I've seen two plays here and one was in each of the stages. The latter one was The Most Beautiful…read moreRoom in New York in the larger stage since it was a musical. The former was Small Mouth Sounds and was a mostly silent play. Both were very funny, provocative, and relatable. The theaters are both on the smaller scale but they have enough accommodations for the types of plays they host. As you walk in, a bar is present that offers the full range of drinks, alcohol included, and snacks. Because the box office is smaller, there is not as much milling about by the other guests as people try to take their seats. However, there is a queue as people try to find their seats. You would think that for such a small theater it wouldn't be that difficult or take so long but I guess not. For myself, I bought each of my tickets so long ago, so I did not remember where my seats are. Anyways, as I said the plays were phenomenal! I think CT theater (Hartford included) does not get enough credit for the types of plays and actors we are able to pull. If you are on the fence about visiting, just go already.

I'm a big theater fan and been hitting the circuit for the past 45 years, Long wharfs past…read moreperformances at the original location have been stellar. That was THEN before the shuffling around to various locations. With the current direction of selling the public on "mobile" theatre is a no-go form me. Haven't been there since before covid. I'm retired and look forward to visiting a stable location, I have no interest for "new" unfamiliar locations being as though I live a hour away traveling interstate 91. Bad move in my opinion so I haven't been back. I'm usually at Hartford Stage or Theatre works, stable, great shows without the searching all over town. Long Wharf, get your stuff together and I'll return when you do.

Looks like no one has reviewed Yale Rep in years! Lucky for me that I have some recent experience…read moreto share. Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably already know that Yale Repertory is a world-class theater in downtown New Haven. They have multiple productions each year and bring in world-class acts. I've found my brief interactions with people who work here very straightforward but also warm. They really make you feel welcomed here! The two shows I've seen were very thought provoking. Father Comes Home in March 2018 was truly epic and moving. The Prisoner in November 2018 was not as enthralling to me, but it was unique. On our most recent visit, we learned we could not bring in bottles into the theater after it had already been opened. No big deal because we had time to drink it quickly, but keep that in mind.

I've seen several shows at the Rep thanks to the $10 student tickets that you have to buy in packs…read morebut can easily pawn off on friends. The tickets really are a steal, and I've enjoyed every show (I think that's Tartuffe, A Woman of No Importance, and Happy Now?). Seats are comfortable, and the shows start and end on time, which is...I don't know why I'm impressed by this, but I am. All in all a great way to spend an evening. Just a note, though - if you want coffee at intermission, run. You can pee later while everyone else in the building is waiting in line for coffee.

This afternoon's entertainment was Mrs. Doubt Fire the Musical Comedy. This wonderful adaptation of…read morethe smash hit movie staring the late great Robin Williams and Sally Field was a pure delight to see live on stage. Craig Allen Smith portrayal of Daniel Hilliard was, in my opinion genius. The comedic timing of Smith as Daniel was a breath of fresh air honoring Robin, right down to his impressions. The entire cast were outstanding in their own right. It made me laugh, smile and cry. This was my third show at the Shubert and I can't wait to see what else is coming this year. If you haven't been here yet? What are you waiting for? Thanks again to the Shubert for another great time!

Good to come back and enjoy a show. Beautiful inside and staff, from those doing bag checks to…read morethose helping find seats, all we friendly. Hint: We opted to find parking and walked ten minutes. Saved 10+ minutes of frustration waiting to get in and out elevator / garage. And the we were wanted to be for shopping /food. We sat in the Mezzanine and had a good view. It's classic and cozy, will be going back.

Yale Cabaret is NOT the same as Yale Rep. Yale Cabaret is more for encouraging experimentation and…read moreinnovation in Yale drama students and connected groups/communities. I love their values: cultivating love as action, nurturing artistic, spiritual, and communal growth, and engaging the community to expand their boundaries and learn new skills. I attended their holiday show and dinner, By the Hearth, a bit of holiday variety show. Some people sang songs. Some people did comedy. One performer did a poignant soliloquy about losing his dad and his love of Phantom of the Opera. I really enjoyed the skit/songs featuring the two kids who were told there was no Santa. You can tell these students (some are grad students in their 30s, so don't assume these are all young college kids) are funny and talented. Even though every skit didn't land with me, I really felt the community there, and it felt like a safe place to be. I had the dinner as well. They had some basic dishes--braised beef roast (they were out, bummer), roasted garlic parm cabbage wedge with mashed potatoes, and smothered pork chop. They also have starters, such as grilled octopus, French onion soup, and mushroom toast. The mushroom toast was very good, I ate it all! They also have dessert and wines/beers/cocktails. You can order a prix fixe for a bargain as well. Dinner starts at 6:30 PM for the 8 PM show and they take orders until 7:20 PM. There are six (?) tables up front and three tall tables in the back. I started at the tall table in the back, as I arrived a little later, and it was fine, but the two rows of seats in front of those tables were also high chairs, so before the show started, I moved to the front row. I also want to say the servers and the manager was super nice and accommodating. And I loved that the actors/performers and staff were all diverse from all walks of life. Again, I enjoyed the show. It was fantastic seeing original material and you never knew what to expect from one minute to the next, and you could tell they were having fun. I compare this group to like Second City or The Groundlings. At the very end of the show, I was getting my coat and bag together to leave and I dropped my wine glass (from my wine ordered at dinner) and it shattered everywhere. One of the actors yelled, "mazel tov" and it became a natural moment in the show. They marched off the stage and the glass was cleaned up. Before the show, I told the manager that I've been to tons of shows, including some of the biggest Broadway productions, but I often find "the shows in basement are the best time." That ending mazel tov cemented my opinion about this place. Thank you, Yale Cab.

Quality theater and a sexy intimate vibe for a $10 ticket? Even if you throw in some of the wine…read moreon offer, we're still talking seduction on the cheap. Sure, I'm not slinky enough to pull it off, but it could certainly work in theory. I've been to two shows at the Yale Cabaret, and have enjoyed myself thoroughly both times. The quality of the acting is top-notch, even at what could be an uncomfortably close distance. The space is tiny, with very limited seating, so booking tickets in advance is fairly important. The sacrifice in convenience is repaid many times over by the cozy atmosphere. There isn't a lot of fancy decor to speak of, but with the soft lights and the little round tables with high chairs, you can almost hear the air tinkle with glass and jazz and other pleasant things. The shows themselves were entertaining, though I'll admit that the odds of finding a stellar script are higher at more established, less student-run places like the Rep. The shows do seem to be shorter, which is often a plus, and really, the experience is worth your time. The venue inspires love, and that's hard to beat.

I have been going to the Elm Shakespeare performances at Edgerton Park for the past six years…read more These plays in August are part of my essential activities for summer. The focus is Shakespeare, but there are years when Elm Shakespeare rotates between Shakespeare and another playwright. The productions are top quality and understandable with excellent staging. Please leave the kids younger than age 12 at home, so they don't distract those of us there to see the show. These shows are not something most children would understand or appreciate. Edgerton Park is a great place to see a show. Surrounded by a stone wall, this former estate with its large trees and extensive lawns is a peaceful oasis in the city. Be sure to bring a picnic dinner and a beverage of your choice. While the productions are free, Elm Shakespeare requests a $20 donation from adults to help cover their costs, a donation I gratefully give the organization.

From the owner: Elm Shakespeare Company is a premiere theater company known for producing outstanding theater and…read moreeducational programs that enrich the lives of people from widely diverse cultural, socio-economic and educational backgrounds. Our performances engage people from near and far. Our theater and educational outreach make an enduring contribution to the artistic, cultural and economic vitality of the region.

New Haven Ballet is great for those of us getting back into dance after a few years off. Open…read moreclasses are easily accessible at this location and 591 Whitney Ave at the Whitney Arts Center and affordable. Student rates available. Classes for school aged kids by semester/year. Experienced and fun teachers.