One of the best theatre experiences on an ongoing basis-year after yesterday producing wonderful shows.

Theater night. The Cinnabar Theater's production of The Last Five Years was an entertaining and intimate experience. We came in support of a friend in the show and enjoyed the small cozy theater's old charm. It provided the perfect backdrop for this emotionally charged musical. The talented 2 person cast did a fantastic -delivering powerful performances that left the audience captivated. The production showcased the complexities of relationships and the passage of time in a truly poignant way. Overall, it was a memorable and engaging theatrical experience. Note: tight parking lot. Come early to make sure you get a space. read more

Cinnabar Theater - Ready to start. - Performing Arts Near Me - Petaluma, California

What a gem! I'm sad it's taken me this long to see a show here. Our friend was the star for this last run and we just had to see her! The cast was small on this particular show, but everyone involved on site and in the production was superb! Well thought out play set; clever layers as a visual to the audience. Sweet overall presentation. We loved this experience; the parking is pretty tight if that matters to anyone; manageable but tight. They have a nice concession bar before the plays with Rocky Mountain local goodies, drinks, wine, coffee, etc. I hope we check out another play soon during their next season when it opens. read more

Cinnabar Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Petaluma, California

There are almost no words to accurately describe the magic and love that is Cinnabar Theater Cinnabar is the epitome of fun, inclusivity, accessibility, professionalism, and growth. My children have been attending the theater for 7 years and they only get better. We have watched our children's confidence and compassion grow with every session at Cinnabar. I know when I drop then off that they will be cared for to the highest degree of love and acceptance within their community and when I pick them up, they are better people. My children feel safe to express themselves and hold that space for their peers. This is the true magic of Cinnabar. If you are considering joining or supporting this enterprise, you are making a wise decision. Welcome to the family and let your light shine BRIGHT -The Goosieff Family read more

An excellent company with professional staff, wonderful programming, and a great young rep. Next level community theater definitely recommend. read more

Broadway Live Theater is back and so is Cinnabar Live Theater, btw, they also allow streaming in the comfort of your home. At the live shows they have assigned seats, but if the show is not sold out you can move to a spot you may prefer, but there isn't a bad seat in the house. They offer a small check in area in a separate room with room to mingle and grab a snack or beverage prior to the show. I don't know why they didn't have this space open prior to COVID-19, but it really is a nice spot. The play was called Dancing Lessons, a touching play about autism with 2 fantastic actors that brought not only autism to the limelight but how things don't necessarily go as planned. Cinnabar has such a variety of Live theater there is bound to be something for everyone. And being able to see such amazing, talented, professional actors in a smaller venue is perfect. No need to go over a bridge, pay for parking or pay astronomical ticket fees. We have it all on a hill in the town of Petaluma, Cinnabar a gem of a theater. read more

Came here to see Little Shop of Horrors with my daughter and her friend. They are teen musical theater geeks. We have lived in Marin for 20 years and if not for our daughter we would never have come here which is a shame. Driving in is a little tricky so study the map. The theater looks like it was built in the thirties so it has an old time charm. We loved the performance and had such fun. They have a little snack bar during intermission which takes Apple Pay although the lady working didn't know it. I think we will come back some day and maybe have lunch nearby first. read more

Cinnabar Theater is "on the move" with its present performances being held in the Warren Theater/Ives Hall on Sonoma State University (SSU) campus, while its future performing space is being built @ Petaluma Village Outlets. On Friday Sept. 20, I went with a friend to see "Oklahoma" which was very entertaining, with inventive staging, delightful dance sequences, and great accompaniment by the 4-piece on-stage ensemble of violin, flute, piano and percussion. Acting and singing by all cast members was excellent! Especially appreciated the lovely blend of women's voices as they sang "Many a New Day" and "Out of my Dreams"--also the rousing rendition by the cast of the title tune "Oklahoma!" Special shout-outs to Jill Wagoner as "Aunt Ellar," Christian Arteaga as "The Peddler" and Quinnie Farley as "Ado Annie," all "character parts" which added so much to the enjoyment of the show! Kudos to all who made this "Oklahoma" better than "OK!" THANK YOU! P.J. Senter read more

Sofie and I went here last Friday and enjoyed ourselves at this small and homey little theater. We watched the stage play "Time Stands Still". This contemporary play was quite good! The script and the players were excellent. Cinnabar is rather unique in how small it is: 153 seats. There are no "bad" seats. We sat next to Ruth, one of the volunteers. I asked her about Cinnabar. She said she'd been there about 15 times and enjoyed every production. "They consistently choose interesting plays to produce, and the actors are very good." Sofie and I could see that many couples return again and again. There were lots of "Howdy!" and hugs when patrons recognized each other. The snacks at intermission are good and reasonably priced. A bottle of beer is $5. Brownies are home made by one of the volunteers. Parking is kind of annoying as the lot is small - but volunteers coordinate parking and exits. Seating is open - so if you feel the need to sit on the 50 yard line, get there early and wait around a while. Waiting isn't a pain. People are friendly and the grounds are attractive and comfortable. Season ticket holders have "front of line" privilege - but there were only 10 or 15 on that day. Sofie and I sat in the second row. If you have never visited the Cinnabar Theater, you should! Great entertainment. It is next door to Lombardi's Deli - and if you haven't been there, you should go there too! read more

Cinnabar Theater - Come smell the roses... - Performing Arts Near Me - Petaluma, California

Reviewing a theater like this is obviously a snapshot in time since each show will bring something different. So this is a hybrid review - mostly about the space itself and a little about this particular show. This was our first time attending a regular performance at Cinnabar. We came once before for a special Valentines Day event of dinner and music (which was also fun). This is a small space which means there are really no bad seats (unless you get caught behind that one giant person). But here's the good thing - it's open seating! So if you want you can hand pick the person you want to sit behind. Scope out the crowd and make a dash for the seat behind the short guy. Just be aware that season ticket holders are allowed to go in and find seats ahead of the general admission crowd. You line up outside accordingly. There is a small refreshment stand/bar which is reasonably priced (I highly recommend the brownie) and you are allowed to bring your refreshments into the theater. Seats are basic but comfortable. The current show "The Most Happy Fella" is a musical by Frank Loesser of Guys and Dolls fame. This show is opera like - with most everything being sung - and while this cast is great and incredibly talented the show itself is sometimes laborious. Much of the score is unremarkable besides the two songs with which you may be familiar - Standing on the Corner (watching all the girls go by) and Big D especially the second act. That is not to say that this isn't a show worth seeing because it is. For me however once is enough. The lead players Stephen Walsh and Jennifer Mitchell do a wonderful job and have some very touching moments together and the supporting cast have some genuinely entertaining scenes. Overall we totally enjoyed our evening and if this cast is any indication of those to come we look forward to the next show. read more

Cinnabar Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Petaluma, California

I love everything about Cinnabar. Great quality shows, fun conversation starter with my child. xoxo gossip girl read more

Careful -- very small theatre with no one wearing masks during a Covid outbreak. Not worth hearing mediocre music under these circumstances! If you do go, wear an N95, or better yet, spend the money to stream a first rate company or attend a better performance. It really seems like they are a community group made up of many volunteers. A local college performance might be cheaper and certainly as good or better! read more

It is really good to see live theater making a comeback in Sonoma County. First big concern: COVID and Cinnabar appeared to pass muster. At 5 p.m. two tickets were purchased, and we left immediately for dinner. Two bowls of soup and a croissant later and now am at will call. Proof of vaccination was required. Said I: "There was no mention of this on the web site. I read it carefully." Reply, "Well, the policy is stated clearly on your ticket confirmation sent by e-mail." "I didn't receive any confirming e-mail. All I saw was 'will call' when my credit card was charged." "You'll have to provide on-line verification." I never carry my phone to the theater. Round trip iPhone retrieval, back in line, awaiting three links, and none came. The line is backing up. To speed things up, a visibly annoyed usher took my phone -- politely but still unwelcome -- to provide help. He did not wash his hands before handling my phone. Seeing there was an issue, another of the staff came to provide assistance. Realizing that a link wasn't coming through and nothing else to offer for proof, I was admitted, albeit reluctantly. (I was masked and fully vaccinated. Remember, I'm at risk here also. And I DO understand the larger picture here and to show consideration for all who are around me.) Finally being shown to our seats, multiple stains from unidentifiable liquids deposited previously were more than noticeable. Requesting a clean chair free of puddle marks, paper towels were offered instead. (While waiting I noticed that more than a few chairs also shared visible stains of varying size.) The website for the theater states that the chairs are cleaned after every performance and the HVAC system meets or exceeds COVID requirements. It's hard not to editorialize on the glaring inconsistencies of how public safety is being achieved and maintained. Screen the customer (almost to the point of not being admitted), unwelcome handling of my phone, requiring everybody's cooperation for masks, and then being shown to a chair that had liquid stains--and these inconsistencies are easily fixable. 1) Consistency between the website as well as the ticket. 2) If personal property is to be handled by a staff member, policy in place for handwashing before contact. 3) A thorough cleaning of chairs as stated on the website. Will these foibles prevent me from returning? Probably not. But in the future I will do what I need to be fully prepared to enjoy shows here. Now how about the theater meeting somewhere in the middle, and with very little effort, achieve consistency? read more

Arrogant and rude people run this place. The false sense of entitlement after career failure prevails. The shows are "unimaginative and pedestrian" inside the box type performances over and over. Stuck in a void of non creativity and limited vision, it is a barn, run by the small minded. There are talented actors but little more. read more

We are relatively new to Petaluma and were delighted to find such a truly fine local theater company. After seeing several performances that impressed us - Arcadia, Man of La Mancha, All that Jazz - we became season subscribers and are enjoying that as well. Don't miss out on what an excellent, very professional local theater company we have. read more

This was my first theater experience at the Cinnabar. Their driveway entrance is right off Petaluma Blvd but if you blink you miss it. Drive up the driveway and the parking lot opens up. I hear that you should get there early for parking. We had no trouble and we saw Mice & Men on a Friday night. Then again, we got there in plenty of time. The staff was professional and friendly. We had a friend who came with us hoping to get a last minute ticket to a sold out show and he just made it in. The acoustics were great. It gets a little stuffy in the back rows. The actors are fantastic; it was really easy to get lost in their character and forget you're watching at a theater. I really would go back and watch more from this theater. This production I saw was high quality and we had a great experience all around. read more

Amazing community theater! The Young Rep program rocks; I can say that from personal experience. Everyone there is always friendly and accommodating, and like my second home! They have fabulous staff and and a great season every year. It is the place to go for top of the notch theater. Hope to see you there! read more

what a gem!! i don't often go to local theatre but the GF asked me to go to a one woman play. I've driven by the Cinnabar often over the years but never gone...my loss!! this is a perfect small, local theatre that has charm and the warm feel we remember from past times.... I have to say that being asked to a one woman play that is entitled, "bad dates" doesn't really resonate well as i thought it might just be a rant of man bashing, but trying to keep an open mind n heart, i was pleasantly surprised at the portrayal of this middle aged single mother's life in new york. yes, it was from a woman's perspective...duh!! and her obsession w shoes, clothing n bling...but she balanced her performance well and i really enjoyed the show... i would say that the rustic charm, open beam ceiling, and intimate limited seating all add to why i will come back to other performances....i do appreciate that they have great sound and excellent production tech gear...so sue me i'm a geek!! looking forward to the next production!! read more

We drove all the way from Oakland to see their production of Amadeus and it was absolutely stunning. Well worth the drive, and I look forward to more from this theatre in the future! read more

This review is solely about the "host" guy! We walk in, and the man who greeted us (if that's what you want to call it) was super rude. We were treated like 5 year olds! We got yelled at for talking in the bathroom. And were told that because we were late, we would have to sit in the aisle. He handed us one butt pad! When were were a group of three. That's why this place got a 2 star rating! He is the first person you see when you walk in the door, didn't make any of us feel welcome! However the show was lovely! We watched Annie, and the kids did a great job! Wish the whole experience could have been lovely so we would feel like coming back! read more

We just saw the final performance of Good People at the Cinnabar Theater, and it was wonderful. Top-notch acting/directing; two of our party of four were in tears as the play came to a close. We all just loved it. Last thing I saw here was Don Giovanni, an opera, which was equally amazing and included a small orchestra that played beautifully. I should have written a review then. This theater is small, so the good news is there are no less-than-great seats, but the real draw is the first-rate staging, acting and directing. I don't know how they do it, but they do. read more

How can there only be 7 reviews for one of the best cultural spots in town? Cinnabar is just a little jewel -- offering not only fantastic dramas all year, but musical events, and a fantastic summer camp for kids! My kids are now in the Young Rep, and just LOVE to attend. The staff and directors and counselors are TOP NOTCH, and I am very picky when it comes to places my kids can hang out. Love Love Love this place! Check out their website and get some culture! read more

Thanks for your community theater/operas. Always a hoot. Unless it's a tragedy.

We saw the musical "Man of La Mancha." The actors, musicians, props, and set drew us into Don Quixote's imagination! The dungeon set and prisoners watching the play in a play made us feel as if we were prisoners among them also putting Miguel Cervantes imagination on trial. read more

Cinnabar Theater is one of the best things about Petaluma! Opera, drama, comedy, music, youth theater and education. And excellent fundraising events that involve the entire community such as the Great Petaluma Chili Cook-off, Salsa and Beer Tasting and the Taste of Petaluma. read more

Was amazed at the youth production of 'Into the Woods'.....really difficult show for any age...all that Sondheim music and words. These kids were brilliant. They didn't miss a beat. Gorgeous costumes and set. The Baker's Wife, Amanda, was about as good as I've ever seen, even with adults. Highly recommend this show. read more

Folks at the theater are friendly. Definitely a work of love for the community. We also go up for the Men of Worth concert and it is definitely a groupie experience. We don't even live in Petaluma - drive up for the experience! read more

I was at today youth show "The Little Mermaid" to support the local theatre and the kids ( most importantly my sons friend ). I appreciate the effort the kids put in to it and the time the cinnebar gives to the kids. This review is not on the show. No, this is about the inadequate parking. I live 4 minutes away. I left my house at 130 for a 2pm show. I get there only to have them tell me the lot is full. What would have been nice was a sign on the bottom (both ways) telling me that. I was told to park on skill man. Everything was taken. I didn't want to miss the performance so we parked in Lombardi's and prayed that we didn't get towed. If cinnabar wishes for people to support their theatre then they need to show alittle more consideration for its patrons. Maybe an agreement with Lombardi in exchanged for free tickets to a performance of their choice. For use of some of their parking lot during youth performances. I was told to carpool. Which is nice but not feasible at all. Good job with the show. Poor job with parking. read more

The best little theater in town. Cinnabar offers high-rate acting in Petaluma. Worth the price and a visit to see great talent.

To keep the theater going they have the best fundraisers and events....The Great Petaluma Chili Cook-off, Taste of Petaluma, Cinna-Dinners, Valentine's Day dance, comedy nights, concerts...they're all fun and are great ways to keep this terrific theater doing its work. read more

Cinnabar Theater productions never cease to amaze me - ingeniously the intimate theater is transformed, enabling me to journey off to places where my senses are delighted by the magic created. I always walk away with my spirits uplifted, new found wisdom to cherish or thought provoking questions to ponder. read more

Imagine OPERA in the Egg capital of the World???...If you can, you will realize that the church REALLY is stronger in the provinces than in Rome. We recently caught "Candide" (Leonard Bernstein's-with a LOT of help from his friends - romp through Voltaire, sex and silliness)and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. No matter what the economy is doing, no matter what is in fashion, no matter what precious revolution is going on, Cinnabar consistently delivers the unexpected, the un-encumbered and the utterly delightful experience. Perhaps it is what theater really was intended to do - enliven and enrich our lives. If you are coming from THE CITY and can get yourself across the bridge, through the tunnel, past the outlet mall and up the hill, you are in for a treat. Plus you can drink your wine and munch on your cookie IN the theater without fear of the stain or crumb police. read more

My daughter just started an 8 week youth acting workshop. what a kind director and staff. These folks are organized and successful. Thank goodness, given these times. read more

Just saw "The Price" this past weekend! Wow, what a great piece of writing, directing, and acting! We were totally engrossed in the great story, terrifically portrayed characters, and beautiful staging. What this theater can do is amazing, as we've experienced before. Well worth the drive we make to come to Petaluma! Bravo, Cinnabar! read more