Wells Theatre — Attraction in Norfolk

We have been coming to Wells Theatre for 20+ years since I was a young child. In the 20+ years we have been coming here we have never been treated so poorly. On 12/23/21, we came to see a Christmas Carol and we were abruptly told at the front door that we must present proof of COVID vaccination. This was NEVER communicated to ticker holders. This was a half-a**ed policy they recently came up with, NOT because the Governor of Virginia required it, but because the elites of Wells Theatre and the Virginia Stage Company decided what was best for the patrons and families who support their theatre. We bought our tickets BEFORE Thanksgiving, and at no time were we notified of having to prove vaccination status upon entry to the theatre.

So today, on 12/23/21, when theatre personnel demanded to see my family’s proof of vaccination, we were all blindsided by the request. We are ALL vaccinated (we are not anti-Vaxers…), but only one person in our family actually had their vaccine card on them. The rest of us, who most of us are from out of town, did not. Despite us all being vaccinated, Wells Theatre prevented us from seeing our favorite Christmas show due to their hardline stance they are VOLUNTARILY taking for admission procedures (again, NOT because the state is requiring these stringent policies).

I hate to end such a long standing, fun family tradition, but unfortunately due to the way we were treated and the abysmal lack of communication from Wells Theatre/Virginia Stage Company, our 24 year tradition of coming to the Wells Theatre has come to an end.

RIP Wells...

I recently saw Fiddler at The Wells. It was first rate! I used to go there in the early nineties to see shows. Loved it. First we ate at a restaurant called The Dumbwaiter (owned by Syd Meers...now gone) You just knew that place could have been in NYC! After Fiddler, we walked to Syd's Fish Pig but that's an upcoming review!!! Run, don't walk to The Wells. It's beauty has been maintained and they have new, comfy seats. And the new sound system is incredible! We didn't miss a word or a note! I will be sure to return again and again when I fancy a show they are producing! You should, too!

Update! Update! The charming thing about the Wells was that the tickets were affordable. Just went to book another show at The Wells. On my phone it was $40 a seat for the Hitchcock play but when I went to my computer to book it was $60 a seat! I didn't mind $60 for Fiddler...lots of actors, orchestra, etc but for a play? No thank you. I'll add $20 more and see a show at The Ferguson which is a mile from my house and better produced. I won't be going back to The Wells anytime soon. Oh, and if you want two glasses of wine at intermission expect to pay nearly...

The Wells Theater of Norfolk is an historic gem. It was designed by a New York firm and has withstood the tests of time. The interior is splendidly decorated with hand-carved wooden figures in the main lobby, exquisitely crafted mosaics in the entry way and beautiful painting and chandeliers in the theater area itself.

The theater itself has plenty of seats, including 6 separate box seat area that accomodate 4 people, mezzanine seating, and, of course, orchestra seating directly in front of the stage.

This theater has been the primary home for much of the Virginia Stage Company's performances over the years. They are an excellent group to go and watch, especially during the holiday season for their rendition of Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Other information that may be worth noting is that the building itself is directly across the street from MacArthur Mall and not too far from Granby St, which has many delicious restaurants, including...