Saroyan Theatre — Attraction in Fresno

This theatre is 59 years old! Although some upgrades have been made, the seating, accessibility and restrooms are in need of changes! We just attended a live performance (Leanne Morgan) and although she was hilarious and did not disappoint, the venue really made our experience horrible! Accessibility to the theater off the freeway is horrible if there are several events. Parking is horrible as well. We arrived early to park, but we're stuck on the off ramp to "O" St due to traffic congestion. Then parking lots were all FULL. Finally, we got to a parking garage and found a spot on the 3rd level that wasn't too far from an elevator. Only one elevator was functioning! As two senior ladies, navigating to get to the venue was not easy as there is no signage indicating what direction the venues are. If it weren't for one of us using our map on the cell phone, we would've been lost. On the plus side, getting through security was easy and using a digital ticket allowed for easy access. Restrooms were BAD! By that, I mean the toilet seats are so low that a 5 year old could easily sit on it! And there were no bars to help you get up! Once inside, I had to use my memory of where I needed to go, since there was minimal signage directing you, and fortunate for me, my memory was still working well. The seats inside the theater are also extremely low! Much lower than a movie theater! Also, the bulk of the seating in "Orchestra" has NO CENTER AISLE! The distance between the rows are so close that people need to crawl over other people to get to their seats, if they can find them!!! The designated letters and numbering of seats are not large enough or positioned in a way someone can easily read them! Leaving the venue was just as frustrating since all those older patrons were attempting to use the only elevator to the parking garage levels. Then, once in our car, exiting took over 1 hour due to all the traffic congestion within the parking garage and people backing up into those in line to exit! It took longer for us to exit the parking lot than driving all the way home! I do know it was a lot easier to navigate this venue when I was 30, but at nearly 68, NOT SO MUCH. I highly doubt I will be returning...

INTOCABLE WAS AWESOME!!!! Being engaged to an enriching young woman has its perks. She has exposed me to great music and dancing; elements I have already been to shy, embarrassed or self-conscious to attempt before. I must say if it were not for the bands performance, I'd have given my experience at most half a star. The logistics of the event were frustrating. The staff seemed to not know how to do their job. The metal detectors weren't on. At various points throughout the venue, card readers either had no power or weren't reading debit or credit cards; forcing one to withdraw cash at either one of two ATM's onsite. This action included a fee of $4! There was way overpriced food in the courtyard on the south side of the theater. We arrived early to eat before the show. Upon going outside, the staff was telling us if we excited we were needed to re-enter the event through the front. They finally put up some barriers to solve the problem. The sound system was poor. At various times, staff struggled to keep mic's attached to the bands instruments working. I highly recommended you to eat prior to or after attending a performance. We ordered 8 tacos and one burrito. It cost us $41!!! There were no soda's in ice, so I went and bought one for $6 at one of the concession stands. There were no lids or straws for the fountain drinks. Thank God I was in a good mood and happily made light conversation with the staff, but I figured I'd leave my honest experience to help others in future experiences. The only reason I'd ever go back is for a great performance. I'd probably go as far as sneaking my own food...

I have attended dozens of times. Great shows. Women's bathroom lines are long. The bag policy is Ridiculous! No backpacks, no exceptions?!

VIP package for the Lion King is a gift of a backpack! Size does matter. My small purse backpack held my wallet and a small notebook. It is NOT a book bag. Easy to carry and not cumbersome, so, follow me here, I could buy souvenirs and goods from your concessions.... Women are allowed to bring in bags up to 12 × 30 handbags! Where are these women going? On vacation? Baby bags are allowed?! Babies and accompanying bags should not be allowed! It's the theater, not the park. All security did not follow this rule. I saw multiple people with purse backpacks entering the building when being told I could not bring in mine. This rule discourages a younger crowd which follows the fashion trend of purse backpacks. No backpacks for safety? Men were allowed in even when setting off the metal detectors.They weren't searched or patted down.

The logic behind the no backpack rule does not make sense. It only dissuades a certain look.The reasoning against purse backpacks is the same for enforcing a clutches only rule for women for the theater. If this is the case, clutches only, I would agree and leave my...