"Hakuna Matata" what a wonderful phrase.... "Hakuna matata" is a Swahili phrase meaning "no troubles" or "no worries". Disney's The Lion King North American Tour was a welcome production to the "D". This was take 2 in seeing this play and it did not disappoint. Last time I experienced this play was in Toledo. I can hands down say that the Detroit Opera House was a 100 percent better experience. The Opera House is beautiful and has better seating. There is not a bad seat in the house. The experience in seating on the main floor along the aisle was a wonderful treat. Iykyk Bravo Detroit Opera House! Take a bow! The Detroit Opera House Parking Center is directly across the street on the corner. Please note that the Detroit Opera House does have a required bag check. read more

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From the moment I walked through the doors, security and rest of the staff were warm and welcoming. I was there for a private pre-show event and the usher took the time to walk with me outside and point me in the right direction. The food was very tasty and we were able to meet and take pictures with three members of The Lion King production. There are elevators throughout the Opera House and plenty of parking nearby. Facility is clean and has such beautiful architecture. Acoustics are wonderful and there are no "bad seats". The show was AMAZING and my seat was fantastic. Back of the main floor on the aisle, which meant seamless entry and exit. There are plenty of restrooms on each floor and they are very clean. In addition, snacks are available for purchase. Merchandise selection was great and they had some pretty nice bundle deals. I purchased a blanket, Hakuna Matata tea mug and received a tote bag for $65. This is a traveling production. I highly recommend seeing it! The stage, costumes, music, and story are heartwarming. A great night out in Downtown Detroit! read more

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What an incredible night! We had such an amazing night out seeing the Lion King. I've seen the production years ago, but this production and cast were top tier! We had quite a large crew who came to see our cousin perform as young Nala. The venue is stunningly beautiful and they do a great job managing the masses. I've been here many times, but tonight was such a special occasion! read more

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I was able to see the Harlem Dance Theater inside the Detroit Opera House. I love the design of this building. This well-maintained structure is a feast for the eyes. I love the lighting, architecture, and features that bring the Opera House to life. The staff is very helpful and the acoustics are great. read more

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Wow, what a wonderful night at the Detroit Opera House! we were visiting to see back to the future, the musical, and it was fantastic! The staff are always very accommodating and the location is incredible! It's like going back in time being able to visit a location like this. Parking right across the street with fairly reasonable prices. We certainly can't wait for the next opportunity to come back. Thank you for a wonderful experience! read more

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(4/5) Absolutely wonderful show! Back to the Future: The Musical at the DSO was full of energy, great performances, and nostalgic fun from start to finish. We had box seats, which offered a fantastic view of the stage -- perfect for watching all the action. The only downside was the seating itself -- the cushions were so worn down that you could feel the springs, making it pretty uncomfortable for a long musical. Still, the incredible production more than made up for it! read more

Detroit Opera House - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Gorgeous venue!!!! Wow, just beautiful. Friendly staff and lines move quickly. I attended a performance of the Alvin Ailey Dance company and it was excellent. Lovely experience. read more

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We could only get into the lobby because they're setting up for Jimmy Fallon coming & filming from here on Sunday. The lobby was ornate and majestic. There isn't a gift shop, but there is one online. read more

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I love this theatre. The interior decor is so beautiful. It's also hard to find a bad seat in the house! I tend to favor mezzanine seating, but here main floor is great and the best seating may be the box seats! They are roomier, yet more intimate. Each box has twelve seats and its own door so it feels like your exclusive section. All the attendants are super nice and helpful. I'll definitely return, and highly recommend! read more

Detroit Opera House - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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The Lion King. A fantastic performance in a absolutely beautiful setting. The Opera House is just gorgeous from top to bottom. Acoustics are great. Seats can be a little uncomfortable. The Lion King performance fit very well on the stage. Parts of the performance were staged in the aisles and the balconies. Plenty of room to accommodate the actors. I am looking forward to attending other shows as soon as possible. Definitely a go to place in my book. read more

Beautiful location!! Friendly staff & great venue. Would definitely attend more events here

If you don't need accessible seats then I highly recommend the opera house. It sucks to always have to sit in the very back near the doors. So my experience is disrupted constantly for people going in and out. The building is beautiful but it's just old and not really accessible. You might need a Push up inclines if you're a wheelchair user. There is one wheelchair accessible bathroom and there's always a wait because they allow anyone to use it. read more

Wow doesn't even begin to describe the impressive design and history of this opera house. There are pictures of performers who have been in this venue hanging throughout the location and it is great to see the history captured in this way. I especially enjoy the architecture of the building in addition to the amazing sound quality. The staff we're very courteous and the security team were very attentive. I absolutely recommend visiting this location, even if it's just for a tour. read more

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I arrived at the location and looked for parking. Ibfound a parking spot directly in front. Lucky me. I was here to see a concert for Gregory Porter. The checking flow was quick and easy. I was directed to the seating immediately. It was simple to grab a snack or a drink. Lines were long at certain points but moved quick. The sound was great. Nit too loud and no interference. The seating was comfortable. I look forward to visiting again. read more

Detroit Opera House - In concert hall - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

The concert we went to see was great (George Clinton - The Music of Parliament). Not very happy with the venue at all. First time there and I have been in the Detroit area for years. It was a 10 degree night and the extremely rude and aggressive employees at the entrance told all of the women NO PURSES allowed. That is NOT on the website. The website states that bags or purses are subject to be searched. Most venues allow a small crossbody purse or a fanny pack. So it was a long walk back to the parking deck to lock our purses in the car. There are no good parking options, other than the deck, with costs almost $50 to park! The Opera House is very confusing, thousands of stairs and aisles - very difficult to navigate. Most areas are dimly lit. Lines to get a drink, pop, or even a water were miles long. They need a better system. Overall quite disappointed. read more

Probably an unpopular opinion but I don't love the Opera House. True, it is beautiful here. I love the winding staircases and the gorgeous chandeliers. I have enjoyed many plays and musicals here and the stage typically has superb set designs. I have loved what I have seen, this weekend's performance of Wicked was stellar, thanks to all of the phenomenal actors, but I do not love the space. This theater is on a very small plot of land. There are not a lot of places for people to move around, sit, socialize, get into line for merch, eat or drink, or even go to the restroom. It is so narrow. Once seated, the space is very tight. It is extremely uncomfortable. There is no leg room, your knees are right at your chest, like a very uncomfortable airplane. You are too close to everyone, it is very claustrophobic. This is my third time seeing Wicked, and I really had hoped it was at the Fisher. That theater has tons of room, plenty of places to get drinks and food and eat and socialize. Their restrooms are more plentiful and easier to get to, and their seating is way better. On the other hand, when you sit in nose bleeds, like I do, you can actually see the entire stage. We were way in the back and I had the perfect view even though I was on the side. There was no one in the way even though it was a full house, and is was a great spot to catch all of the details. I am not sure if they could renovate, and I would never want to take down an old and gorgeous space, but I wish they would put more of these very popular musicals and plays that will sell out in the Fisher. Maybe use the Opera House for something less crowded where you can space out more. read more

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This is such a gorgeous theater inside! The decor is so ornate. It kind of reminds me of scenes you would find on a carousel. I loved the big chandeliers. They remind me of the chandeliers at the Oriental Theater in Chicago. My sister, her boyfriend, and I saw Beetlejuice here. We were seated in the balcony, which had a really good view of the show. It just had a few staircases to get to our seats. Overall, we had an excellent experience! read more

Detroit Opera House - Chandeliers - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Definitely an experience. The opera house is beautiful inside. My first time visiting. I saw Alvin Ailey Dance ballet which I highly recommend seeing in any city they are performing in. I was seated in the Main Orchestra, maybe 10 rows from the stage. Seats are comfy and spacious. I didn't feel crammed in. I went using a RUSH ticket... Student/RUSH tickets which are discounted tickets for students/seniors etc are available for many of these shows so if you still have a student ID--- take advantage of this discount. My ticket was $25 opposed to $245. A win is a win. These tix are available ~ 30mins to 1hour prior to show time and they are limited so show up early. 2 tix per person. Alcoholic Beverages are served outside in the foyer which made the experience even better. The lines are ridiculous tho so I would advise sending one person prior to an intermission. read more

Detroit Opera House - Alvin Ailey Dance Ballet - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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I had been to Detroit Opera House recently to attend an event that it was Shen Yun dance. It was such a wonderful performance, and I would recommend everyone to get the opportunity to witness the beautiful, colorful, graceful dance of China and a little history related to China, which was very special. but the Detroit house was a wonderful place. It is so well maintained and so much art and history was visible in its building. The chandeliers were wonderful. The staircase was so grand elegant and so well kept. It's a wonderful place to look back at history like how Detroit was long time ago and how rich its culture was, overall wonderful place to visit for events. read more

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Ridiculous bag policy with no advance warning! Forget about seeing another sponsorship or ticket from me! Website indicated small purses allowed, but security said no. Dozens of angry, cold attendees forced to go back to their vehicles in subzero temperatures to return bags to their cars. Website clearly states bags ARE permitted. The Opera House apparently doesn't need money. All they had to do was make a conspicuous effort to warn people. Saw a man with a defector being barked at by a security goon that he had to walk to the opposite entrance door to be admitted. The man was disabled! I hope an ADA attorney reads this! A good class action suit if I ever saw one! read more

Staff is wonderful and helpful! Views are great from almost every seat. However, comfort is a little lacking as seats are a little tight. read more

Detroit Opera House - Seats - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

We visited the Opera House to see Wicked. The building is gorgeous. I love architecture and am always in awe when I enter these places in Detroit. Seats were comfortable and there is helpful staff directing you at every entry door which is lovely because finding your seats can be challenging but we were guided the entire way! Bathrooms moved smoothly and were clean! Overall a wonderful experience. We parked at a lot a very short walk away, for $5! Otherwise, if parking in the structures, make sure to allow yourself time to park. read more

Detroit Opera House - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Saw WICKED on the matinee show on February 18, 2024. Getting to downtown Detroit was easy and even with the traffic, we were able to park into the parking garage at ease. Parking was $30 at the parking garage that was owned by the Detroit opera house. Security was quick and thorough at the theatre and staff was very friendly. It was very easy to find our seats with the ushers. Everything is super organized. Beautiful architecture and beautiful sound and acoustics. Made the show very enjoyable. read more

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I came for the performance but was surprised how well the Detroit Opera House has been transformed back to its original design. Reading up on the history of the building was fascinating. Originally built in the early 1920's then left for dead in the 80's. Finally reborn in 1996 with Luciano Pavarotti as the first to perform Giacomo Puccini's "La Boheme" We went to see Shen Yun and had front row seats which made the performance so much better. The expressions on the dancers faces showed such depth and feeling of what the story's emotion was all about. The staff all dressed in tuxedos did a wonderful job of getting people checked in and directed to the seating. Lots of bar and concessions set up and ready to serve with a smile. The pictures seem on the site don't due justice to how grand this venue really is. My full recommendation to go and enjoy all the Detroit Opera House has to offer. read more

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Not a huge fan of ballet- but fell into a couple of tickets. Mezzanine quite a steep climb. Saw more than few older folks nearly stumble on way up or down. Show proved entertaining,as symphony also was involved in this show. Not sure if they also own the opera house parking lot- but a major violation after the show. 1 elevator working before the show - both out of order after, forcing many senior citizens to attempt to cling to floors 2,3 and 4. read more

This year, I splurged on a season subscription to 7 Broadway musicals. All of them take place at the Fisher Theater, except for Aladdin, which judging from the size of the crowds, required a larger venue, the Detroit Opera House. And yet, in spite of the larger numbers, I was surprised by how much easier it was to get seated as well as to exit the building at the end of the performance. The theater is ornate, beautiful, mesmerizing. The massive ceiling was intricately decorated with a large, brightly lit, dome. During the holidays, it is decorated festively. The large stage ably accommodated the Aladdin set and large cast. What stood out, however, was the service. The ushers were incredibly welcoming and recommended other shows that they were looking forward to, scheduled for later on in the season. They had positive attitudes and shared their passion for music and dance. I am grateful. read more

Detroit Opera House - The opera house is ornate and spectacular. - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Saw lion king there last friday evening! Great show and performance. Costumes stage all great. The problem is the bad heating and cooling and the micro seats in the balcony. It must have been 75 78 degrees and stuffy up there. The seats are the shortest ever I have seen. Maybe because the foam is 50 plus years old. A small upgrade with hvac and seats would go along way in my book. read more

Went to the gorgeous Detroit Opera house to see La Boheme today. What a disappointment it was. No stage designes ,just a big flat disk with a couple pieces of simple furniture. Costumes were not unlike square dance outfits. The songs were OK if not boring. Lots of snoring going on...For close to $200. Per ticket plus $50 for parking; talking about price gouging ! I've seen better shows at St.Dustans in Bloomfield. Just saying don't waste your money on this "rotten tomato " read more

The building's architecture is amazing and absolutely beautiful. It's not as big as other similar venues, but I don't think there's a bad seat in the "House". This review is long overdue since my first time here was a few years ago to see the stunning acrobatics of the Diavolo Dance Theater. I was also here a few months ago to see Shen Yun. read more

Detroit Opera House - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I went here with a Group of friends to see the show Wicked. This is a small venue and basically every seat in the house looked pretty good to me. I was in row AA on the right side walking into the room. It was just about the last row. I'm very short but I was able to see everything just fine. And there was plenty of leg room - even for taller people! One of the women in our group has a brother who was an usher, so we were given a back stage tour! No pictures allowed or I would have taken a ton of pictures. It was really awesome to see how they organize costumes for the actors, how they have tracks on the floor for various props, and how they fly people and props around the room. It's an awesome place to see a performance and I would definitely go again! We parked at the Detroit Opera House parking garage because it was pouring rain and it was $30 to park. The parking is right across the street from the Broadway People Mover stop which is in the YMCA! Very convenient. read more

The theater is not beautiful, the stage is easily seen from all seating. I just enjoy myself whenever I 'm there. Everything is very orderly and clean. The staff efficient and friendly. This night my bff and I saw Aladdin the Broadway version. OMG !!!! Is was super fantastic, this is a must! Very high energy and entertaining, the crowd was involved and appreciated the evening. Long standing ovation. read more

This trip was planned for our seniors trip to the Lion King. So I drove a 14 passenger bus to the event and upon our arrival at the main door, we were greeted by the head usher Marilyn and she was on her P's and Q's. She came aboard our bus, she introduced herself, gave us the Covid Instructions counted all of our tickets gave us more instructions on how to disembark, where to park our bus, she then stated she will go scan all of our tickets and upon her return she gave us more instructions about where we were located and where are seats were and how to enter the building, then she was kind enough to guide everyone to our seats. The venue was packed, I believe there was no empty seats for the Lion King. They had ushers in every aisle way and each usher had signs stating please put your mask on. The show was phenomenal from the singing to the acting and the costumes were the most colorful and best I've ever seen. This is a must see show! read more

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I came here with a meetup group late last month to see Wicked and this was my second time coming (I had previously seen The Lion King). This a great place to go and see musicals. They do a good job with crowd control in making sure everyone gets to their seats. Both shows had the show gift shops in the main hallway but not in places that would interfere with the traffic patterns of people trying to get their seats. I've sat in 2 different locations and both were amazing. The stage allows for good seats regardless of what angle you are seated at. This is definitely a good place to go see musicals. I will be back to see something else in the future. read more

Detroit Opera House - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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While it is a beautiful venue that attracts high-level performances, the management runs it like a movie theater rather than an opera house. Late patrons are allowed to find seats after the performance has begun, disrupting all those around them, and patrons taking videos and photos on cell phones during the production is common (and annoying to those nearby). And for the love of God, I wish the management would stop selling food items in cellophane wrappers. Throughout the production, the constant crackling of cellophane wrappers and candy boxes being opened and jostled while soda pop bottles are squeezed and dropped is distracting at best but infuriating mostly. These are not $15 movie tickets! Most have paid $90 or more to see whatever it is they paid to see...and HEAR! While it probably says more about American culture than anything that we can't manage to sit quietly for an hour and a 1/2 and enjoy performing arts without stuffing our faces with candy, nuts, and soda, does the Detroit Opera house really have you accommodate and encourage such behavior? I think not. Please. Just. Stop. read more

Everyone was very polite from picking up tickets at will call, bar cart waitstaff, to the ushers showing us to our seats. The architecture inside is amazing. You cant help but look at everything in every direction. Very very cool building. We saw the Nutcracker. The sound, lighting, sets, ambiance was all perfect. read more

Detroit Opera House - Panoramic picture of the main floor. - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

I don't want to repeat all the usual "it's beautiful, wonderful, amazing," because that's all true and obvious. I want to highlight the historic and architectural qualities that make this place one of the two greatest places to visit in Detroit (the other being the art museum). There aren't many true opera houses left. Opera is traditionally performed without any powered amplification, so the right way this is done for a large audience is in a true opera house. The Detroit Opera House compares favorably with the Lyric in Chicago, the Met in NYC, or the War Memorial in San Francisco. Unfortunately the Detroit hasn't been in continuous operation like the others, there have been some lean decades for Motor City. The Michigan Opera Theater is returning here for 2022, and for all the magnificent ballet and popular music you could see here, you should try to see opera, classical opera performed on this stage. It's how opera was meant to be enjoyed. The architecture is awesome in the true meaning of the word, designed and constructed to house the fantastic extraordinary performance of opera. The acoustics are a lost technology that projects an aria from the stage to every part of the audience in balance with the pit orchestra so that every word can be heard, though of course never understood. The visual experience pairs with the aural encounter to make the bizarrely unrealistic opera plots and dreamy sets become completely vivid and unforgettable. This doesn't quite happen even with the best opera companies when performing in multi-use auditoriums that compromise in design for symphony, ballet, popular music, and musicals. Opera was meant for places like this, and remember, "it ain't over until the [soprano] lady sings." read more

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This is a gorgeous opera house, you can find cheap street parking across the street, it's in the middle of Detroit so there's lots of stuff going on as well. My husband and I saw my fair lady last night and we were blown away! The staff is SO helpful and kind! I had accidentally gotten my ticket mixed up and scheduled to go on the previous Tuesday and didn't realize it until I got there so I had missed the show. However, I told the people in the box office my situation and they were extremely accommodating and were able to look up my ticket and allowed my husband and I still attend last night. I was extremely grateful! The only thing we were a little uncomfortable with was how cold the theatre was, next time we'll just bring jackets! 10/10 recommend from us! read more

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Very ornate old theater. We saw the Lion King and had fantastic seats in the second row of the balcony. The staging, costumes, and sound were all fantastic. The women's restroom line is very organized (roped off with people directing traffic) during intermission so the long line moves quickly! read more

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A gorgeous theatre in the heart of Downtown. I've been here a number of times and not just for shows--parties, special events, and of course those wonderful operas and musicals that come through. The building has amazing acoustics, every show sounds great. I've sat in a few different locations and I've never had a bad seat. From pricey seats to the cheap seats, they're all great (although my favorite spot is in the front of the mezzanine). The theatre is also just stunning. Beautiful to look at and spend a fancy evening out in. We are truly lucky to have so many gorgeous theatres in this town (The Fox, The Fisher, the Redford, etc). Was most recently here a couple of days ago to see American Idiot. In the program they advertised an after party post performance in the Cadillac Club. We weren't ready to call it a night yet but it was snowing pretty badly outside so my friends and I decided to hit the party. I'm not sure if that club is open all the time after shows but it was so nice to be able to grab a drink after without running outside back into the cold. We hung out there while a fella played some tunes and I sipped quite the tumbler (as my friend put it) of gin and tonic. Yes, it was a little pricey but yes it was big. A perfect way to warm up on a cold night! As I said, I never noticed if this was open all the time but I will take a look from now on because it's a total perk of seeing a show here! read more

It's just a great place to be. Third of the prominent theaters here in Detroit that I Have Been To. Its nice, clean and very pretty. The architecture is very nice and the layout is well thought of. Judging by its appearance, its a rather much younger sibling than the two theaters a few blocks down the street. We came to see "Wicked" here and the acoustics were phenomenal. There is no bad seats in the house. The slope in the orchestra level is perfect that even the tallest person in front of you wouldn't obstruct your view. The theatre stage is nice and large, perfect for viewing either in the balcony or orchestra and the ceilings are the main focal point when the lights do come on for intermission and conclusion. Extreme mind blaster!! The staff is also amazing here. From the barkeep to the usher/usherettes. They were straight up on point. Life is great when you are treated to awesome amazing places like this that goes above and way beyond. Thank you Detroit Opera House!! You are AWESOME! read more

Detroit Opera House - Performing Arts Near Me - Detroit, Michigan