Arena Theatre Inc — Attraction in Fort Wayne

I have in the past talked very favorably about the Arena Dinner Theatre in Fort Wayne and I have had many lovely nights at this venue. Last night I went to see a production of MRS. BOB CRATCHIT'S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE.

The dinner was very nice - a spiced bean salad that was terrific, a large ham steak perfectly cooked, great roll (served warm) and mashed potato and delicious corn - I traded my chocolate cake for a salad, and had the salad from the place setting at our table that remained empty. The bartender was vert generous with his pour and the people at my table were terrific.

That's the last good thing I have to say. I will admit I left at the intermission, so if the second act got better, I don't know about it. But I seriously doubt that took place.

It's a very strange script, and needed a creative and firm directorial hand, especially dealing with local amateur actors. Turns out it was the first time Lindsay Hoops has directed - don't give up the day job. The "directing" as nearly as I could see was primitive move the actors around - and nothing else.

The set was all face front, so the ability of the actors to move - not that they did much - was pretty much parallel. Projection was weak, along with muddy diction, so the actors needed at the very least to slow down. They didn't. The Tiny Tim was creatively costumed - Scrooge had perpetually stuff posture and one level of speech - the Ghost of Christmas Part, Present and Future (don't ask) was stuck in one reaction, which was exasperation.

Based on past experience I would encourage people to visit this venue for future shows. But if anyone was thinking about Arena Dinner Theatre for this production - go for the dinner, support what is usually a good place - and leave after dessert and before the...

Went on March 26, 2022 to see production of Clue. Pleasant company at our table, food was excellent, great experience to start. Play started and a few minutes in a character on stage lit a cigarette, followed by another character lighting a pipe. My wife is very sensitive to smoke and the ceiling fans circulated the smoke causing her to have to get up and stand at the back of the theatre to try to avoid the smoke. No one from the staff asked her if there was a problem or if she was alright. She attempted to return to her seat for the 2nd act but was still feeling ill and continued to be sick on our hour drive home. I realize the play is set in the 1950's but the use of real cigarette/pipe smoking on stage ruined...

If give it all 5s except the AC was not working up to par which made for a very uncomfortable time. I assume this isn't normal!!!!! But when the show started i was not thinking too mich about that.. This was a great time!!. The actors on an fun an exciting performance. They did such a great job.. I was invited to go along and I'm so happy I accepted to see the show. The food was very good but I can see some might not have been impressed depending on if their chicken was overcooked. I ate everything on my plate and was not disappointed with my meal. we had a great view from our table. I don't live in Fort Wayne but absolutely can not wait to be able...