The Englert Theatre — Attraction in Iowa City

Went to a show here last night. The band that played was fantastic. Did have an issue with the venues policy of allowing people from the audience move from their seats and go stand in front of the first row and aisles, thus blocking the view of the people already sitting there. I spoke to the manager about the issue during the intermission. Was told that if people standing in the aisles remained an issue during the second part of the show that we would be able to move to different seats. When the second part of the show started the issue became worse because even more people came down to the front of the theater and stood in the aisles blocking the view of even more people. Got up and left the show to talk to the manager again. After discussing the issue again was told that this was part of the Iowa City experience. I then kindly said that because of what was happening that I would have to ask for a refund for the tickets that I had purchased. The manager kindly refunded the complete purchase price and apologized for the issue. While I was talking the manager during this time, my wife had gotten up and, by herself, removed a number of people from the aisle who were blocking our view.

Since this, I have concerns about another show that I have already purchased tickets for which will be at this venue in a few months. Is the same issue going to happen at this or any future shows at this theater? I pay money for reserved seating so I can watch a performance on the stage, not to watch the Iowa...

In the seating behind sound or lighting guy in the balcony section you can't see but half the stage and none of the orchestra. What I could see was the booth guys giant head rolling around blocking the stage as he slid back and forth across a the six foot section of his booth the entire time. To make matters worse there is apparently no one to enforce the No Talking while the play is happening policy that most theaters tend to take rather seriously. During the entire first act of The Nutcracker the woman behind us loudly performed a running commentary to a four year old, as the child kicked the back of my fiancées chair and prattled on and on about whatever popped into her head. Even though I had to work for over 12 hours to pay for two tickets we left during the intermission because everything was so terrible. Also their tickets are Way overpriced for the quality of the theater and show. Obviously extremely dissatisfied and will not be going back to this theater. They should Not be selling seats in areas of the theater that they know very well people can't see...

I went to the Englert Theatre for the first time last night to see one of my favorite bands, Beach House. The venue was very nice, with easy access to refreshments and bathroom facilities. The place was clean well maintained from what I saw. The only real downside was the security. There was a man, probably in his mid 60's running around the section I was sitting in warning & yelling at points about people using their cellphones. He was so very much more distracting from the entertainment that I was there to enjoy than the kids snapping a quick pick to capture a moment. I can understand the policy being in place for a play or classical performance, but at a rock show with fog machines & bright stage lights, a few folks taking a few pictures should not be an issue. In summary, next time a band I dig is playing the Englert, I'll try to catch...