Spreckels Theatre — Attraction in San Diego

Very rude and terrible staff. I missed nearly half the show because another guest was highly intoxicated and threw up all over the ground and seats next to me and several other people. I waited 20 minutes to see if anyone would come clean it up and nobody did. I then went to speak to a manager about the issue Incase they weren’t aware, he immediately told me I was not going to receive a refund without even letting me finish my sentence. I was told all staff was busy including the manager who I spoke to and he claimed he was also busy and he would go clean it up once he was free. The stench of the throw up was unbearable several people moved from their seats and the manager Sean Davis did nothing to accommodate. His only solution was for me and my group of over 14 people move. The only seats available where further back and we specifically bought out the row that was 4 rows from the stage. Aside from this before the show began I went to buy a snack and a water bottle from their own con-session stand for the show, as I re-entered the venue one of the employees stopped me and stated “make sure you don’t leave your trash behind”. It’s unbelievable how rude they were, the staff here has never heard of customer service I guess. I am never coming back here, very poor management. There’s several other venues in San Diego that provide for better experience and service. You’d think they’d invest more into their management considering the historic building is over...

My husband and I purchase Orchestra seating tickets $60 each for Cirque D 'Or for Saturday, January 24. The 7pm show started late at 7:30pm (no explanation), there was no printed program, no staging/backdrop, professional lighting or serious talent. The mostly Chinese troop consisted of tumblers no better than a High School Cheer squad, wearing shorts and T-shirts (gym clothes) and a group of girls prancing around in yoga pants and green T-shirts. The juggler needed a girl on stage to hand him balls when he dropped them (repeatedly). This was amateur hour with only 35 minutes of performance the first half, and 30 minutes the second half with a 15 minute intermission lasting 30 minutes to fill the void of no talent. In fairness the female contortionist was very talented and the tight rope walker was good, even though the rope was just 2 feet above the floor (probably good considering the amount of mistakes made by other performers throughout the night). The show ended with the troop clapping for themselves. This is a rip off on the high quality productions offered by Cirque D' Soleil and it is obvious why this show only lasts one weekend…word of mouth would result in empty theater seats. Does anyone pre-screen the productions you book at Spreckels Theatre? Obviously not. You have lost me forever as a customer…this ripoff is unforgivable. The Chinese must be laughing as their evil plot for redistribution of wealth from the USA to Chinese...

Wonderful old theater. As such, seats are small and close together but still mostly comfortable. Be sure to park at the theater if possible, we made the mistake of parking at the Horton plaza which cost me $26 for about 3 hours! There are light refreshments in the lobby but best to hit one of the many restaurants and bars in the area before the show. There are three directly adjacent to the theater. There is no flash photography allowed during the ballet performance, so probably similar rules for other events.

As for the city ballet performance, it ranged from contrived to inspiring as the night went on. It was clear what everyone had put the most work into: requiem. The symphony and chorus stole the show at times, and several of the dancers were outstanding.

A night at Spreckels is well worth your time and money, whatever the occasion. Looking forward to returning in winter for...