National Theatre DC — Attraction in Washington

I had a horrible experience taking my 86 year old disabled mother to see the matinee of Porgy and Bess yesterday. National Theatre is not disabled or elderly friendly. There is no valet or on street handicapped parking available. When I called to get information on the best place for handicapped parking, there was no information on handicapped parking and there was no one to speak to about handicapped parking. The recording directs you to the website, which talks about parking garages and metered parking, etc., but not handicapped parking. There was no available street parking so we chose the closest parking garage to the theater to park in. There is minimal handicapped parking available in that garage, and we were forced to park in the lowest level because handicapped parking was full. My mother would have had to climb 2 flights of stairs just to get to the level with the handicapped parking, so we were forced to walk up 2 ramps. Once we got to the handicapped parking level, the signage to National Theatre pointed to STAIRS!! There was an unmarked freight elevator, which we took that up to the lobby of the office building next to the theater.

After the performance, the guard in the building housing the garage was directing people to the stairs down to the garage because she claimed the freight elevator was "out". Just to get to the handicapped parking level required going down 2 flights of stairs. I complained, as did other numerous theater patrons, and I forced the guard to let my mother sit in a chair behind the guard desk as my mother was not able to go down the 3 flights of stairs to get to our parking level. In fact, there was a combination lock on the door to the lowest level of parking and I was lucky enough that the guard gave me the combination. Other patrons parked on that level were not given the code to get to their car.

After waiting 25 minutes in line to get out of the garage, I had to double park in front of the building and I found my mother waiting outside in the cold and dark. The security guard disappeared after numerous people complained and because she did, my mother -- who is 86 -- was worried I would not be able to get in the building to retrieve her.

We both loved "Porgy and Bess". We both hate National Theatre. I take my mother to the theater a few times a year, and we will NEVER go to National Theatre again. I recommend Arena Stage for elderly and disabled patrons -- they are extremely disabled and...

I rarely leave bad reviews, but this one merits it.

I went to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on 7/10/25. I’m a big HP fan, and I was excited. But if it weren’t for the stage craft (which is fabulous), I would have left at intermission.

First, the good: the theater was clean, the staff was very polite, and the stage effects in the show were fabulous.

Now, for the not so good...

The theater has a stated policy that latecomers are not tolerated... and yet it was like a latecomer PARADE. There was CONSTANT movement--people coming in and out, ushers' flashlights, phone flashlights, light from the door,… I had to get up at least 10 times each half to let people pass by me, and when I was in my seat I was getting blinded by the opening and closing of doors. It made it incredibly hard to follow an already convoluted plot with rapid changes of scene with all of that going on. Then there was the constant light from the phones of people around me, and the ushers said nothing despite clearly seeing it.

I'm sure it's really hard to tell latecomers and patrons"no" or "hey, put away your cell phone," but I paid $100+ for what proved to be an incredibly frustrating experience.

To their credit, one of the ushers must have noticed my growing annoyance, because she offered to move me down to a seat on the lowest level. At that point, though, I would have been the one disrupting the people in both sections, so I decided to stay put.

As for the show--wonderful visuals and some good performances (and some very hokey ones, but--hey--HP is supposed to be fun). But wow, the plot is terrible and everything moves way too fast. There's a scene change every 2-3 minutes for 2.5 hours. They cut a 2-part play totaling 4-5 hours to 2.5 hours... and it shows.

Unless you're a diehard,...

The National Theatre in Washington, DC, is a historic gem that has long stood as a beacon of cultural sophistication and performance art in the nation's capital. This iconic venue offers a diverse array of live entertainment, ranging from grand Broadway productions to unique, thought-provoking plays and lively musical performances, ensuring there is something to suit every taste.

The architecture of the National Theatre combines grandeur with intimacy, providing an atmospheric setting that enhances each show. The interior is beautifully maintained, reflecting its storied past while offering comfortable seating and excellent sightlines that make every seat feel like the best in the house.

What truly sets the National Theatre apart is the quality of its productions. Each performance is executed with the highest level of professionalism, featuring talented casts and creative direction that bring each story and character to vivid life. The theatre's commitment to presenting top-tier entertainment is evident in its consistently stellar reviews and the enthusiastic responses from audiences.

Additionally, the staff at the National Theatre are known for their professionalism and warmth, contributing significantly to the overall experience. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted by helpful and courteous staff, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.

Visiting the National Theatre is more than just a night out; it's an experience steeped in cultural richness and historical significance. It remains a cornerstone of Washington, DC’s arts scene, beloved by both the local community and visitors from around the world. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or looking for a memorable night out, the National Theatre is truly a place where magic...