Bob Carr is a oldie but goodie. I was here for Anita Bakers Farewell Tour on Friday the 16th of March. First entering i was directed to the left up a few stairs. I really didnt walk throughout the venue to see it all. My seat was an orchestra seat with a up close and excellent view of the stage. Once i was seated i noticed the stage curtain and seating was dated the seats a red velvet material. Not much room to move around in the seat but plenty infront for others to pass to reach their seat. The concert and sound was AMAZING! I have loved Anita over 30yrs. I hear there is a new theatre near by. I would not have cared if Bob Carr theatre was missing the roof. I was here to hear the sounds of a legend. The concert was all that and some. It was packed! I met fans who flew in from Denmark and all over for this special night. There was No seat left empty! There were no dust particles flying thru the air, just the beautiful sounds of the band and the sultry voice of Anita! I would do it all over again. Once the concert started i never sat down longer than 15 seconds anyway. If i didnt dance a hole in the floor that night i think Bob Carr is built to withstand anything. read more

See all

I visited the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre to experience the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. I was disappointed in sound quality throughout the auditorium - the performers were playing their hearts out and would give anyone that goosebump experience but the sound in the right orchestra section was so muted. In terms of acoustics, I couldn't believe this was a live performance. However, the auditorium is able to seat many people, there is an on-site bar that sells a variety of beverages and sweet snacks/nut blends, and all staff I encountered every step of the way from parking, tickets, bar cashier, to door attendants were kind and efficient. If there is a show/performance I wanted to experience, of course I would return. Note: Alcohol is not permitted in the auditorium. read more

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre - Performing Arts Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The Bob Carr has been around a long time and it show's it's age. It is still a nice place to come out for a show and they have a parking garage as well as an open parking area to use ($10). My biggest complaint with the Bib Carr is the seating. Not only one and not very comfortable but no center isle to get to your seats. If your seat is in the center of the place you will enter from the outer side and step over 20-30 people. Not an easy access for those with mobility issues either. read more

See all

I attended the Science Friday Live event here (I heard about it from Yelp! Woo woo!) and I have to say it is a beautiful venue. But....I cannot get past the seating situation. Instead of columns and rows...there are rows all in ONE massive column that spans the entire friggin auditorium. If you're lucky enough to get a middle seat your butt will have been in close proximity to 40 people's faces by the time you reach your assigned seat. So you can pretty much forget trying to scoot back across to use the bathroom mid-show because once you're in, you're in. Not to mention the fire hazard of such a set up. I thoroughly enjoyed Ira Flatow--but I think I will avoid this venue in future simply of how trapped in I felt with the seating arrangements. read more

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre - Smack dab in the middle how I like it--usually. - Performing Arts Near Me - Orlando, Florida

You know, it's a shame because the staff was wonderful and kind, and that's the only reason why I'm giving it two stars because I will more than likely not return to this venue. Throughout the entire Opera we kept hearing microphone screeches and it just really distracted us from enjoying the show fully...I mean, was this theatre really renovated recently? It smells weird and the isles are awkward. It just doesn't hold a candle to the new Dr Phillips performing arts center, and they really should start scheduling the operas and orlando philharmonic shows there rather than here. Why is Orlando Philharmonic getting the short end of the stick? I won't pay again for an evening of high pitched microphone screeches. read more

Visited the Bob Carr Theater for the first time when seeing Trevor Noah's sold out show. I didn't realize that this theater is separate from the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center when I bought tickets from their website. Luckily they send out an email with "Know before your go" tips before the event. I thought that was helpful, it also pointed information regarding parking. There are two conveniently located garages right behind the theater and they charge a $10 flat rate (cash) for events after 4pm. Arriving early helped us get a spot quickly in the lower level. There are some security checks before entering the building. So that was another reason I was happy we arrived early so we wouldn't have to make a line for screening. The theater itself was a little more dated in the lobby. They had some bars for you to purchase drinks and light snacks before the event. For 2 double mixed drinks it was $36. Our seats were on the right balcony on the 3rd row with an unobstructed view of the stage. It was nice to not have to dodge sideways to see past someone's head. The theater was decently sized yet kind of intimate. When the show was over the exits were easily accessible and we were out of the building in less than 5 minutes even with everyone leaving at the same time. Out of the garage it was an easy access to I4 west bound. Overall it was a nice experience. The staff was friendly and helpful in directing you to your seats. read more

2019 Review 92/100 Bob Carr has been a part of Orlando for a long time. With how much the arts scene has grown in this city in recent years, it has become more of a second-tier venue, being replaced as Orlando's main house for ballets, musicals, and orchestras by the Dr. Phillips Center. That said, it's still a decent venue for smaller shows. Acoustics aren't anywhere near the quality you'll find at Dr. Phillips. But if you go in knowing that fact, it's still a decent venue. And it's beautiful with historic charm. If you've lived in Orlando for any length of time you need to see a show at Bob Carr at least once. read more

Recently I went to see the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Of all the years I've lived in Orlando, the Bob Carr has never been on my list of "must-do's". However, I'm glad I experienced it. I saw the show 'The Planets' which I was unfamiliar with, my boyfriend was. Overall, the show was good. It was evident that those who loved Orchestra and understood music thoroughly enjoyed the show. The musicians were all very talented and the crowd cheered each time the opportunity arose. I could feel the passion in the air. Overall, the venue was nice, the seats were comfortable and everyone was polite. We sat at the top left and could see the show just fine. If you love music, get all dolled up and go see a show. I think you will love it! read more

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre - Performing Arts Near Me - Orlando, Florida

See all

Great show. Some old tunes, some new tunes, but all good tunes. Our seats were the best, and we got them at a great price. read more

See all

I can't believe that after living in Orlando for a fair bit, this was my first time attending a show at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. I was very grateful there was tons of parking space, and that the parking attendants, aided by the police, were doing a good job in getting folks moving thru traffic and to a place to park super quick. I did think the $10 parking fee was a bit excessive, but if this money goes back to funding arts in the community, then I am all for it. I think what really struck me was that this Theater had a very workmanship like feel. It struck me as an everyman theater, built for the masses rather than as a destination event space - By that I mean there were no frills (e.g. heavy red curtains, painted ceilings, tiled floors, etc.) and quite unfussy as well, e.g. no orate balustrades or anything like that. Leaving aside these initial exterior impressions, once actually inside the theater, like other reviewers have commented, I immediately noticed the weirdness of how the seats are set up in long rows, with no middle space for an aisle-way. And frankly if you are sitting towards the end of a row, you get a bit sick of this, after the 15th person has stepped on your feet in their attempt to get to their center seat. The only saving grace was that I did feel that there was plenty of room to stretch out my legs - mind you, I'm fairly short so if you are like 6'3 it might be a different experience. Some other reviews have mentioned audio issues - I didn't experience any problems with hearing anything spoken on the stage. So it wasn't all bad, but it wasn't that great or spectacular about coming to this Theater, so if there was something on at this theater I wanted to check out, will def have no problem buying tickets to come back here again. Note: #70 of Yelp 100 challenge for 2016 read more

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre - Inside, from row R mid 20s seat - Performing Arts Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Pretty good, kinda glad there is a new performing arts center coming. I recently attended for Orlando Ballet's Vampire Ball and I was so disappointed there were SO MANY empty seats... get your butts in them Orlando. Ok, the venue: the parking is pricey but hey, you can always park somewhere cheap DT and walk, our DT isn't that big. Now, the lobby and all around center is just laid out weird. It doesn't leave much room for much mixing and mingling. Also, it's not that wheelchair or handicap accessible. And the seating, wow.... there is not center isles, the rows are so long! The ushers didn't seem to know much either which was just weird. Why are you there then? Each seat seemed to get a pretty good view except the corners on the balcony's. The acoustics are not that great either. However, I still really enjoyed the show and had a great time so for now, this will do. read more

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre - Performing Arts Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I've been in the area for over 15 years, and yesterday got to experience for the first time the mediocrity that is the Bob Carr. I was expecting much worse based on what I've heard from several people but in reality, it's a nice theater. I can't really judge the acoustics because we were at a spoken word performance. Parking is $10 and cash only, and the outdoor area looks like it was stunning at one time, but currently looks like it hasn't been maintained in years. The fountains are rusty and filled with leaves and clearly haven't had water in them in a very long time. The interior design is hard to describe, I used to live near NYC and I've been in many theaters, yet there was something unique about the Bob Carr, not in a good or bad way; just different. I would definitely see another show here, but as mentioned in several previous reviews, the seating layout with no center aisle makes very little sense. Our seats were towards the middle of the theater so getting up during the show for a cocktail or restroom break was out of the question. read more

We saw Eddie Vedder at Bob Carr a couple weeks ago and had a wonderful experience! I have never reminisced about a concert after it was over as much as I have about this one- he is just amazing, and the venue complimented the performance well. The venue is interesting to me- when I walked up to the building I immediately began having flashbacks of the lecture hall buildings at my alma mater, UC Davis, many of which were built in the 60's and 70's (stone-concrete walls). You walk inside and the layout is strange- you can tell it used to be a much smaller building which was expanded and encased and glass windows. The auditorium itself is absolutely huge, with little decor and cushy red seats. The seat layout is interesting on the bottom floor- with long rows and only a few isles. We sat directly in the middle of the auditorium on the balcony about 2 rows from the front. I listened to yelp reviews when I selected the tickets- people had said that there is more room on the balcony and the bathrooms are less crowded. Once again, yelpers did not disappoint - had no issues with feeling cramped and the bathrooms were clean and not crowded up there. We didn't buy any food so I can't comment on that. As far as parking was concerned, it was $10 for the lot and we parked close to the exit so that we didn't have to wait too long to leave the complex once the concert was over. I do recommend this venue- I thought the acoustics were great, but maybe it was the ideal seat. We'll be back! read more

I've been to the Bob Carr a few times over the years for performances such as the Orlando Ballet's Nutcracker, Beauty and the Beast, and Wicked. Most recently, I came here for NPR's Ask Me Another (a late birthday present for my husband). Even though the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center is now open, the Bob Carr still hosts some of the smaller performances. The building itself is incredibly old (built decades ago) but they've done renovations since then. Parking is $10 which I think is average for most downtown parking locations. It's conveniently right next to the theater. Inside, there are two floors with minimal food and drink options. Might I recommend grabbing sustenance beforehand? The line was a mile deep when we came for the NPR performance recently so we skipped out on buying a drink. Prices are comparable to the Amway - $7.50 for a beer. There are plenty of ticket collectors and ushers, who are incredibly helpful. Make sure to arrive early and also use the restroom before going to your seat. There is no easy way out of your seat if you're in the middle. The views from the theater from the middle however are wonderful! I've had no problem with the views or sound quality the times I've been here. Finally, the last time we came here it was warm inside the theater. I don't remember the temperature being an issue in previous visits, so you're best to wear a short sleeved shirt and bring a jacket. This theater has a lot of great history and sounds like it will be around for a few more years until further expansion is done downtown. read more

Beautiful theatre, very good acoustic and very well decorated. The design however has much to be desired. The most significant issue from a safety point of view is the seating layout. The rows are very narrow with no break for isles. This can't be helpful, god forbid in the event of an emergency evacuation. As a patron one has to be getting up constantly to allow seat searches to find their way to their seats. This at the least is inconvenient and at best frustrating, almost like experiencing an episode of jack in your the box. Ok not to be a spoiler, but did i say the theater is beautiful, has a very nice human scale to it, but again not very accessible. The many steps and levels makes for a very challenging hurdle course to all but the fittest able bodied individuals. At the time of this review there is significant amount of renovation and construction going on around this facility, hopefully at the end of it all some of the construction effort will find its way inside. read more

See all

I have been passing this PAC for many years on I-4 and never knew it! I always wondered where it was and now I know!! Comfy large seats so you're not hitting anyone next to you. This venue is great for any type of performances...plays, concerts, etc. I was lucky enough to see Crosby, Stills & Nash here and the view was great. Very reasonably priced tickets also. Bob Carr is handicap friendly with a side entrance/exit and a single restroom for use so you don't have to walk around too much. There's a dedicated employee out front after all the performances to call you a taxi but they all can't come at once! You're better off using alternate transportation. read more

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre - front of bldg.-2014 - Performing Arts Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Get here early and prepare to smell mothballs and eau de Old Geezer! ha ha This building is very nondescript and as other have mentioned there is no walkway through the center of the seating, making it a pain in the arse for all involved to get to their assigned seat (not to mention creating an awful situation if there was a fire). The tickets are pricey as well. They charge Broadway prices for a podunk venue. Unless there is a must see show (and I have yet to learn of one) I will not be back anytime soon. read more

The Bob Carr Centre for the Performing Arts is a medium-sized venue located in the heart of downtown Orlando. Bob Carr mostly holds concerts, Broadway plays, symphonies, ballets and operas. The total seating is about 2500 people... so not exactly the largest venue out there, but much more intimate than seeing a performance at the Amway Arena. I've seen a couple of performances here that I greatly enjoyed. My first experience was seeing the Nutcracker ballet with my second grade class. The ballet itself was really entertaining and it was really catered towards the kids. They loved it! My second experience was also with my students to see Rumplestilskin. Also very well done and extremely fun for the children! The groups that Bob Carr hires for these performances are excellent! The theater itself is very nice inside. It's easy to see the stage no matter where you are sitting because of the way the seats are set up. The acoustics are great and it's an ideal place to see a symphony or orchestra perform. read more

Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre - Courtesy of company's website - Performing Arts Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Well, I guess I can now officially say there's really no bad seat in the house. I've been here at sat up front for Rent and in the back for Wicked, but I went yesterday with my class and I got the farthest seat at the end of the last row at the top of the balcony. Saw and heard clearly all that was going on on stage and it was all good! Great place, a bit dated, but it can hold its own against many other performing arts centers! read more

This is a first time review of the Bob Carr - I just watched Sister Act and was impressed by the show, not so much by the center. Food was a bit overpriced for what they were selling, so were the drinks. The bathrooms are way too small for a venue so big, and the seats are terribly uncomfortable. Nonetheless, the layout of the seats and the angle of the floor does allow for good view from about anywhere. I'll be back, but I don't think I'll come hungry next time. read more

Mother's Day - Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra's 58th Season Finale Concert My wife and I were long overdue for a trip to the symphony because of our busy schedules. I received an email that Yelp was giving away tickets to a few of the Yelpers on the Elite squad. I touched base with my son-in-law to make sure our plans did not collide, I took took a chance and was selected. My wife was excited because she loves Classical music. After brunch with the kids and some time with the family at Lake Eola, we discovered a cool spot for a Mango Smoothie called Island Time on the way back to the car. Those Mango Smoothies really hit the spot after a walk in the park on a hot day but now we were all refreshed and had about an hour before the first performance so it was off to the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. We arrived with plenty of time to park and look around. I rarely carry cash on me but that was not necessary since they take credit or debit cards for parking. The attendants were very friendly and there was plenty of parking available. On are way in we could not help but notice that the landscaping was not being well maintained. The fountains were not working and there was damage to some of the planters. The brick of the building looked weathered the lettering on the building was faded. When you enter the building you can see that the building has seen better days but could use a makeover. This was appalling because of the number of tourists that visit central Florida. It was not long before we the crowd was being allowed in and it was open seating because of the low turnout. We found seats about half way up the lower level in the center of the room. It turned out to be a good spot acoustically. The performances started and from beginning to end, these kids ALL displayed so much talent from all of the hours they have spent practicing. Each performance was progressively more difficult and the final performance was Tchaikovsky. The performance by Jessica Chancey on the Flute was beyond words and I expect great things from this young lady in the future. The FSYO gets 5 stars for their performance. The acoustics of the Bob Carr rates 4 stars. The staff of Bob Carr rates 4 stars. Comfort of the seats rate 2 stars. Condition of the restrooms rates 2 stars. Curb Appeal of the building rates 1 star. Why I am only serving up 3 stars overall is the condition of The Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. FSYO deserves a great place to perform because of the level of talent they displayed with today's performance. I look forward to seeing FSYO perform at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. read more

See all

Came here recently for the second time ever to see Book of Mormon. EXCELLENT show but I would've preferred a different venue. It's just not my favorite place to see a show. First of all, this place is hard to find if you're not familiar with the area. There is not really any huge signs saying BOB CARR so you're driving around in a circle. Thankfully I was with friends who knew that part of Downtown...and they were driving..but still. Be prepared to pay for parking and there is plenty of it. Any "free" spots are snatched up early. My biggest gripe with this location is the seating. It's obvious that this is a very old location and the decor is very outdated. My friends and I have season tickets and our seats are at the end towards the aisle/exit. It's rather annoying that theatergoers have no choice but to enter the rows from one side or the other meaning that those seated at the end are left to get up continuously to let people into the row. There was a point where I stopped getting up and hoped the people could squeeze through. Definitely not enough space for people to get through without affecting the seated theatergoers experience during the show. Not to mention, that I saw a theatergoer carry a large piece of the back of a chair that had come off to an usher. C'mon now! That's just plain embarrassing. I can't wait for the new space being built Downtown. And hopefully they took the space between rows into account. read more

I've lived in Orlando long enough to remember when this place had a different name, but too long ago to remember the name of it. I once performed here -- on the floor of the auditorium when they had removable folding seats, playing tandem piano with about 300 other kids. The acoustics need help, big time. I know nothing about design, but something just doesn't work here sound-wise. The lack of a center aisle is a great big pain in the you-know-where. If you are seated in the center for a crowded event, you'll be apologizing over and over again for stepping upon people's feet. This is the first place where I've seen reverse potty parity. On my last couple of visits, the line for the men's room was out the door, while the women's room was flushing along with no wait. read more

It may not have all the flash and glitz compared to the Dr Philips Performing Arts Center, but Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre is still a solid venue that hosts a number of events. I most recently watched a comedian perform here, and the sightlines on the lower level were good, acoustics were solid, and concessions were OK. Parking is a little easier than for DPPAC. Overall a nice place to catch a show. read more

I dig Bob Carr. I've seen all kinds of performances here from the symphony and ballet to stand up comics, sat in the orchestra section to the balcony. No matter where you are in Bob Carr, you've got a good seat. And speaking of, the seats are comfortable, soft and plush. More room for long legs than you'd expect too (particularly in the balcony!) They've started offering a pre-show dinner too, I've noticed. For 20 bucks you can feast on sliders, bbq, a nacho and sundae bar. Ok, so that was being offered before the Dennis Leary show... maybe before the symphony there are more refined options? Eh? Maybe. Bob Carr is a true gem, a classy place to catch a show. read more

I have seen a few shows here at the Bob Carr and have enjoyed them all. The theater itself is small compared to some of the new theaters out there but it has not taken away from the broadway 'feel' of the place. I recently saw Young Frankenstein and enjoyed it very much. Parking is okay as long as you remember to buy a parking pass a few days ahead of the show. You can't buy it after 5 pm the day before the show so make sure you do it sooner. I ended up getting a pass for the public garage next door. The transaction when thru fine but when I gave it to the guy at the garage, he made a noise and a face like he did not want to take it... but he did. The staff is nice. The drinks a bit over priced. There are not enough bars or bathrooms for a 15 min intermission. That is my biggest complaint about the place. It needs bigger or more bathrooms. Thats all... go... have fun... see a show... get some culture! read more

The seats can be tricky--hopefully you will get one where you are not cast in a corner with no view at all. I do not understand why there was a huge empty section of seats with no butts in them during Wicked. Perhaps we should have all moved in those seats to close the gap?. . . Sound, lighting, excellent, along with staff helping to move people along. It's a theatre, and it's ok. Nothing tremendously outstanding about it. It is what it is. . . read more

I went to the Bob Carr for the first time this past Sunday (3/3) to see "Wicked". The play was amazing, but I can't say as much for the theater. Thankfully my sister had been there before and said "get balcony seats on one side or the other", so I did. The seats were comfortable and we had a great view of the stage. However, when I got up to go to the bathroom, I was surprised to find out that there were only 4 stalls in the upstairs ladies room to serve at least several hundred people. On top of that, the toilets didn't flush, and if you did manage to get a toilet or two flushing, the water in the sinks didn't work so you could not wash your hands. I am, however, glad that we got balcony seats on the end of the row, as when I looked down at the floor seating I was appalled. The rows of seats had NO center aisles! The rows had to be 100 people long, with NO center aisle. I can't imagine how THAT got past the Fire Marshall. The center is old and needs updating. There isn't enough room for all of the people to move around comfortably (if the place ever caught fire, people would definitely die trying to get out). Prices for drinks were a bit high, but not horrible. A window had blown out before we got there and the area where the glass was had caution tape around it, but there is no way to prevent that from happening. I would probably go back, but only if I could get balcony tickets on the end of the row and only for a show I REALLY wanted to see. By the way - parking was $8 and there was only one entrance and one exit. Another bit of poor planning. read more

I just saw the Lion King, part of the Broadway Across America series, at the Bob Carr last night and it was awesome, but I'll try to keep my review about the venue itself and not the show. This was second show that I've seen at the Bob Carr, the previous one being about 3 years ago. It doesn't seem like much has changed since then. The acoustics are good and the theater is very nice, even though there's a new Performing Arts center on the way. I'm going to miss this one. It certainly doesn't feel outdated or old. Yes, the layout is a little odd, but I feel like it's cool that way, because it has some character. We sat in the Left Orchestra, row L and had a great view. Bathrooms are fairly limited and expect to stand in line for a while before the show and during intermission. There's also an abundant amount of bars for you to get a drink or snack to take back to your seat. Parking is $10, cash only, so be prepared. You might be able to find cheaper parking if you show up early and don't mind walking a couple blocks. If you do park in the lot next to the theater, my advice would be to get out as early as possible to avoid the congestion. read more

I am not going to post the review to bash the Bob Carr venue or employees, because once we got inside people were great. What I didn't like, and why I won't be back, is because going to and from my car was scary. The hotel is closed that offered valet parking. Wore heals and it was a hike from the car. Lots of construction & fences around the parking lot. Minimal parking spaces. No lights in the parking lot when we returned to the car. I did not feel safe and I will not return until (or if) the construction is done. Very disappointing. read more

Our 12 year old son used his birthday money to buy a ticket to a show and upgrade to the meet and greet. We were never told when this would take place. We asked after the show and were told it already happened earlier. Needless to say he was devastated. The venue emailed us today with info on the meet and greet that happed yesterday! read more

I can't wait until this place is no longer the main venue in Orlando. Every performance I've been to has had horrible sound. The views are great. Staff is always friendly. Parking is cash only and somewhat of a pain. The bar downstairs always gets crowded - head upstairs for less people. The bathrooms always have a long line. Do not try to get an aisle seat on the main floor unless you are ok with people climbing over you the entire show. There is no center aisle and no matter how much you think you're safe, you're not. You will always have someone stumbling in late and crawling over you. I won't miss this place when it's gone. read more

Holy crap do they make it hard to like this place! Go here, and you'll never ask yourself - "gee, I wonder why they opened a new performing arts center just a few blocks away?" I know it's historic and blah blah blah, but that doesn't mean it has to suck. The concert hall itself is actually not that bad. The balcony is laid out well enough that you'll be right in the mix (and possibly get better seats than those in the back rows of the main floor). The rows are shorter too up there, so you have to climb over less people. Acoustics, sound, ambiance - all are decent and good enough - although I do think that the price should reflect the place you're coming to. And top-tier it is not. The worst part about this place is the layout and the concessions though. The layout of the entry and lobby areas are probably the most complicated configuration they could have thought up. Not much they can do about it though, since that is pretty set in stone (literally). But, the area they could use extensive (i.e. extensive-extensive) help in is the concessions/staffing/training - all things that fall under poor management. The staff at the entry points move slow, and seem overwhelmed by the new world of self-printed tickets. The service bars are located in silly areas, that cause major congestion, with bartenders who move so slow it's comical. There just doesn't seem to be any thought given to proper staffing or advance preparation for the events. There's no control or order - it is just the wild, wild west. Everything about the concessions they offer here is outdated - the selections, the systems, and the staff themselves. So, save this venue for must-see's. And just bring a flask! read more

I hope they finish building that new performing arts center soon! Bob Carr is pretty much the only place in the Orlando area to see traveling Broadway shows, and professional opera performances. The theatre is a bit old, and was last renovated in the 1970's. If you are sitting in the orchestra area your seat will feel a bit cramped if you're tall like me, or heavy set. And if you are claustrophobic or have a bladder issues try to get a seat along the aisle, because this theatre's orchestra section is not divided into sections like other large theatres, but instead is comprised of several really long rows of about 100 seats each! This can be very frustrating if there's any late arrivals in the theatre or anyone with an emergency in your row, because there is now way for them to exit quickly. We realized this when we went to see the Phantom of the Opera in February. On our second visit to the Bob Carr, we got some "cheap seats" on the first row of the balcony, and I think had a better view, and a more comfortable experience! The balcony is broken into small sections, and the seats seem to have some more leg room! And for the price of 25$ each my hubby and I saw Chicago quite comfortably! *Sign up for Travel Zoo alerts to get the deals on matinee tickets! **And be prepared to pay for parking, Both times we parked at the hotel across the street for their regular valet parking (15$), they have express valet for 25$ (I think this would be a waste of time and money). If we go again for a another performance, I have to research the parking situation, and see if there's any lots close by that are any cheaper! read more

I've been going to Bob Carr since I was a kid. It doesn't feel like it's changed since then. It's a nice theater, don't get me wrong. And everyone that works there is very nice and accommodating. Even though the Magic have moved to the new Amway, parking at the old Arena is still $10. We were expecting it to come down to $5. Nope. Still not cheap to park. Oh well. Even with nothing going on anymore at the Area, we still got stuck in the lot after. I had to finally back up and go out the entrance to even be able to move. I didn't see any police out on Livingston directing traffic. Anyway, back to Bob Carr. I won tickets to see West Side Story. They were balcony seats. I've never sat up there before. We tried to upgrade at the box office, but they said none were available. It was worth a shot. I felt like I was either going to get a nose bleed or need oxygen sitting way up there, but not a horrible view of the stage since we were only in the second row. The main problem is the acoustics. People have complained about this for years. There were a number of sections of the musical that I had no idea what they were saying. There's no extra leg room at your seats. I could barely cross my legs without bumping my neighbor. And the seats themselves made the arthritis in my knee hurt. Strange as that sounds. Just not all that comfortable. The theater in general needs to be upgraded. But this is nothing new to anyone that's from here. read more

This place is awesome. There are two flaws that are stopping it from being a 5-star. Parking is cash only. Remember that. The other thing is that the seats don't have center aisles. It makes it so awkward. You're forced to cut through everyone. And heaven forbid you have to go to the bathroom during intermission. If you're in the middle, you'll be waiting a while. Try to get the balcony. If you have a small bladder. There's a bathroom up there. The women's rooms are on the "stage right" side and the men's rooms are "stage left." Just note. The thing I love I about this place is the arts. Every time I go, I know I'm going to see a performance so I'm usually in a good mood. So over all I like it. read more

I have been going to the Bob Carr PAC for 4 years now. It is a good location to see a show. The staff is always very friendly and helpful when you are navigating your way around the place. They serve drinks, but they are a little pricey (somewhat expected at a venue of this nature), so I usually like to enjoy a glass of wine somewhere else prior to the show. They have limited snacks. One positive is that you are allowed to take food and drink into the auditorium, which is not allowed in most theaters. The acoustics are a bit rough. I have sat both in the orchestra and balcony and many times it is hard for me to make out what the performers are saying. However, it is not so bad that I have stopped going! read more

My first time at Bob Carr for the Red Chair affair and I must say although I did enjoy the shows the sound of the speakers are just really bad it hurt my ears and its really a small theater they could really use a big upgrade. As I was sitting watching the show I got a slap in the face with cigarette smoke not sure where it came from but it was nasty lol. Parking is too expensive $10 when you can park for free across the street from the old Amway which is right across the street from the School board building which the garage is but steps away from the Bob Carr. There was only a few cars park there I'm guessing that either people didn't want to walk 5 steps or they didn't know it was free. So over all I would go to another show but they definitely need an urgent upgrade of the inside. read more

We've bought season tickets up in the balcony and they are good seats where you can see and hear the performance well. The stage operations are always first class--good lighting, good sets, good costumes, enough to make a believable show. The events have been worth attending, we've enjoyed them a lot. The bathroom situation is rather odd, women on one side and upstairs, men on the other side and on a different floor. But they usually move pretty well, handling the performance guests needs. Nicely maintained, clean, good mirrors. The food is pretty limited--you either like the snack or not. Its hard to get the drinks finished before the performance starts--they allow you to take your water bottles so that's a good choice for us, but they are expensive. Good gift shop with a changing set of items to match the show. Parking is convenient and so far safe--we don't mind the walk. Ticket takers and ushers are very helpful and willing to direct you to the right location. read more

No center isle in auditorium and the drinks are EXPENSIVE! $11 for a mixed and $9 for a bottle of bud. Drink BEFORE you go!!! read more