I’ve come here for three shows this season, two sitting in the amphitheater and one on the second floor. The second floor show was fine, no complaints about the theater there. Unfortunately, I have not had great theater experiences in the amphitheater and feel like it’s the wild West up on the fourth floor. First, the amphitheater seats are tiny. I am a size medium, and five foot two. I felt so uncomfortable unless sitting in the aisle. I bought a discounted ticket due to it being partial view to my first show up there. Well, a majority of the show ended up taking place behind the pole. I also want to mention the amphitheater does not seem accessible for disabilities. The women’s bathroom requires steps to enter, and I overheard someone with knee surgery stating how difficult it was to get to the bathroom.
The second time, I got smart, and purchased a rush ticket with a full view, and with aisle seating. What I was not expecting this time was the lack of theater etiquette which ruined the show. This is not the theater’s fault, but what I do blame them for is the lack of user involvement. We had: phones ringing, people on their phones with the brightness up, someone arguing and yelling at someone due to having their phone out with the brightness up, humming, and the person two seats next to me had severe flu like sniffles/ sucking in snot where it’s making a noise, and a cough throughout the performance and refused to wear a mask! Not once did an usher get involved, and I’ve seen better manners from people at an outdoor concert.
I appreciate a theater giving rush tickets, but when a majority of those tickets are partial view, I feel like they should’ve been discounted to the rush price in the first place. Will I be back for rush sitting in the amphitheater because I’m cheap and this seems to be the only floor they offer rush tickets? Yes. Will I enjoy my experience? Probably not, but I love...
Read moreThe only problem (and this has happened to me so many times before and it doesn't seem to matter whether it's a matinee or an evening show or a weekday show or a weekend show) is that the child in back of me kept kicking my seat throughout the first act. I nicely spoke to the mother twice and the child one time but the kicking continued. At the intermission, I asked the usher to talk to the mother to control her son. I don't know whether that actually happened or not, but I had to get the usher's supervisor to find me a completely different seat because immediately when Act two started, the kicking started back up again. I was astounded that the first seat that the usher's supervisor offered me was a seat with obstructed vision. That was really insulting on top of what I had already been through. I protested and she found me another seat that was much better, but the fact that I had to go through this was really, really annoying. There should be rules that protects every patron who has paid good money to enjoy the show. No patron should be inconvenienced and have to go to a different seat when the parent and the child who is inconveniencing another patron are the ones that need to be addressed. There should be something in the playbill warning that anyone who disturbs another patron from enjoying the play needs to be removed from the theater or shown to a different seat---not the person who is being inconvenienced. There are other rules and regulations that the Academy of Music has. Something immediate needs to be said about parents controlling their kids and the behavioral expectations that come along from bringing a child to The Academy of Music. If a child cannot refrain from kicking or bothering another patron, that child should not be brought to...
Read moreThe Academy of Music is a true gem, exuding elegance and grandeur. Its ornate architecture and opulent interior transport you to a bygone era of sophistication. The moment I entered the majestic hall, I was captivated by the magnificent chandeliers, intricate moldings, and breathtaking ceiling frescoes. It felt like stepping into a world of enchantment.
The performance itself was nothing short of extraordinary. The artists, be it musicians, dancers, or actors, displayed immense talent, skill, and passion in their craft. The acoustics of the hall were flawless, allowing every note, every word, and every movement to reach the audience with absolute clarity. The immersive atmosphere enhanced the emotional impact of the performances, leaving me utterly spellbound.
The staff at the Academy of Music deserves special mention for their impeccable service. From the warm and friendly ushers guiding you to your seat to the knowledgeable and helpful personnel at the information desk, everyone went above and beyond to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Their professionalism and genuine enthusiasm for the arts added an extra layer of delight to the evening.
In conclusion, the Academy of Music in Philadelphia is an absolute treasure. It offers an unparalleled experience that combines architectural splendor, exceptional performances, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned arts enthusiast or someone exploring the world of performing arts for the first time, the Academy of Music will leave an indelible impression on you. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting this remarkable venue and immersing yourself in the magic it...
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