Detroit Opera House — Attraction in Detroit

7 months ago my daughter, a laywer who works in the Michigan Court of Appeals, paid and reserved an hour and a half of photography for her wedding day at the Detroit Opera House. 20 days before her wedding day, the manager Holly Clement , called my daughter and canceled on her because Jimmy Fallon was coming to town THE NEXT DAY. My daughter's wedding was on Saturday the 13th but Jimmy Fallon wasn't in the house until Sunday the 14th. My daughter was devastated. She called over 10 other venues trying to get a place indoors to take photography. Every place was booked with another bridal couple taking photographs or having their actual wedding there. Who does this to a bride a few days before her wedding? All she needed was one hour with her photographer and assistant on the stairs, and on the balcony, not even close to the performance hall. Holly said they "were just too busy," she said that " they're not doing this kind of thing anymore." The classy thing to do would have been to let my daughter do her photography and then start the new policy afterwards, to honor and respect existing contracts already negotiated. Shame on this management. Watch out when dealing with administration, They don't honor their word, even though they returned her deposit. Holly made it sound like Jimmy Fallon would be performing the day of her wedding and she couldn't be in the way with photography, when in actual fact he was there the next day. They just didn't want to be " bothered " but they didn't think of the nightmare they created for a bride on her wedding day....

We are reviewing the Detroit Opera House not the performance of the Phantom which was superb when we attended. Although the venue is beautiful on the inside, the "box" seating was horrible. Supposed to be "the best seats in the house" via the box office staff at the Fisher, our view was obstructed by the overhang of the balcony. We were heavily obstructed on the chandelier dropping, and the upper stage sets, which was extremely disappointing. Thankfully we had front row seats, as the leg room behind us was minimal for other patrons. The box chairs are stiff and highly uncomfortable.

The ushers were overall helpful. However, the balcony usher told us we couldn't get a picture 40 minutes before the show because they were "seating". This was rude and unnecessary considering it was 40 minutes from show time, with no one waiting in line and a 1/4 full. If my wife and I want to snap a quick pic well before show time from the general viewing area, I am not sure how that affects the performance?

Considering this was a historical venue, my wife and I were shocked at the casual nature of the performance. We saw many patrons wearing t shirts, hoodies, ball caps, and even shorts in the middle of winter. Were not saying a formal policy should be introduced, but on a special night it cheapened the performance which was stellar.

Overall, we were not impressed with the environment. We personally would not go back, unless it was for a rare performance or event. Lastly, we would NEVER recommend box...

Arrive early. Park next to Opera House $30, but use parking structure $20. Don’t forget where you parked your car. The beautifully ornate, historical and chandelier lit Opera house resonates of ages past and the numerous artists, shows and presentations that wowed and affected audiences on a continuous basis. The show Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe full of 20 and 30 somethings,danced and flowed to ancient and historical rhythms. No one had seen arrangements like this before and Alvin Ailey revolutionized the modern dance world. Another FIRST in the annals of history in yet another institution. Entertaining, well presented and formatted, THE ALVIN AILEY DANCE TROUPE is an historical, awesome company, world renowned with a large following fan club. There wasn’t enough merchandise and many people were unable to buy the Alvin Ailey merchandise. The performances, the dancers, the choreography, the emotions, at times were spell binding. The music, vocals combined with the twists, turns and excellent dance moves could move one to tears but no, I didn’t cry. Routines from the 1950’s to present were performed. Wonderfully refreshing to see a multi-aged audience with a representation of our diverse USA. A well deserved standing ovation at the Finale brought the dancers back out for an extra five minute treat. Alvin Ailey keep coming back to the “D” is the request, after a three year absence. “Dance on.” We couldn’t take pictures of the performances,...