The 5th Avenue Theatre — Attraction in Seattle

We had a lot of good years at the 5th as season ticket holders for 20 years or so. It's a beautiful theatre and we've seen some great shows, ok shows and not so great shows. In sum, we have enjoyed our time there and have enjoyed supporting the 5th through attending shows and donations when we've been able to give extra.

This year we let our seats go b/c at renewal time in May we were told we had to buy a full season package, NO exceptions, which just didn't fit with our situation this year. In the past years this was not the case. You could buy a full season or partial season.

We also tried to switch from evening to matinees, but they said they were unable to tell is if the seats we wanted (our current seats that we've held for 20 or so years) would be available and that we would have to pay in full prior to finding this out. The subscription manager Peggy was a little off putting and made us feel like we were trying to steal someone elses seats. We weren't. We just wanted to know if they'd be available for a matinee time, before paying for them. We didn't think that was unreasonable and didn't want to spend $1400+ dollars for seats we didn't want. As a result of all of the above, we let our seats go, but were sad to do so.

Approx two months later on 8/30/22 we get an email.

"You haven't renewed your subscription at The 5th Avenue Theatre and well, it just won't be the same without you."

"For a limited time, until September 16, you can CREATE YOUR OWN subscription package. Choose a three, four, or five-show package with any lineup of shows you'd like from our six amazing productions, including the triumphant return of Les Misérables!"

Less than 2 months ago during our renewal period they said they were not selling partial packages, NO exceptions. So I called out of curiosity and of course our seats are not available any more. So weird, but makes us feel like we made the right choice not to renew. I guess they make more money from stand alone ticket sales vs. season ticket...

Had a wonderful experience at The 5th. Nicely air conditioned inside so it is a little cold for shorts/t-shirts. Bring a cardigan (coming from someone who hates being too hot). There are all gender restrooms as soon as you walk into the doors. I had no problem bringing in an iced water, which was great as they have a no outside food/drinks policy and I always worry I'll be scolded for needing my own. We sat in seats R17 and R19 in the middle Orchestra and had no problem seeing the stage. These seats are right beside the emergency exit, which was opened by staff at the end of the show making our exit so much quicker.

My only criticism is that the sound balance felt a little off at times. Sound effects were somewhat louder than the voices of the actors. However it did not really take away from the show.

And of course, the actors, writers, and stagehands who put in the work to create Clue for the stage did a phenomenal job. Set design was so creative. The actors put on an incredible performance. We'll definitely come back to The 5th for more plays in the future!

In terms of accessibility: there is no dress code, wear whatever you like or are comfortable in. Bathrooms are gender neutral. Seemed wheelchair accessible to me including an accessible bathroom stall to the right when you first enter, however wheelchair users may have a little difficulty getting around all the people in the foyer pre-show. I did not see if the concessions area was accessible for...

Uncomfortable. Guys, we can preserve history and have comfortable seating. PLEASE change the venue chairs to be more accessible and comfortable. One guy with a cane kept falling, because the rows were so narrow and another was plus size and kept elbowing everyone because he barely fit in the seat. This is not a place for tall people lol Enjoy your bruises, ugh...I love this theater, but update the chairs. You had everyone cramped in there like sardines lol It doesn't have to be that way.

The organization for filing people into their seats was chaos as well lol It all felt extremely haphazard and cramped. I know you do your best to direct flow of traffic in a tiny theater, but you need to direct people more fluidly. Genuinely, putting in larger seats and limiting seats can solve this.

We went to see "White Christmas" over the holiday break and while the actors were phenomenal, the discomfort of the theater made us leave at intermission. I had bruises on my arms and knees the next day, we were that cramped. The production value seemed very cheap as well. The costuming was lovely and the actors were on point, but the set design left a lot to be desired. It looked cheap...

I feel the 5th is a lovely and historical artifact that the city should preserve, but some modern updates would make the experience worthwhile and more accessible to all walks of life. Consider the options please and budget for better set...