Idaho Shakespeare Festival — Attraction in Boise

I have seen at least three plays at the festival grounds and many others growing up that traveled to the local high schools. the Shakespeare Festival knows how to put on a production, there is not question. My review is not of a performance, but instead of a day saved by caring workers and a front of house that will keep my family coming back for years to come.

My husband and I showed up to our show early knowing that the tickets purchased for his birthday and waiting for us a will-call were on the hillside and we'd need to be there early to secure a good spot. When we walked up and gave the name of the relative that purchased the tickets, they were no where to be found. So, we were sent to another window and a worker that could look up the order to see if they had just not been printed. We were given the heartbreaking news that our tickets had been purchased for the previous night and that a miscommunication on the relative's part was the reason our tickets were not waiting for us. The kind woman behind the glass saw that we were sad and carrying our dinner. She said, "Take your pizza over to the picnic area, enjoy the pre-show music, and come back in about 45 minutes and we will see what we can do for you guys."

After returning from a lovely pre-show, we were informed that she was able to get us 2 hillside tickets for the day we were actually there at no additional cost. My husband was elated, as was I. I am sure that there are times that the festival has not been able to be as accommodating in the past, especially if the tickets were for a reserved section or a box. But, I also understand that they had no obligation to even try to find us tickets let alone give us credit for the tickets that we had missed since it was not their fault we missed the show our original...

I bought three shows for my daughter and I this summer. All three sets of tickets were in the terrace section. Our first show, we were split up. Our original seats were in the third row and we ended up a few rows further back (they fixed it). No big deal. Still great seats. Tonight we came to our second show and we were split up AGAIN. The box office said it was my fault because I ordered and adult ticket and student ticket on one order (not sure how I was supposed to do it). Our original seats were in the first and second row and now we are a handful of seats from the back! They aren’t horrible seats but not what we wanted. I am so disappointed. The staff has just washed their hands of it.

The shows have always been five stars but this seating BS is just that so I’m giving them two stars for lousy service.

June 13, 2023 - Above is my review from 9 mos ago. This year I decided to order tickets again and give this another try because they called me and said they can fix things. So I bought more tickets and called and let them know my past experience and not only did they contact me to make sure my tickets were together, but they MADE sure I was happy. I bought four shows and all the seats are next to each other. I was super impressed. I changed my rating to 5 stars because in my book, that is 5 star service. Thank you Shakespeare Festival team for helping me and giving me the opportunity to make wonderful memories with my daughter with no headaches!! I...

Just saw Little Shop of Horrors here and it was a hoot! Phenomenal cast, props, etc. Super well done. Apparently, it's the thing here to bring your food - EVERYONE around me was eating (and offering me food too!) There's also a cafe and patio seating outside the theater as well. I went on a cooler day when there had been some rain - the production didn't stop (though they warned it could) but I did want something warm to drink at intermission. I hit the bathroom ASAP and then got in line for a drink and the lines moved so slowly at the cafe that I didn't make it to the front before the show started again - that was super disappointing. I'm not sure where the holdup was - the lines weren't even that long, it just took an age for each person. Plus, you can't see the menu or small signs that indicate which register only takes cards until you're pretty close. That whole operation just seemed like an overall fail.

But the production and the outdoor theater are great! It's not a huge place, all the seats are a good view and there are even tables for people to really eat at. I bought in the terrace, closer to the stage and that seemed worth it. Some folks really close got some interaction from the players! I didn't get to choose my seats when buying, which is a little disconcerting, but I...