This was my first visit to the Long Beach Terrace Theater to see Joe Satriani and Steve Vai touring…read moretogether as the SatchVai band. The venue has its own multi-story parking lot which is very easy to access, and only charges $15. We arrived thirty minutes before the show, and there was no line to enter the parking lot with many parking spaces available. After a very short walk across the garage and going up a one-story staircase (there is also an elevator), we were on the ground level with the theater. Unfortunately, you have to walk all the way around the large fountain area to reach the security checkpoint and entrance. There was no line and we passed through quickly. Luckily, after the show, you could walk directly to the garage without having to go around again. The theater seats around 3,000 people and has floor, loge, and balcony sections. It is very clean and has a modern feel. The main lobby is spacious and has high ceilings. There are bars on all levels, and some basic food items downstairs. There were also a few food and drink spots in front outside. The concert hall has very high ceilings and is also very modern. We sat on the floor in the second row. The seats were padded and comfortable, and the spacing between adjacent seats and between rows was good. The view of the performers was amazing. There was a large projection screen behind the stage, with various video playing throughout the show. There was some fog on the stage, and the lighting was good, but nothing exceptional. Sitting so close is great for pictures and videos, and you're oblivious to the other 2,900 people in the theater. It almost feels like you're getting a private performance. However, the sound can be hit or miss depending on the performers' preferences and venue's audio setup. The main speaker arrays here hang directly over the first few rows in front of the stage. For the opening band, we couldn't hear any of the guitars at all. Joe played almost completely through his on-stage amps only and the sound was perfect. Steve's mix was half through his amps and half through the main speaker arrays. We could hear his guitar, but not nearly as well as Joe's. It's not the venues fault, the sound is usually optimized for the majority of the theater, and the first few rows may suffer. The opening band was Animals As Leaders. I've seen them a few times over the years as an opener for Steve Vai. They are an instrumental guitar focused band with the unique characteristic that both guitarists use eight-string guitars which gives them a unique sound. Joe Satriani and Steve Vai started out the main show together. They are two of the greatest rock guitar legends to ever play. They played a few original songs together that they co-wrote, followed by both individual and joint performances of a dozen of their popular songs. Steve's unique three-neck Hydra guitar made an appearance. There was also an encore with cover versions of Rock and Roll and Born to be Wild. I've seen Joe 25 times and Steve seven times, and I'll continue to go to every show when they are in town. In between the opening band and the main show, we immediately went to use the ground level restrooms which are downstairs. The lines were already extremely long. On a whim, we went upstairs and the restrooms on both sides initially had very short lines. After only five minutes, the upstairs lines also started to get long. Go upstairs fast and you should have a much shorter wait. The show was great and I really liked the venue. It's modern, clean, and comfortable, with various amenities. The sound mix was a mixed bag sitting in front, but it wasn't the venue's fault. If you want the best chance of a good sound mix, don't sit up front. Parking was very convenient and very affordable. I would definitely come see a show here again. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I attended the long beach grand prix performance concert which Lupe FIASCo performed on Friday…read more04.17.2026 @6:30pmsh. It was an outside concert. The thing that stood out was the nice courtyard decor of water fountains. The vibe radiated as the fountains were sparkling, giving the ambiance of a fresh cool entertainment settimg. The outside really looks cool at night because of the lighting structure. I have been here many times before. Experiencing both indoor and outdoor venue entertainment. Just to name a few.. Jokoy, air supply, 90s old school R&B funk jam , Franki Valli and the list goes on. Its not very big inside, in comparison to Crypto or the inglewood forum but it does its job. Stadium seating could use some work if they decide to remodel in the future. Its a clean place with great acoustics. The only negative thing I have to say is the sale of alcoholic beverages! The venue shuts down completely early. Like 9pmsh! Unacceptable for an entertainment venue. I recommend watching concerts or any type of events in this area. Plenty of parking in the parking structure and surrounding businesses nearby. Long Beach is beautiful.

Many, many months ago (pre-Covid) I went to Mayor Garcia's "state of the city" address. Such a…read moregreat venue and really professionally organized! Before the speech, there were free hot dogs and drinks in the courtyard. Dozens of Long Beach businesses and organizations were tabling and passing out free tchotchkes and brochures. Then everyone was directed inside to hear the Mayor speak. Mayor Garcia is an inspirational speaker and his presentation was well prepared and interesting. He definitely grabbed everyone's attention and took us on a great ride. He is very charismatic and smart. These last 6+ months of Covid, I continue to be impressed by his leadership and communication. I feel lucky that we've had Mayor Garcia in charge and feel hopeful that he'll take us thru to the other side.

Terrace Theater in Long Beach has great views from all seats. We were very disappointed in the…read morerestrooms. They didn't build enough restrooms for the capacity of this theater. The lines were extremely long and each restroom had only 3 stalls! The show started after intermission, and there were still 15 people in the restroom line!! The parking is ok, but the attendants didn't know where handicapped parking was located. They directed us into the wrong level and my crippled Mom had to walk long distances, up and down elevators and escalators on a walker to get to the entrance. Logistically, this place is a frustrating mess for handicapped people!

Amazing. Such a fun event. Classy, sexy and sophisticated. Hope they come back soon look forward…read moreto seeing these incredible ladies again soon.

Saw the Lalas in Detroit in a ballroom full of chairs. The chairs were the small metal kind with…read moreminimal padding and lined up touching each other so you were touching your fellow audience members. Not huge deal but not what was expected. The stage was raised 2-3 feet so unless you are in the first few rows, you end up watching the show in the large screens on both sides of the stage. Unfortunately, it got worse from there. The show was Disappointing, and not real burlesque. This is simply a non-nude strip show. Real burlesque is about subduction and teasing an audience, not ruff gyrations in fancy costume, with an expensive light show, a fog machine and blaring music. Although the show had about 10 different scenes, none were original or creative. All were a cliché, the Carman Miranda with the fruit skull cap, dominatrix in black shiny vinyl outfit, sexy secretary with black rim glasses, sequence belly dancer outfit with vails that get pulled down and that turns into cowgirls with a western song playin, down to the bride with Billy Idols white wedding playing. The music is to loud, to the point the speakers distort the sound. The songs chosen are the same used in every strip show and topless bar TV show and movie scene depicting stripping. The sad part is this show had the potential to be good given the production value and obvious costs spent on costume and lights alone. The best description I can give is, this is what a 14 year old boy thinks burlesque is. It's not, it's ladys gyrating and waving their asses in the air. No sudction, no teasing, just scantly clad lady, who are not really sexy. The dancer who acts as an MC asking the audience to yell louder for her fellow dancers. If you want to see a strip show without going to a strip club, then this shows is for you. If you want Burlesque, save your money and wait and see Dita von Tease or someone similar. I have seen many Burlesque shows, from the Dirty Show performances to The Empire Strips Back, to local theater production style shows put on is unused factory's to local theaters. All were better then this, even if they did not have expensive costumes and light show. If you want a strip show go to your local strip club. If you want burlesque, this show is not, skip it.

Not a large theater but a nice one nonetheless!! The staff who work there are super helpful!…read more Theater should be a more community experience - and with just over 800 seats, I couldn't ask for much more.

Hardworking staff. They are so considerate of the many theatergoers who were searching for the…read morecorrect theater where their event would be held. Administration, make signs so that people can head in the right direction.

"Lend Me A Tenor" was a fabulous show, it was so hysterical, with great acting and perfect timing…read morefrom the actors. The operatic singing scenes was pretty amazing!! Denis, their Theater Manager took wonderful care of my group, with the best seats, and we all enjoyed the show. I am going back Thursday night to see it again, that's how funny it was! Holly Jeanne, who plays Julia was just exceptional, she's probably been on TV, between how funny and animated she was and we especially loved her gorgeous glitzy gown. We looked forward to every scene she was in coming onto the stage. Caryn D, Artistic Direct/Producer really out did herself with this show, it will be a hard show to top! I've already purchased a group of seats for, "Tick, Tick....Boom!" That show also looks wonderful! This theater is so upscale and decorated like a real Broadway style theater.

ICT review Share the love! Hold open auditions! Lend out one…read moreof your theatres for artists to workshop, have year round after school theatre camps, anything! The space is beautiful and empty 90% of the time. That is just not great leadership. I share your frustration that thousands of community artists in Long Beach have nowhere to practice their craft, while the AD and her condescending side kick act like ICT is Broadway. The plays are decent. The actors vary. The direction of every play feels all the same somehow; though they claim to have guest directors. I did some digging. The theatre was a gift from her friend at the time; the mayor. They used to be in a much smaller space. I respect that they are theatre people who worked their way up. I don't respect how little they pay their employees with absolutely no benefits or even the perk of being able to use one of their stages. There was also nothing in place to keep employees during Covid, so after years of working for them, all artists and teaching artists were just cut off with no notice and no plan to sustain them. Artistically, it would be so great if they stopped using Michael Donovan to cast every damn show. The accents he coaxes from actors are just painful. And yes, get some new blood in the mix, both acting & directing! Oh and by the way caryn, if you love artists so much; let them use the space!!!!

Attended another holiday show production ("Steam Powered Rocket Ride to the Moon") at the Garage…read moreTheatre, continuing the story started last year with 'Terror at the Pike". It had many of the same actors, the ability to throw tomatoes at the villans, and free ice cream during intermission. My wife and I had a good time.

My husband and I came to watch the call list and loved the experience. The vibes were intimate,…read moreraw, and talented ! We hope to visit again soon.

$10 for parking and all of the toys seem to be $20. Either bring lots of cash or bring copious…read moreamounts of Toy Story toys for your kids. They've really got a good gig going here to make some loot. The show was great... For a kid. I do however think it was MUCH too long. There's only so much I can take personally. (it also weirds me out when I see parents that are totally in the zone with these sort of things...) We left at around 1:50 from a show that started at noon, it was still going when we left. Note of caution with kids that are sensitive to sounds or light: this is a VERY loud show. Consider bringing earplugs or muffs if your child's hearing is an issue. As for light flashing sensitivities, there is a lot of changing colors and flashing lights (as well as toys that made me wish I was in a coma rather than seeing them.) keep these precautions in mind.

A Labor Day Weekend Tradition!!! ...well, except for 2010. But imagine three full days of hula…read moredancers, Hawaiian culture, food, shopping, and did I mention the hula dancers? ;D Oh, let me clarify...hula dancing wahine AND kane! (women AND men) and let me tell you, when the kane come out to dance, you hear a lot of hoot and hollering from the audience. I'm just sayin ;D I've been attending E Hula Mau for as long as I've been a hula dancer (2003). The hula halaus that participate are hardcore! Some of them have even competed at the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii. That's the largest, most prestigious hula competition in the world! E Hula Mau is like the Merrie Monarch of the mainland showcasing the mainland's talented hula studios. Friday night features the solo performances. Saturday features Kahiko (ancient style) and Oli (chanting). Sunday features 'Auana, the modern style. As a spectator, if you are determined to watch every single entry in the competition, be prepared for: - Sitting for a large chunk of the day. - Loud, screaming cheering from the crowd supporting their favorite hula groups. - Auditorium air conditioning. Bring a sweater. - Crying. Lots of crying, especially if you are so moved by the beauty, story, and dancing of the hula dancers. Bring tissues. Like most Hawaiian events, you are bound to run into lots of people you know from other halaus at E Hula Mau, especially if you support many hula events. Just give a hug and kiss on the cheek to spread the good mana! :) If you are a hula dancer and have the opportunity to compete in E Hula Mau, I highly recommend it! If your halau is anything like mine, you will have the most emotional, character-building, aloha-filled experience that will only bring you and your hula 'ohana closer together. I was lucky to have danced in the Wahine Division with Kekaiulu Hula Studio in 2010. Woot woot!!! If you survive the entire weekend, you'll have so many good memories of hula girls and/or guys dancing in your head! ;D ALOOOOOOOOOOHA!!! :D :::flashing the shaka sign:::

This is home away from home for me, seeing and feeling and smelling the Aloha spirit in downtown…read moreLong Beach. I never miss an opportunity to attend this event. Growing up in the islands, almost every day was a bbq. My dad would bust out the hibachi and grill everything. Pass by the Safeway on Pali and Vineyard and you see the smoke, that's no fire, it's a fundraiser for Huli huli chicken! Manapua (though on the manini side), malasadas, spam musubi, shave ice, lilikoi juice, island plants, snacks, books, music, beauty products, flowers for your hair.....ahhhhh it's all there! I am glad they did away with the scripts cause that was too many steps to have to get them, then redeem, then stand in line, etc....the prices for the plate lunch are not too bad but I was disappointed there was no mac salad and portions were more mainland then local portions, lol.... Come out and cheer your favorite halau and talk story with the ohana.

Broadway Talent right here that's for sure! We make the long drive every time Musical Theatre West…read moreputs on a new show and once again, it was absolutely worth it. The Buddy Holly Story is a spectacular tribute to one of Rock N Rolls most legendary pioneers, and this production was nothing short of electric and astounding From the moment the lights dimmed, we were completely transported into Buddy's world. The actor playing Buddy could be his twin!!! The musical tells the inspiring and bittersweet story of Buddy Holly's meteoric rise from a young, rebellious Texan to a trailblazing star who changed music forever. What makes this show so special is not just the energy of the iconic hits "Everyday", "Peggy Sue", "Oh Boy" - but the heart behind it all. It's a powerful reminder of how much he accomplished in such a short life. The cast was phenomenal - truly Broadway caliber. The actor portraying Buddy was a revelation: pitch-perfect vocals, magnetic stage presence, and musicianship that gave me goosebumps. Every member of the ensemble brought the era to life with authenticity and spirit. And the final concert scene? The entire audience was on their feet, clapping and dancing - no exaggeration. EVERYONE! Musical Theatre West never disappoints, but this one was especially unforgettable. We're devoted fans, and even though we live far away, we wouldn't miss a single show. The quality, heart, and talent in every production keep us coming back again and again. Once we discovered Musical Theater West 2 years ago we make sure to never miss the production - Sounds of Music, 42nd Street, Million Dollar Quartet, Into The Woods, you name it! Thank you so much If you're on the fence - go see it. It's not just a musical, it's a celebration of life, music, and the kind of timeless spirit that lives on through Buddy Holly's legacy. MTW has done something truly special here! Looking forward to see Book of Mormon and Chicago or Great Gatsby perhaps? Thank you so so much for your talent, dedication and work from all of us!

I just saw Man of the Mancha last night at the Carpenter Center. If the show is OK, I did not…read moreunderstand the following points: 1- On the booklet which was provided, there is not one word on the story (which is not simply Don Quixote). Why didyou not include anything? 2- There is no screen with Closed Captions which could help to understand the plot. 3- On the other hand, there were three signs language users, on a corner of the stage. Are there so many deaf people going to a Broadway show? I will not go anymore to a show organized by Musical West and will not recommend it.

I highly recommend attending the Symphony's POPS Series where the symphony collaborates with other…read moreartists to present a very upbeat community style performance. The venue has allowed for attendees to bring in their own food and drinks which is nice. There is also sections reserved for those who want to get up and dance. I have attended the 80s Rock event as well as the Earth Wind and Fire show and both were very entertaining. The support staff was very welcoming and accommodating as well.

November 18, 2023…read more It is uncomfortable for me to lower my rating since the hard working, hugely competent orchestra is not the problem I have with last night's program. The dancers from the Long Beach Ballet gave a stunning performances for Bernstein's Fancy Free. The three choices preceding the ballet sounded hopeful but maybe the mix simply didn't work for me. I'm a fan of creative twentieth/twenty-first Century composition. Yet to my untrained ear, nothing seemed to gel or perhaps they were too cohesive. Expecting to hear something delightful from the opera Treemonisha, it seemed a dull yet hinting-at-greatness overture. Joplin dull? Never. Were the program to have an inclusive piece that invited inventive themes, it might work but the result for me was hoping this movie background music would be over fast. There were more empty seats than last season. I hate to see that happen.