bit of space in a spot to lean and helped her stay engaged in watching the whole production. The only complaints that I have, is that when it is a full house, there aren't nearly enough bathrooms available for the short intermission. And of course, snacks and drinks are probably the same although, to be honest, I didn't stand in line for those so I can't say for certain, just from what I saw heading to the restroom. That being said, our seating is fab and we had a great view, even from up high!

    Great shows, people are helpful And a nice really squishy spot to sit. Fairly warm. I only come…read morehere for the shows but they could have better equipment to assist handicapped individuals. Almost had an asthma attack and my legs give out but it was good. I'm glad I didn't pass out. Lion King was Very nice, and of course Wicked. I do enjoy this establishment.

    Photos
    Chrysler Hall - Balcony seating

    Balcony seating

    Chrysler Hall - Inside the theater!..

    Inside the theater!..

    Chrysler Hall - View from orchestra section row D

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    View from orchestra section row D

    Chicho's Backstage - Pizza with spicy sauce

    Chicho's Backstage

    3.2(62 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    I liked this place. Pool. Pizza. TVs. Nice service. Open late-ish. Affordable. It's pretty…read morebig. Downtown Norfolk has some good places to go. Industry workers are supportive of each other and give good recommendations. I would definitely go back if I was in the area. We played pool for about 4 hours. The bartender and the servers were nice. I liked our pizza.

    Went here Friday at 5 PM to get some food before the downtown Norfolk First Friday's event. It was…read moreour first time trying Chicho's, so we were standing by the door for a little bit before we were actually told that we could just seat ourselves. I'm not really a fan of this seating style because we waited a good little minute for a server to notice we were seated and finally bring menus to our table; though they were really just standing around not doing anything. Once we did get a server's attention and finally got menus, I would say that the service or specifically our server, he was really attentive and friendly. I must note that I did notice while we were dining, a couple came in and sat themselves and waited for a good while for a server to notice them, which never happened, so they eventually got up and left. To drink: I got the Cucumber Cooler and the Impeachable Crush (3/10) both drinks just straight up tasted like juice / flavored soda with absolutely no alcohol in them at all. Completely got no buzz from them, so I was very disappointed in the drinks I had. Upon looking around the room, I guess maybe their cocktails and crushes aren't their specialties, as everyone mostly had a beer / canned drink, so I don't know. To eat: we got Mozz Sticks (8.5/10) a little salty and split a large Mighty Meat Pizza (10/10). Both the mozzarella sticks and the pizza came out piping hot, fresh, and flavorful. I was very joyful that the food ended up being a hit, though the drinks were not. I can see myself going back to Chicho's for the pizza specifically. I don't see myself going back for a combo of drinks and food / a night out, so it's not very likely that I'll be back anytime soon; unfortunately. My overall rate of experience : 5.9/10

    Photos
    Chicho's Backstage
    Chicho's Backstage - Buffalo chicken wrap my way

    Buffalo chicken wrap my way

    Chicho's Backstage

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    Portsmouth Pavillion - Harbor view

    Portsmouth Pavillion

    3.8(35 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    This is a very nice spot for a concert. It's main entrance is located at a marina and they have…read moretables along the piers. There are a couple of Navy ships docked in the port so those are pretty cool to see. It isn't super bog so any of the foxed seats have a good view of the stage. They have lawn seating and you can bring your own chair. The sound is really good and we were happy of the quality since we were there for a concert. The parking is free in the area. Just pay attention to posted signs. The Portsmouth city is walkable and nice to hang out while waiting for the concert to start. The food is ok and what you expect at a concert venue. If you can grab something to eat outside side the venue you'll be better delighted. The service is also deserves a big shout out. Everyone we interacted with were very friendly and polite.

    A nice waterfront concert venue that holds about 6,500 people. This amphitheater is a nice size…read morewith easy access while In Portsmouth. There is a free parking nearby either on the street or the parking garage. For our evening, we actually ate dinner about 1 mile away and just walked since the weather was so nice. Bathrooms were clean when I used them. The line seemed really long at times so best to try and time your bathroom break accordingly. The employees were friendly upon entering and exiting the venue as well as when purchasing beverages. Would definitely return.

    Photos
    Portsmouth Pavillion - Main stage from Gold Center

    Main stage from Gold Center

    Portsmouth Pavillion - Maren Morris

    Maren Morris

    Portsmouth Pavillion - Carly tearing up the stage.

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    Carly tearing up the stage.

    Wells Theatre - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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