It's always good to get out and enjoy live theater. Perfect date night too since hubby enjoys it as well. Remember it's a time to really disconnect and put your cell phone away! Our theater company in AZ is some of the best you will ever see. This one is nicely air conditioned so women please remember your jacket! In the round so truly not a bad seat in the house. It's so nice to be back after I haven't been for awhile, and while we are at the start of tonight's show I have never seen a bad play here- ever! read more

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - Ready for a fine show - Performing Arts Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

This is a wonderful local theater with phenomenal directors and artists. The stages are well done. There is ample time to interact with the actors after the show.. read more

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - Theater in the round. - Performing Arts Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

I've wanted to see a production in this theater for a very long time, I've always been a fan of Don Bluth and his talents. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the production of Steel Magnolias yesterday the actors were amazing, a very talented cast. It's literally called the front row because you feel as if your part of the play sitting on the stage as they perform around you. It's a very intimate setting with about 80 seats ( I'm guessing). This is a great experience to enjoy with family and friends or out of town guests and it's very reasonably priced as well. I know we'll be visiting again read more

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - Setting on stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

Don Bluth's venue is absolutely terrific. From the time you are greeted by several staff upon entering to a fun experience when leaving with all the performers lined up ready to thank you for attending, you feel like part of the "family". Another big plus, all seats are good. No matter where you sit, you feel like you're in the front row and the actors are perf or among for you. We have attended many times and always bring 2 to 12 people. We'll see you soon!! read more

Wonderful Venue. Most of the patrons are repeats. If you've never been, check it out it's worth the time! Big shout out to Cheryl and Don, both of you are delightful and very personable. read more

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - The Rainmaker 2025 - Performing Arts Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

Great plays & SUPER NICE people. Try to attend plays when we're in Fountain Hills Az . Highly recommend this theater experience.

Such a great venue and great show! Would go back! The actors/actresses were wonderful!

I've had the pleasure of attending two performances here. One was "it's a wonderful life" the other was "Anastasia". The name says it all, no matter where you sit you are "front row" the actors are amazing and it's always a special treat to see Don Bluth. At intermission they have d out York peppermint patties. They have a snack bar in the lobby that sells drinks, candies, and nuts. They have two unisex bathrooms (single stall). The staff have always been very nice and the seats and large and comfortable. You can also purchase autographed photos from Don Bluths earlier works (The Land Before Time, The Secret of NIHM, Anastasia, All Dogs go to Heaven, etc.) I highly recommend a visit to this theater. You will not be disappointed. read more

Fantastic experience tonight watching " It's a wonderful life." The theater is small, but warm and inviting. They don't have a real "concession" stand but you're allowed to bring in beverages (just ask before you come). read more

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Steel Magnolia's is everything a fun night out should be! The cast is above and beyond! Everyone is great- beyond great! The ambiance is so inviting! I feel like I am at home here! As you watch the story unfold it is like you are right there in Truvy's salon. There are belly laughs and an emotional turn of events! I love this theatre more and more every time I go! read more

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

Don't miss "Anastasia". This production was directed by Don Bluth, namesake of the Don Bluth Front Row Theatre. We attended the matinee performance yesterday - and it was outstanding. The actors were all right on. The singing, the dancing, the choreography, the stage direction - all were wonderful. Kudos to the entire production, actors, crew, and staff for a truly entertaining production. Looking forward to It's A Wonderful Life, and then the exciting 2025 Season. read more

Tonight, we went to see a matinee performance of "It's a Wonderful Life," and it was fun, intimate, and entertaining. It was our first time, and we enjoyed the good acting, the closeness to the action, and the holiday spirit. The cushioned seating was comfortable the entire time we were there, and the temperature was perfect--not cold or hot. The play lasted about two hours with a 15-minute intermission, at which time the staff passed around cold York peppermint patties as a free snack. (You can purchase additional snacks in the lobby at reasonable prices.) There are two single-room restrooms (both unisex) that you can use, but get there quick during intermission to avoid the line. That said, it's a small theater, so you won't feel mobbed at all in the place. As we left, all the actors lined up to cheerfully greet us as we filed out, which was a treat. We'll definitely consider returning for another play! read more

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - Program - Performing Arts Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

Always a delightful experience Talented actors in an intimate setting At an affordable price. read more

This venue is small in size, intimate and adequate. The productions I've witnessed so far, all three have been funny, charming & entertaining. I will continue to support this theater because the No matter the size of the room, the performances are grand and actors engaging. Their staff is friendly and helpful. A perk each show is a frozen chocolate covered mint they pass around, then come collect the wrappers. It's easy to park right outside the entrance and off the 101. Look on Goldstar for tickets and go enjoy. We've been pleasantly surprised by the talent and choice of shows. read more

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - Set for 'She Loves Me', very good entertainment. - Performing Arts Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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This is an outstanding live theater in the round with outstanding and talented actors. We just came back from a performance of the Christmas classic It's a Wonderful Life. Treat yourself and attend one of their performances. You won't be disappointed. read more

This was our 3rd visit to an offering at the ultra popular Don Blush's Front Row Theatre in the last three years. It should be noted that the theatre has now moved to 8989 E. Via Linda from their old stage on E Shea. The major improvement we found with the new location was the creation of a theatre-in-the-round effect. As such, every seat of the 72 available is a perfect spot, even if one is three deep. An audience member here is no farther than 5-20 feet from the entertainment. It's definitely a win-win. Speaking of entertainment, we attended the production 'The Curious Savage' which my wife & I found to be exceptionally produced, directed, and especially well-acted, by a diverse cast for reasonably-priced general seating tickets. Aside from the outstanding work by the company in providing two and one-half hours of solid, first-rate real-time entertainment, the only needed improvement would be the quality of the seating itself. The type of seats are in need of an upgrade which we hope the budget will one day permit. Well done all...we'll see you in July! read more

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Every play Don Bluth and Cheryl Schaar select has a message. Not the same. Don't be fooled. There is hope, redemption, laughter, silliness and all done with excellent care and the best hardworking actors you'll find anywhere. There isn't a bad seat, you feel like you are a part of the message! Just the best. Priceless!!! I just saw Drinking Habits and laughed my ass off!!! next.... CAMELOT with the most amazing cast. Directed by Joe and Lorraine Bousard. This will be AMAZING! Don't miss it. Xxxx. Nancy Rossman read more

The talent, this place attracts is incredible, they put on such great shows. If you were looking for a local community theater to support, I couldn't recommend a better one. read more

Had a girls night out. We saw Steel Magnolias. What a wonderful experience it was. This was our first time to visit Front Row. The cast took us right into the characters. Take some tissues. And the laughs were good. Looking forward to more of their productions! Thanks Don for a great night!! read more

This is my favorite small theater in the valley. Seating is "in the round" on all three sides of the stage and there are only 2 or 3 rows of seats so you are right up close to the actors. The first show we saw here was a murder mystery theme and the victim fell practically at our feet, very exciting. The actors are mostly local and have all been great. You will have a chance to meet everyone after the show which makes you feel like part of the theater. They also offer a special treat at intermission, I'm not going to say what it is, you will have to check it out. read more

This is an absolute hidden gem! We had a completely delightful experience here! A very unique and intimate place. Not a single bad seat in the room. The show was Anastasia, which was an incredibly sweet performance with an extremely talented cast. We had the honor of meeting the humble, talented and genuinely warm Don Bluth. This man is a national treasure! A legend! The sharpest 87 year old with the most interesting past and positive outlook I have ever met. Every person on staff gave their all to make our evening special - from friendly greetings to the tray of chilled York peppermints offered at intermission. Such a charming night! Don't miss this experience! read more

Last night I experienced this hidden gem to see a production of The Wizard Of Oz! This boutique theater is pure entertainment and you will feel one with the stage. First rate actor's that bring their A game to delight you. The cost is so, so reasonable for a matinee or evening production. Being that it is a boutique in nature setting the capacity holds approx 75 seats. I came away with a huge smile from the inside out. Its obvious I adore the theater and wanted to share if your looking for fun, reasonable entertainment nearly in our backyard consider putting one of Don Bluth's Front Row Theatre productions on your calendar. I am excited that my smile from the inside out gets to continue to see It's A Wonderful Life next month to take in the joy of the holiday season at this hidden gem! read more

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

Every show is performed at the highest degree of excellence and seats so close up you can't help but feel part of it!

Absolutely fantastic! I saw Its A Wonderful Life, I felt like I was literally transported into the play. I was immersed in it. The acting and quick prop transformation was incredible. Very well done ! Cant wait for the next play! Professional and hands down one of the top plays I have ever been too! read more

First visit to this wonderful little venue! What a gift it is to have community theater right in our neighborhood! Excellent performance. I look forward to many more to come! Now i'm telling all my friends and neighbors! Even posted it on Next Door and Facebook. They deserve the applause! read more

It's always exciting to be able to support the local arts, particularly when it is associated with a big name such as Don Bluth. Mr. Bluth is known for directing animated films such as The Secret of NIMH, Anastasia and The Land Before Time. The Don Bluth Front Row Theatre is a little gem located in the corner of a strip mall at Shea and 101. My husband I and bought our $1I (regular price $23) tickets from Goldstar of Oliver!, the first show in the theater's new space. The clapboard signs led us to an nondescript theater space with a very eager and welcoming staff to hand us our programs and show us to our seats. The single theater was in a black-box sized, theater-in-the-round. While we waited for curtain we noticed the fine tuning of the theater with snips of loose threads and spot-cleaning of upholstery, supervised by Mr. Bluth, and what I assumed to be, the very friendly theater manager. The intimate theater seats about 100 people (with a few in folding chairs... I hope those were comp. tickets) and the performance we saw was set on a 3/4 thrust stage against what looked like a drop-cloth backdrop. Unfortunately, prior to the show we could hear what cast or crew behind the curtains-- breaking the illusion of the forth wall. The seating however was clean and comfortable. As this is not a review of the show (which was quite delightful!) I will limit this mainly to the theater company. For better or worse, due to the limited space, the audience is incorporated into the show. Being just inches away, the cast has to be aware of audience members' outstretched legs but it was a unique eexperience to be so close to the character. Most impressive were the high-quality costuming and lighting. The costumes were some of the most detailed and well-made that I've in local theater. The lighting was professional as well. While the actors had to work at projecting, it was nice to have performers that didn't need to me miked. Overall, the experience was well worth it. There is something very special about being a part of an expanding theater company. I look forward to many more performances and watching this company grow. read more

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For $10, I saw the such a well-put-together play! The costumes were beautiful, the actors/actresses were so professional, and the facility was amazing! Every seat is an up close seat and the view of all the actors/actresses was great! The director, from what I hear use to work for Walt Disney and was the main illustrator of "The Land Before Time" and other works of Walt Disney. The production felt like a mini-version of what a show would be like at Disneyland. The actors/actresses were all so amazing, every facial expression and word no matter what age they were. I am going to invite my mom next time as these shows are great for all ages and the tickets are very affordable and a deal considering the high quality show you see! Don Bluth, please do "Sound of Music" again! I really want to see it! read more

Loved this theater, skilled actors & friendly hosts. We had a wonderful time. Will go again.

I have been to two shows here and love this small theatre house. It is in a very unassuming complex but inside they create the most magical stories with a very talented cast. I don't know why more people haven't reviewed this place. I have seen wonderful life and Oz here and had a wonderful time at both. The sets and costumes are great while the actors weave interesting stories with their excellent acting skills. This is not Gammage but it is so entertaining and a really fun way to spend a night if you are looking for something new to do or want to take a family/friend out for a night they won't forget. This is by all means a well staged production that is affordable. A hidden gem in the valley. read more

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - The wicked with of the west and Glenda from Wizard of oz! - Performing Arts Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

Saw Orson Welles on opening night at the new theatre. The performance was outstanding. The new space is warm and inviting. It still has its coziness and personal touch. They are taking Covid precautions and are social distance seating. Guest remain masked and the performers are not. They have relocated to via Linda at 8989 E Vía Linda #118, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 read more

I really love this little theater. If you don't know who Don Bluth is, think of classic animated movies like The Secret of NIMH, An American Tail, The Land Before Time, All Dogs Go to Heaven and Anastasia. He directed all of them. He currently lives in Scottsdale and runs this theater that showcases some of Arizona's best up-and-coming actors. It's called Front Row because it holds just under a hundred people and you are right there on the stage with the actors. It makes for an intimate evening and you really feel like you are part of the play. I've seen quite of few shows here, but their Christmas production of "It's a Wonderful Life" has become a favorite of mine. The production is amazing for a small theater and the admission is very affordable. We are pretty fortunate to have Mr. Bluth here in the Valley. It's located right off the 101 on Shea Blvd and makes for a delightful evening out. read more

Don Bluth Front Row Theatre - It's a wonderful life stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

Just got home from seeing The Wizard of Oz at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre. We attend Don Bluth regularly and always enjoy the productions. The Wizard of Oz was amazing, the cast was terrific. The sets were changed so quickly and often, it's remarkable. For a small intimate theater, you are almost right on the stage. This is such a delightful presentation of the great musical Wizard of Oz, you should not miss it. Support your local theater, you will not be sorry. read more

Standing ovation to you, Mr. Don Bluth. We thoroughly enjoyed an evening at your amazing well ran theatre with talented actors and comfy seating. Loved the frozen York patties at intermission. Welcoming touch that gave you an "at home" feeling. Looking forward to attending more of your well thought our play list for the season. read more

If you love Theater you will not want to miss the current production of She Loves Me! The cast is amazing. It takes you to a time before the web dating. You will fall in love with George and Amalia and the rest of the cast. Each cast member pours their heart and soul into this production. You will leave feeling lighter and filled with hope and possibilities. It runs through Nov. 4th. Buy your tickets soon and ENJOY! read more

I'm not a big theatre guy but I always go because my wife and daughter like it. This place is great! Every play we see here I thoroughly enjoy. It's small and quaint and really feel like you're in the show. The cast is always spot on and respect how much work and dedication they always put into these shows. read more

First time to this theater. We saw It's a Wonderful Life. It was an amazing performance. I laughed, cried and was mesmerized by the performance. A very talented group with heart. I recommend everyone visit this treasure. I will definitely return. Thank you for a great evening and a great way to kick off the holidays! read more

This is one of the most fun, personal, intimate settings for a local play. I'm never disappointed with their performance. They have a lot of great talent and a great person leading them. read more

What a great theater. This year we saw Lady for a Day and The 1940s Music Hour. We brought different friends to enjoy this theater with us. We have tickets to Death Trap and are excited to see that too. All the actors are very professional and enjoy their work, after the show they stand outside so you can greet them. It is a very small theater and every seat is a good one. i highly recommend that you support this small theater. I live in Peoria and do not mind the ride to see these excellent shows. read more

Thanks to Goldstar my wife and I were treated to wonderful evening in a fabulous little theatre where we enjoyed "Annie Get Your Gun." The Don Bluth Front Row Theatre located at 8670 Shea in Scottsdale is a treasure where you sit on cushioned chairs with plenty of leg room (I'm 6'4"). During intermission this fellow walked around with a tray of mints offering them to any and all. As it turned out, that man was Don Bluth, theatre owner and long time animation director who's worked on many of the most important features Hollywood has offered up. He's worked at Disney Studios and collaborated with Steven Spielberg among others. Don't miss the artwork he has on display in the lobby. All in all the play was great, Mr.Bluth was a delight and we could not have spent a more enjoyable evening. Peter and Diana Scott Scottsdale read more

I love this small intimate theater. The talented actors put so much heart and soul into every performance. There is honestly not a bad seat in the house. Easy parking, convenient, close to the 101. 5 stars, looking forward to the next show! read more