So lucky to have one of the few indie theaters in the Bay Area, in San Jose…read more 3Below has excellent indie film curation. The customer service is superb. And the snack bar has reasonably priced goodies! The cherry on top? FREE VALIDATED PARKING FOR UP TO 3HRS!! I'll be seeing 3Below soon, again!

Full disclosure, my friend put this place on my radar. I am a bit of a setting snob, and by this I…read moremean: give me leather seats, give me reclining chairs, and if my seat warmer isn't working, I'm going to be upset. But that's merely because life is uncomfortable and I am intentional about finding cozy pockets of joy. This theater is not updated with the fancy seats, but what it lacks in that it more than makes up in charm, service, and community cultivation. Visiting 3Below reminded me that venturing out of that corporate capitalist bubble of perceived coziness would put me in a vibrant hub of social awareness. This is where you go to see the Documentaries IG mentions, but no theaters seem to have times for. This is where you can catch live performances on the same stage that you'll watch a thought provoking film. And, as the manager/owner of the fiercest security dog I've encountered mentioned, THIS is where you could learn to tap dance. Now, I'm hoping this could be a location for some line dancing in the near future, because I think Sofa Streetfair could be the place for some of this, and 3Below seems the perfect hub for practicing. But, what a cute location, and I'm told it's locally owned, too. I didn't actually fact check that, so my apologies if I'm spreading misinformation here. I'm just doing my best to sell you on falling in love with this alternative theater as much as my friend has...I'm converted and I'll definitely be back.

California Theater is a gorgeous old historical theater with distinguishing beauty and exquisite…read moredetails. It's the type of place you go to where you spend just as much time ogling over the venue as you do the show itself! I went there for a film festival and loved it. The location is also pure perfection because it is within the same block as several restaurants and bars for those who want to grab a bite or drink before or after their show. The only (small) downside is finding parking. We parked in an outdoor lot 2 blocks away for $20. It is about the average rate for the area but still seems steep to me for a 2 hour show. *breathe* Trying to not sweat the small stuff, so I say pay for the steep parking and enjoy the gorgeous theater and watch a nice show! It will be worth the experience.

Gorgeous theatre, nicely preserved, and a great place to see some theatre, music, opera, et al. I…read morevisited one night to see an opera, and really had a great time. Sure, it was nice that the opera was NOT nine hours long, but that's me. Your mileage may vary. The outside of the building blends in so well to its surroundings, you may not notice it at first. But, the California Theatre is easy to find, and perfect to walk to from parking or a restaurant. Even in the entrance way before you walk in (where there's the Box Office for will-call or day-of tickets), you see the elegance and grandeur that awaits. Still, there's nothing stuff about it at all. Every staff member or volunteer I encountered was helpful, friendly, and welcoming. There happened to be live music in the Lobby before and after the performance. Refreshments are found on each floor. We had Orchestra Seats. The opera looked and sounded crisp. The singing, the set, the orchestra, the costumes all radiated excitement and serious fun. This particular opera, by Bela Bartok, is rarely done and having some familiarity with the composer, I was excited to check it out. Very much enjoyed the opera, and the venue. If you are an SJSU student, ask about tickets and/or big discounts available at the Box Office.

We came here for Viva CalleSJ this past Sunday. It's a lovely plaza with plenty of outdoor space…read moreand a large parking lot which was used for vendor booths during the recent event I attended. We enjoyed our time here, entertained by cultural dance performances (mexican folk dance), live music including spanish reggae tunes and mariachi, fun pro wrestling matches, and more. Food and drink vendors were available on site, selling mexican cuisine, korean fried chicken, and kona ice (flavored shaved ice). We were able to grab a variety of items for lunch including iced tea and coffee beverages from Travelin' Tom's Coffee of Mountain View, a yummy quesadilla from El Viejon, and a tasty sandwich from Chick N Bros food truck. If there's anything I think could make this place better, it's grass. But I understand, not every park or plaza can offer this. It's a beautiful venue nonetheless, for community events and the arts.

I've seen two plays well events, at the Mexican heritage theater maybe four years ago I saw San…read moreJose Taiko play for their 50th year anniversary! No acoustic sound needed in that great auditorium especially with Japanese Taiko ("drum" in Japanese) involved! For that show, we were actually sitting in the front middle row, and it really felt as if during the swing performance they were going to swing into our laps! A couple of the numbers I actually jumped back in my seat it seemed like they got too close! But amazing performance by San Jose Taiko!! This particular evening, I saw a friend performing in "shaking the mess out of misery! "They had great acoustics in this particular performance, but not too much singing in the actual show itself so more of a play and a great story for young women to see how things were different from the 1940s or 50s until now! I love how this particular play had the proper lingo and accents of the era and that southern hospitality sound!! I had to look up a couple of the words, but the play, and the overall meaning itself was great!! As we left at the performance, and actually started raining and they're beautiful open area outside/the front of the Mexican heritage. Plaza glistened and gleamed with lights! It looked very pretty and I really enjoyed the theater! Hee

Although I can't speak for the plays and musicals, I love Broadway San Jose's film concerts! So…read morefar, I've seen the film concert productions for Across the Spiderverse Spiderverse and Avatar: The Last Airbender. They were both FANTASTIC. The audience is always very enthusiastic, cheering on their favorite characters and scenes. The orchestras are also very passionate about the films as well, earning their standing ovation at the end of the show. My favorite seats are in the orchestra section. Only issue would be parking, but there's a garage about a 5-min walk from the venue that I usually go to. I'll definitely be back again!

Been watching Broadway shows for years from New York to Los Angeles to San Francisco and now San…read moreJose. Love it. Great performances. Can't wait to see a more shows. If you can watch moulin rouge it was simply amazing.

Had a wonderful experience at the Hammer Theater! It's accessible via public transport or close to…read moreso many parking garages and food spots as well. I went here for a kpop concert - SF9. The organization was well done with trained volunteers and staff, which made it an easy seamless experience for the attendees. It's a great venue that has 3 levels from close to the stage, middle section, and a balcony. Would come here again!

Went here for Candlelight: The Best of Joe Hisaishi and had a great time. Parking was convenient as…read moreyou can park at ParkSJ: Second and San Carlos Street Garage which was right next to the venue. The venue itself is a bit dated but gave a nice cozy vibe. Ushers are welcoming, helpful, and will guide you to your section and seat. There's a coat check available as well as a an area to purchase concessions. The seats in the theatre are old but decently comfortable; you're a little close to your neighbor but it's not a dealbreaker. It was a lovely evening and one worth checking out, perfect for a date night.

Saw this come across my social media and got tickets right away! My partner and I really enjoyed…read morethe show ! Horses were great and all of the acrobats were amazing'! This was held in Charleston SC! They set up a tent with plenty of seats along with a concession tent. Would recommend.

We had the pleasure of attending this unique performance at Emma Prusch Park this past weekend, a…read more90-minute display of tricks and artistry by horses and their accompanying human performers (with a 15 minute intermission halfway through). It was a small set up, two circus tents (plain on the outside, no decor, nothing showy). One of the tents had a concession stand inside, selling funnel cakes, hot dogs, dill pickles, snow cones, and more. We snacked on a baked soft pretzel and an ice cold lemonade while there. The bigger tent was set up for the show, large numbers on the seats making everything easy to find. Sitting ringside front row was awesome, though not necessary to have a great view. The horses were beautiful and of various breeds, each with a unique personality and characteristics as they showcased their talents for the audience in pairs, groups, or solo, including bowing, rearing (standing on its hind legs), eating from an audience member's bag of popcorn, even pooping! Okay, that last one wasn't part of the show, but it happens, and the pile of poop got scooped up in a timely manner before the aerialist twirling in the air landed on it. Beyond the horses doing their thing on stage, there was a range of acts by different artists to wow the crowd, including roman riding (standing on two horses as they galloped in a circle), equestrian vaulting, curtain acrobatics, aerialist performances on a candelabra chandelier, and even a fire show which included skipping with a jump rope in flames (a female performer, not a horse) to upbeat arabic music. In fact, plenty of awesome tunes captured the attention of attendees during the show, like the theme music of Game of Thrones and Pirates of the Caribbean, spanish melodies, and even a horse dancing in the ring to what sounded like russian fast tempo rhythms. It was adorable and just made me smile. This is not your typical circus, it's a family affair, with even a little girl riding and standing on a trotting horse, a 10th generation acrobatic equestrian in the Cirque Ma'Ceo family (creator and director, Olissio Zoppe). And the smaller setting creates an intimate vibe to appreciate the equestrian arts and magical environment created for guests of all ages. We certainly enjoyed the entertaining and enamoring experience. They'll be performing in San Jose for one more weekend, at the end of June, for anyone in the bay area who wants to check out the show.

I grew up attending the theater and I consider myself very lucky. Community Little Theater in…read moreAuburn, Maine is still around today. I had two brothers who both performed in the theater and one of them is still teaching theater arts now. I usually attend the Broadway musicals at the San Jose Performing Arts Center a couple of times every year and I go alone. John is not a fan of musicals. But he agreed to go to a play last year in SF with me and he enjoyed it. So, when we saw the synopsis of "Running After Shadows," we decided to check it out. The second I walked inside, City Lights Theater reminded me of those wonderful memories I had as a teenager at Community Little Theater. City Lights is smaller than I'm used to but I loved its compact, intimate space. Every seat seems to be a good one and comfortable as well! I loved that the manager spoke to the audience before the show and that they pick a non-profit to donate to that matches with the theme of the play. They also have a little get together after every performance. They have refreshments and you have the chance to talk to the actors. We didn't stay afterwards but maybe next time. John surprised me by wanting to get tickets for the next show. Maybe I can get him to try musicals one day...

It's All an Act…read more Foreword: So, it turns out I kind of like plays. I mean, I recall enjoying watching theater friends perform at school and college back in the day, but I've never actually gone out to see a real live play with professional actors. Anyway, if you're on the fence about coming to see one, then you should definitely do it once. And if you really dig it, do it twice. :) OK, onto the review... The City Lights Theater Company has been supporting local actors and theater makers for forty-five years (ca. 1982) now, and have been in this space since 1991--despite a looming threat from developers... The Good: *Very small intimate venue of ±100 seat theater. There is no bad seat in the house, as even in the back row you still feel like you're practically front row. *Tickets are fairly inexpensive at ±$50-80/ea with season passes available. There's also afternoon matinee shows available for us old farts. *Staff was very friendly *They have a small snack bar and even serve wine *A chance to interact with the performers at the end of the show. *We watched "Running After Shadows" by Vincent Terrell Durham and it was excellent. Great story telling, fantastic acting, and it takes the crowd on a wild range of emotions. The Meh: *Street Parking only but it's free on the weekends. The Ugly: *They must start cutting onions in there at some point, cuz I swear my eyes started watering for no reason. That's right. No reason whatsoever. Conclusion: Intimate venue with great storytelling means a great time out by all. Good spot for a date nite or afternoon (see aforementioned "old farts" mention above).

Great regional theater. Good variety of plays…read more Good acting. I am always impressed with the staging.

Good people. Friendly atmosphere. Easy parking. Professional grade productions. Talented acting,…read moresinging, musical accompaniment. Affordable. Been there several times, for years.