REALLY REALLY REALLY LOUD. Kids dance performance. The back wall of the auditorium was vibrating. If this is the way it is, not coming back. We don't need to do this. It's not 1965. Speakers don't need to be cranked up to hear. read more

We were really disappointed with the seating at this theater. Even though we had what should have been great middle seats, the layout made it extremely difficult to actually enjoy the performance because the seats aren't tiered. You end up constantly trying to look over the person in front of you just to catch a glimpse of the stage, which takes away from the entire experience! This feels like a major design flaw. For a venue centered around live performances, clear sightlines should be a priority, and unfortunately that's just not the case here. It was frustrating to spend the whole time shifting around in my seat. Won't be back! read more

Accessible parking for all. Easy access to seats. Shows have been very enjoyable. There are some snacks for purchase. I look forward to repeat visits. I think it's been about 6 times. read more

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Came here for a show called Yamato, Drummers of Japan. The place is really clean and located in Mesa, AZ. I didn't get a chance to check out their concession stand. The restrooms are clean. The seats are not very comfortable. They could have designed the theater better; seats in the back rows should be more elevated. The staff are friendly and ready to give directions. read more

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What a nice space! We went for a free symphonic concert and weren't sure what to expect. Parking was super easy and close to the theater (plus free and covered, thankfully). The lobby is a bit cold/uncomfortable if you're waiting to get into the theater. It's very open/spacious, but when we were there, it was freezing. There was a small concession stand, and some art to look at on the walls while you wait. But, there aren't very many seats! The theater itself is fine. Good sound, comfortable seats and a pleasant place to see a performance! It's not a deluxe experience, but it's a nice location in the center of town to experience art without much hassle. read more

Madison Center for the Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I didn't try the food. The bar only has one white wine (Chardonnay), one red wine (Pinot noir) and three beers that are lackluster choices. Service was good. Ambience is definitely cozy. Parking is actually great. They have their own parking structure and it's easy in, easy out. read more

Madison Center for the Arts - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Seats are not tiered!! People constantly moving their heads right or left, trying to see what is going on upon the stage!! First time, and doubt I will be back. read more

Went to see the Flamenco show. The show was great, but totally the wrong venue. Unless you were seated in the first few rows. The seats were not tiered and it was very hard to see anything other than waist up of the performers. Occasionally there would be a sliver where I could see through to the entire stage, but far from ideal. Nice venue, just not suited to flamenco. read more

I came to the Madison Center for the Performing Arts to see Zuzu African Acrobats (definitely catch this performance when it comes back into town!). I had never been to the Madison Center and was delighted to see that it's a short drive from Biltmore Fashion Park (pro tip: eat dinner here before or after your event). The Center itself was quite a surprise. Kind of a hidden gem in Phoenix and the exterior reminded me of Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. A free parking garage and free valet service were both available. Access was quick in and quick out. Maybe the only design flaw was that where the ticket takers stood, they sort of blocked access to the restrooms. You were able to use the restrooms without entering the theater, but you needed to wait for people to finish the ticket-checking first. Another opportunity area here would be to incorporate a little more art to warm up the space. It's nice and bright but slightly cold from an aesthetic point of view. They were requiring masks to be worn to enter. Once guests sat down, several took off their masks which seemed to be acceptable. The auditorium is large and the acoustics are wonderful. For most events, an orchestra seat will run about $80-100 so it means that you can get quite close for less money than other venues. ADA seating is available but needs to be arranged through the box office as opposed to buying off Ticketmaster. The box office opens two hours before performances. The Lobby opens one hour before the performance. Concessions, including beer and wine, are available before the performance and during intermission. The theater opens thirty minutes before the performance for seating. Large oversized bags and backpacks are not allowed in the building. You will be asked to return them to your car. Constructed in 2017 for the Madison School District which includes eight schools for elementary and middle-school students in the north-central Phoenix area, the Center cost $13 million and has seats for more than 900 people. At a time when too many schools are having to cut back on funding for the arts, it is inspiring that this school district made this investment. Not only do their students have a dedicated space for performances, but it's also available to the broader community, too. The calendar for the rest of the year looks pretty solid. The final Broadway performance of "Rent" will be coming. They also offer some free shows. Pro tip: sign up for their newsletter online to stay informed of upcoming events. read more

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Great venue. Sound was really good. Clean and fun atmosphere Definite would go back anytime parking is also great.

Beautiful performance center with good acoustics and very comfortable seats. The venue is moderate size with not a bad seat in the house. The lobby and outdoor deck are very spacious and the restrooms are large and newly furnished. They were serving $5 beer and wine at the show we saw (the Hit Men) you could bring drinks to your seat such a deal! read more

Madison Center for the Arts - Lobby with bar stations, beautiful - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Attended the first concert here October 23, 2022. What a great venue - clean/great sound. Had a great time. My only suggestion to the staff is to prevent people from hanging in the aisles and especially against the back wall during the show. These are usually the highly inebriated/loud talkers etc.. It would also be helpful to have at least one or two security people in the parking garge as people are leaving. Very grateful to have a new place in Central Phoenix. read more

Central Phoenix has long needed a first-class venue for cultural performances and this new establishment fulfills that need. The design of the Center for the Arts is modern and elegant and there is ample parking, thanks to an adjacent parking garage structure. The main building itself has a spacious lobby with a 2-storey floor-to-ceiling glass facade which gives it a very airy feel and which allows the lobby to be brightly lit by day; tall columnar chandeliers illuminate the lobby at night. I came to watch the holiday musical review "We Wish You the Merriest" by the Phoenix Metropolitan Men's Chorus and saw that the lobby is an excellent area for art exhibits as well, as evidenced by the display of the paintings of local artist Edna Dapo. Once inside the main theater area, I was impressed by the quality of the seating area and the overall acoustic design of the main space. The stage area is moderate in size and perfect of a performance such as the one I came to watch. Sound system was excellent and the smooth operation of the stage's curtains, projection system and interchanging screens enhanced the flawless performance of the Chorus. Kudos to the Madison ESD for creating this cultural gem for this part of the city. read more

Madison Center for the Arts - Lobby area. - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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The only food that was available was potato chips and candy which was a little disappointing. Also canned beer was $11 each extremely an extraordinarily expensive. read more

Beautiful space and we will be attending The Nutcracker this year. Appreciate the Arts and the venue.

Who would have thought a quality theather in central phoenix. Only complaint seats are not stadium style. Looking around the person in front of you is annoying. read more