First off, the most recent show we attended (Orpheus Descending) was very good. This review is focused on the rest of the experience that would likely apply more generally to those visiting the theatre.
The seating layout for their large black box theater leaves something to be desired. It's a square three-quarters in-the-round setup, but if you get nosebleed seats then expect to have limited visibility for parts of the show without awkwardly leaning over the edge of the balcony. Movable chairs did help somewhat in this regard, if you can do it without blocking others' views. I did very much appreciate the usher who offered to get us a seat upgrade after overhearing we were TDF members, though that particular night was too full for it to work out. But they said we could come find them next time to make it happen! Very nice and unexpected gesture which speaks to the welcoming culture of the company.
That said, tickets here are quite expensive, typically starting at $90 unless you can attend one of the infrequent pay-what-you can performances or find tix through TDF (highly recommended if you are an avid theatre-goer under 30). Good theatre these days is expensive to produce, no question. But this price floor feels rather high, despite the quality of the...
Read moreThe Polonsky Shakespeare Center is an amazing jewel in Brooklyn. I think it's the best Off-Broadway house in NYC. It is in a brand new building hiding an intimate theatre in which the audience is almost on the stage amid the actors. I was blessed to see "Wedding Band," a standout revival of Alice Childress' MasterClass in race relations. What's sad is that this was written over fifty years ago about a time one hundred years ago and it still rings current, down to the influenza. I don't know if Ms. Childress is a seer or merely a master story teller. If you have a chance go to Brooklyn and see, in person, this...
Read moreModern fresh clean theatre. Close to G and C train stations. Street parking is hard to find suggest transit. Small to medium size theatre with a little less than 600 seats it's an Opera style seating arrangement. Every seat has an excellent view of stage. Side balcony seats can be moved to view stage better but limited. Wheelchair accessible. Elevator and stairs takes you up to theatre. Bathrooms are on the first floor, water fountain as well. There is a bar on the first floor as soon as you enter premises. I went to see Orpheus Descending lead cast members...
Read more