Symphony Hall — Attraction in Phoenix

I have gone to the nutcracker ever since I was young, but I’d always go the Gammage auditorium. This year (December of 24) I decided to go to the Symphony hall performance. I was left feeling robbed of my money and was very disappointed in the performance.

Even before the program started, I felt like I was stuck watching a 3 min commercial. They were asking for donations to give to the school of arts - I already spent hundreds of dollars on a below average mediocre show. The woman who voiced it, sounded power hungry, money thirsty, and a little desperate- Learn to manage your finances better.

It felt very woke Hollywood. They seemed to be more worried about diversity rather than the performance. There was a huge gap between the strong talent and weak wanna be’s. For instance, the performer who ended up getting the part of playing the little brother, could not keep time, and really brought the performance down- you are only strong as your weakest link.

None of the acts seemed to be choreographed- it looked like the performers were given free range on their interpretation of what the show should look like. At one point they threw in jazz hands, jazz hands in a ballet?!

Not only that, after almost every performer did any kind of “dramatic” move, they had to stop the performance to take a bow and receive recognition - it’s like I was stuck watching a kids play and all the parents were fussing over trying to be so encouraging - you’ll get your applause at the end.

They also really need to upgrade the sound delivery of the music- like they should have the instruments play into a speaker and have surround sound throughout the room- it was difficult hearing the music over the clunky sounds of the ballet shoes.

It was my first and last time going to the symphony hall - go to the Gammage...

Took my family to see The Nutcracker tonight. My daughter & I have been before pre-Covid. It was my husband & sons first experience. All four of us walked out not wanting to return anytime soon.

An usher was yelling at people from the time we arrived until 10 min from showtime not to go up the stairs as doors were closed. It just wasn’t very classy (seriously have it roped off & figure out a better way to handle than yelling at people) & as a result created a very unsafe situation in the lobby where people were crammed together like sardines. Also during intermission why on earth during a childrens show would you not have a second line for bakery? You have it for alcohol. What about a quick line just for hot cocoa?? Both my kids were disappointed that the single line was too long for them to get a treat during intermission & they had to return to their seats empty handed 😞. The line was so long despite getting in immediately they couldn’t even grab a bottled water.

Finally; I’ve never been to any other theatre that allows people to freely walk in/out of the theater during a performance like you do. Please have notes on the door to discourage & state if you leave you will not be allowed back in or something. This is not a movie theatre & it really is...

It was located in downtown Phoenix, so if you plan on going, there would be a few street parking($5.5/3 hours) if you are lucky or you could park in the West Convention garage for $15(maximum for a day). Occasionally the Convention center was full and we parked at Chase parking lot across the street and it cost $30. Please be mindful of it.

It has 2 stories and the service there was exceptional. Snacks and drinks were served on either side of the hall, you could not miss them. Water with ice and disposable cups were provided (for free).

We went there to attend the French Connection which Tito Muñoz conducts the program focusing on the rich and influential French musical tradition. They also had a guest cellist Jay Campbell who is the soloist for Henri Dutilleux's Tout un monde lointain. Our seats were right in the middle of Row 8 so we had a great vision of the whole performance.

The Symphony Hall is not a grand place compared with New York Broadway, however, it's equipped with up-to-date equipment and the performers they invited were excellent. It would be great for families and friends to spend 2-3 hours there during...