Chrysler Hall — Attraction in Norfolk

Was NOT pleased. Although it is a beautiful hall and is likely a different experience based on event, my first impression of Chrysler Hall was less than enjoyable by two main issues that could have easily been handled.

I took my two sons to see Blueys Big Play. I completely expected to have a lot of crowd noise throughout the show. What else could you expect cramming hundreds of children into one space. However, I do not feel like the sound volume was adjusted to take account of this. I struggled to understand what the characters were saying even using context clues by the character actions. I’m sure my sons didn’t fare any better.

Secondly, event etiquette was non-existent. Again, I wasn’t expecting an adult only, silent opera crowd by any means. However, people continued to stream in long after the show began at 6pm. Even at 630, with only minutes left, groups continued to flow in consistently blocking the views, especially of children craning necks to get a good glimpse of the stage. I think I was most disappointed when Bluey walked out and the “crowd went wild”, approximately 10 minutes in after the intro. What should have been a candid moment, was instead my children staring at the buttocks of a family of four trying to squeeze through. I feel as though Chrysler Hall should enforce stricter rules about final entrance times. You can’t stop people from entering and existing for restrooms or refreshment. But, you certainly can stop people from scanning tickets to enter when the show is well underway. This is basic courtesy observed by even simple movie theaters. I guess I was holding Chrysler Hall to a high standard. One could argue that when one purchases the tickets they can enter when they want, but it should not be to the detriment of others trying to enjoy the entirety...

Experience Greatly Demoralized by Seating.

Review written 10/25/23 on Chrysler Hall - Norfolk, Ticket Master website:

First of all Loreena's performance was stunning! No complaint there! However, upon entering the auditorium and finding my seats at the Loreena Mckennitt show, I was very disappointed in the seating arrangement as well as the tiny, scrunched seats. Everyone already seated had to stand up as other patrons walk to their seats, or risk having their feet stepped upon, which did happen, unfortunately. I paid just below $200.00 each for 2 separated seats, choosing them for their availability and close proximity to the stage. One front row seat where my friend sat had a monitor or some boxed device smack in front of her seat blocking her view of Loreena as she sat at her piano. This is inexcusable! The other seat was chosen for its location at mid stage row, 4 rows back according to the online seating diagram. Upon approaching my seat it was apparent that another row of seats were placed between my row and the row in front as the diagram presented online clearly shows a wide isle in front of the seat that I chose, which was part of the appeal to me. In addition, the inserted row of seats seemed to be slightly higher than the seats in my row which was not a problem for the first half of the show as nobody sat in the seats in front of me, but after intermission a couple sat down directly in front of me and my view was blocked. Unacceptable! This was very disappointing as I paid a high price for my seats, choosing them strategically for their location. Also, finding seats to Loreena McKennitt was a dream come true for us, but greatly dampened by the poor seating arrangement and the poorly placed box...

Responding to Chrysler Hall comments. As I mentioned, I came in a wheelchair and was directed behind Chrysler Hall to the scope. I would not have known to go to the scope and an elevator there. Will remember that for the next time, but as far as accessibility, this was woefully remiss. What should have happened was that I be directed to the front of the line like any other handicapped person. I don't mind taking a number to reflect my position in the wine but don't send me bouncing around over cobblestones and then threw a series of barriers that can't even accommodate a stroller much less a wheelchair.

The worst experience I've ever had trying to get tickets for an event. I came early for the 8:00 opening to get tickets for Hamilton in December.. I came in a wheelchair, they directed me outside for about 4 Block trip over cobblestones.I was bounced around for half an hour before getting into barrier lines to get in the theater. I had to get out of my wheelchair because the lines were too tight for the wheelchair to fit through it.

Then when I got inside, I was number 580 in a line of 700 people to get tickets. After a two and a half hour wait, I'm going to leave and try to get them on my computer at home because the Ticketmaster app itself blew.

They should have made a larger window of at least a day before they're released to the public to allow people to come in so that there is not such a rush to get the tickets. This was a major screw-up...