This review is about my recent experience with attempting to see Sex, Lies and Harold Pinter. I arrived to the theatre only to find out that the director had decided to cancel the show and turn it into a dress rehersel. This is information you need to let people know earlier in the day not wait until they waste their time and gas money and arrive at the box office. The girl running the box office was apoigetic and nice. Someone associated from the production was trying to have the people that did buy tickets be able to sit through the rehersal since it would be a full run-through. He later told me that he was overruled and it was a no go. I did receive a refund, but even the refund doesn't cover the price of gas that was spent and sitting in traffic driving there and driving back. Not to mention there are different things I could have done with my day if i wasn't going to attend this show. Astronomical unprofessionalism and zero regard for the audience's time and frankly money. If you have already purchased tickets to one of their performances I highly recommend that you confirm if the show is still going on so your time isn't wasted. I have to say out of all of the plays I have seen in LA this is one of the worst experiences I've ever had. I won't be going to any future plays put on by this production company. Do better. This is pretty disgusting. read more

Odyssey is such a wonderful local theater. I have enjoyed attending many events there and have seen numerous plays in both English and Farsi. The Iranian-American playwright Houshang Touzie and his production company, Work Shop 79, are presenting his latest play at Odyssey this weekend, and I attended their rehearsal last night to be part of it. What I love most about Odyssey is that every seat is a "good seat." The lighting director and the sound engineer were busy setting everything up, and I sat silently in the darkness, watching everything come together in preparation for what was to come this weekend. Thank you, Odyssey, for welcoming plays from other cultures and languages into your theater. read more

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble - A play in Farsi at Odyssey. - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The Service: The boxoffice is inside the theate. The service is efficient, no wait in line. There is concession counter selling snacks, beverage and even wine. You can bring them inside the theater too. The Theater: There is a big lobby waiting area with seating. There is also some patio seating with shade. Mid size theater. Every seat has a good view of the stage. The Parking: Private parking lot. Side street parking (free) read more

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I wanna say I had been here before for a production but couldn't remember. Located in a less crowded area of LA, this theatre actually has parking (front spots are kind of compact) with side parking available on the weekend (ignore the towing signs on the weekend as the spots are bigger and I confirmed with the ticket agent inside). Theatre is older with older seating but pretty big with a generously sized lobby and refreshments for sale (beer, wine, snacks) that you can actually take inside the theatre once the production starts. I also appreciated the fact that they have A/C and it was set to a comfortable temperature, especially with this summer heat. Hoping there are more productions of my liking here in the future! read more

such a cute theater! i would definitely come back. opening night tickets seem to usually be cheaper than other nights so I would aim for then! There is a lot out front and it looks like there's a lot on the other side too. Definitely coming back! read more

10/10. I would recommend! Bartender is PHENOMENAL. Play was GREAT I will be returning and telling everyone about it. read more

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

amazing dance performance!! CUE !!! great venue ! Loved the entire experience!! Coming back three times !! read more

Great choice of plays, nibbles, wine and soft drinks available in lobby. Recently refurbished and diverse crowd of people and performers.

Retro atmosphere and good service. Older building but well kept. The play Im going to see is Bluebird's Castle and they have info about the play on posters which is nice to see. read more

Had a phenomenal time! They were showing a 7:30 play that i just so happened to stumble upon, so glad I came. Great service and great snack bar! read more

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The lobby to this theater is not air conditioned therefore you will wait for the show to start in a warm waiting area. The inside theaters are kept cool but you are not allowed inside til show time. Not easy to wait in a hot lobby til the doors open. Shows are interesting with good scripts. read more

best place to take in a show on the west side hands down! the staff is the nicest out there!

Did not enjoy Wakings. The pieces were not that strong and put some people to sleep. I'd look around at various times and catch people nodding off or closing their eyes. The person who dropped their phone probably fell asleep too. Too much repetition in dialogue without forward moving action or new information revealed. Felt very circular. Did not see the point of the backdrop with the cutout shapes for the 3rd piece when the audience was told to leave and come back. And I was not the only person who thought this. I was expecting to see something spectacular but it was a letdown. I may come back for a different show but I won't expect much. read more

Whoa, just went to see the play that is here now, August/2022! We are TOTAL theater lovers that once lived in London and went to the West End WEEKLY! I tell you, I am discriminating and this is a MUST! The production, acting, and storyline are SUPERB. One intermission and they have snacks and drinks. There is not a bad seat in the house! GO, no really, GO....you will so thank me! read more

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble - Dragging husband to theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

wonderful venue, helpful and friendly staff, will return for a future show. looking forward to it!

I love the Odyssey Theatre! Last night I went to see John Snow's LIVE Performance Music Series! Such talented musicians, singer/ songwriters! What a terrific night! I highly recommend this show! August 7, 14 at 8pm Price $25 Reservations phone  310-477-2055 ext. 2 These performances will keep you dancing, thinking, and enjoying life through music read more

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I love this theater. it is a landmark treasure. the performances have always been excellent. we are very lucky to have all the dedicated members of the Odyssey family providing the audience with wonderful experiences. And all the gang that keep it running. thank you all. I know I speak for many people of the community who appreciate all the fun times, powerful times, always excellent theater! Carole Walsh. a very old fan. read more

There's always something wonderful up on the stages of this lovely theatre. I've seen at least 25 productions over the years!

Extraordinary production of a play rarely performed. Great acting, and staging in a comfortable theatre..

great experience!!! lovely staff and enjoyed the show. it's a nice community and perfect size for a theater.

I've been to the Odyssey many times over the years, and I'm always impressed by their diversity of programming. My favorite is their dance series, which I've attended several years in a row. It's always very high-caliber pieces they curate very thoughtfully. And the recent music concerts have been fabulous too--with top notch talent and live orchestration. Since it's a small theatre, you get that intimate touch--both as an audience member during the shows, and as a customer when dealing with the Box Office and customer service aspects. I still think about the play I saw last year--Birds of North America. It had me weeping. Love this theatre and you can't beat the fun energy and affordable drinks in the lobby before the shows! read more

We had a wonderful time last night! Everyone was hospitable and welcoming. The show was Hannah Millar's Let us bleed, then we heal dance show. AMAZING! If you ever get a chance to see this or any of her work, do so. The dancers were fantastic. And they worked ASL into the program. The theatre wasn't much on the outside but the show used the space and lighting well in the intimate stage (they can have three shows in three different auditoriums). We absolutely loved it. And drove 4 hours to get there! read more

My first visit to this wonderful theater. I was very impressed with the play I watched, the theater and all. They were showing 3 plays at the same time. I think that's very cool. When I walked into the theater, I said wow, softly. So small, so cute, in away very intimate. We watched 'Awake & Sing!' Written by Clifford Odets is a Jewish family story in New York in depression era. This play was showed first time 80 years ago. Played here in Odyssey 20 years ago, not only that three of the original actors played. Just wow! Great acting and dialogues. In my opinion many of the dialogues from the play we can hear now a days in drama, movies or comedies. So this play must be the origin. ' Do! Do what is in your heart and you carry in yourself a revolution.' We could see the actor's eyes moving so closely, felt like the audience was the part of the play, like mute extras.. Great theater. read more

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The 2016 YELP 500, Review #058: Nice theater. Small intimate with comfy seats No complaints. (See my photos for Playbill) Five stars after my next visit. NOTE: This should have been my second visit... I bought tickets for Tempest Redux for two weeks ago but, had to let them go unused due to an illness. Unfortunately after two months, my vacation here is drawing to an end... So five-stars might have to wait until my next trip. :-( Alas, a day without Shakespeare is a day without air. Special thanks to Ted Lange for making this a very special evening for all of us! read more

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It is always strange to review a theater. Do you review the building, the ticket-buying experience, the show? The building is short, one story. It could have grown higher but must have decided against it. The ticket-buying experience was fine. Straightforward even. The show was called "Freud's Last Session". It was well-acted, thought-provoking, and a pinch too long. The streets outside the theater could use some repair. Maybe we should all get into politics and get more funding for infrastructure? Like I said, reviewing a theater is strange. read more

This is definitely the best live theater near me! I'm a huge fan of LA live theatre - so go to a ton of spots but Odyssey take the cake! This theatre always has great options - my personal fav is Music at the Odyssey concerts or really any of their live music events. Highly recommend it. read more

LY, mutual friend Christian R. and I went to see the play "Procreation" at the Odyssey tonight. I have driven by this place about a billion times but never once noticed it. It seems that this is another one of those hidden gems tucked away and hidden in plain sight that I keep discovering the longer I live in the area. The theater itself was nice, intimate, with good seating, good lighting, etc. The amenities were about what you would expect. Parking was very very tight so we ended up parking a block away on a sidestreet and hoofing it back. The sloooooooooow Asian guy making the coffee at a glacial pace neglected to mention that coffee was not allowed in the playhouse despite selling it to me 5 minutes before showtime. Negative marks for both the crappy service and for making me gulp down hot coffee before showtime. I think selling drinks and snacks but not allowing them inside the theater is ridiculous. The show itself was entertaining. I was not expecting two naked guys to come out of a blanket and walk around with their ding dongs flapping in the breeze, so thanks for that. There was a lot of man on man kissing in this one too. Shrinkage factor: 5/5. They could have at least shown a pair of tits to balance it out. The acting was great and the writing was as well. Tickets were $16 each, not really that much of a bargain. Bottom line, a mixed bag. The play itself was funny, but the poor parking and concessions really brought the overall rating down. Ambiance: 5/5 Concessions: 0/5 (ridiculous restrictions and bad service) Parking: 2/5 (overcrowded paid lot for $3 or free street parking 1 or 2 blocks away) Entertainment: 5/5 Naked dudes but no breasts for balance: 0/5 Value: 3/5 (a bit pricy) Overall: 15 Stars / 6 = 2.5 Stars AVG Rounded up to 3 Stars read more

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We parked easily in their free lot and walked right up to the ticket window. We had gotten a great deal on seats through Plays411, and our reserved seats were 2nd row, center stage. For a relatively small theater, the seats are very comfy and the air is kept circulating - definitely a plus if you've ever experienced small, un-air conditioned theater! Tonight's performance of End Days was so funny that it was enough to make me swear to come here more often! The stage had an elaborate kitchen set built, and all 5 actors made me laugh as they all reacted differently to the imminent rapture. Before, at the intermission, and after the play, the concessions stand offered cookies, candy, chips, granola bars, water and coffee for a price and free wine (donations requested). Then after the show, more free wine, cheese and bread were offered - as was hanging out with the actors. This was an awesome 2-hour play - I will definitely be back! read more

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble - Set for End Days - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I LOVED THIS THEATRE! BUT! I AM MAD about one thing. My love, Nick Offerman, did a play here over the summer, and I MISSED IT. Ugh. Story of my life. My college friend and I came here to watch an all-women production of Hamlet. So good. It was really well done. We sat front and center, first row, and we were really in the heat of the action. When Hamlet and Laertes were dueling, I was afraid that they would trip on our feet and/or accidentally hit us with their swords. Haha. After the play, they served a complimentary cheese and wine thing. Ummm, yes, please! And before the show, they had complimentary snacks, too. Donations were welcome (of course), but I still appreciated the complimentary things. I think that sort of thing encourages discussion of the shows, which is great. This theatre made me feel like I was in a small town, in a closely-knit community theatre. I loved it. I will be back! And I'm keeping my eyes peeled for if/when Nick Offerman comes back here. read more

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble - With Hamlet - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I love coming to the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble. I have seen a number of shows there including The Hairy Ape, Go Back to Where You Are, Awake and Sing, and Beckett5, Punk Rock. As well as Kingdom of Earth. I love getting the chance to see shows at the Odyssey. I consistently see new interesting innovative theatre here that is constantly attempting to be fresh and touching. The staff makes an effort for you to feel welcome. Can't wait to see whats next at The Odyssey! Make sure to bring some cash for parking and layers the theatres are chilly. read more

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble - Front sign of The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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An excellent theatre, intimate enough to really absorb a show. Production values are top notch, including the cast, the set, costumes, and the choice of material. I recently saw 'Broadway Bound', a dramatic comedy by Neil Simon. This is not your typical crowd-pleasing comedy, of course, but it's a winner throughout. Directed by Jason Alexander (who originated one of the roles on Broadway), it was extremely well-done. Tickets aren't crazy expensive -- nothing like a Downtown Ticket. Still, don't be fooled: The Odyssey has been packing em in for years. Couple years ago, I saw Megan Mullally in a show called 'The Receptionist'. It, too, was well-done, engaging and top notch. It was directed by Bart DeLorenzo, and was thoroughly enjoyable. Before that, I saw a remount of 'The Chicago Conspiracy Trial'. They are versatile and consistently engaging. They don't take the easy way out, and yet, they don't seem to be trying to be Arty for Arts sake. It's a great balance. Definitely recommend anyone who enjoys live theatre to come here. And, if you're not sure about if you'd like live theater, well, this would be a solid option to try it out yourself. read more

Located on Sepulveda Blvd in the middle of what seems to be no where and surrounded by various pet and pet service stores is the intimate Odyssey Theater. This is not a large theater; it seats ~100 people in about 5 rows. My friend and I came here to watch The Clean House a few weeks back. The theater is small, but well maintained. The seats were a little rickety, but I had no complaints otherwise. Outside in the lobby, there is a concession stand where friendly staff members are happy to assist you with snacks and bevs. The restrooms are also clean and well kept. If you'd like to see a play here but didn't buy tickets in advance, don't worry because hot tix sell for $15 at curtain time for most shows. All in all, this is a nice little theater in West L.A. I'd be back on any given lazy Sunday... read more

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I came here with Laura S. and Nelson F. to watch the magic show Smoke & Mirrors. They have a parking lot right in front of the theatre available for $4 unless you come on a weekday, in which case the parking is free! Street parking is also available in this area as well. They have three different theatres here, all showing different shows. We had bought our tickets on Goldstar but were still given lovely tickets to the front row center seats. Yay! The show was really fun, especially since all three of us were able to participate in it. Albie Selznick is really talented and was a joy to watch. He put on a great performance, despite having a broken right foot (which we did not find out about until after the show). So talented! The cast of the show was great and we got to meet them afterwards--they are all really nice and friendly. The theatre was intimate and offered great seating, and I would definitely be interested in coming back to see shows here in the future. Smoke & Mirrors is not currently playing but you should definitely check the show out when they return. read more

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble - Smoke & Mirrors show - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Small nice venue. I was here for the first time last night and really enjoy the show. Nice and comfortable. You literally can't get a bad seat. Nice staff. read more

Another outing to see a play brought us to the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble for "Off The King's Road". Parking: Paid $4 for parking, but was able to park very close to the entrance, as I arrived pretty early. This is an interesting theater in that, they have 3 different theater spaces in this building, each just 99 seats. There's a small lobby area with the ticket office, a snack bar, a couple small tables and a few seats. Theater seating is first come, first seated, so people start lining up 20 - 30 minutes before the doors open. Once inside, the theater is laid out pretty well, so there really isn't a bad seat in the house. While the play itself wasn't quite a snoozer, I walked out of the theater more confused than when I walked in. This says it best: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-off-the-kings-road-odyssey-20150629-story.html OVERALL: Good (paid) parking, friendly staff, good seats, good acoustics, great lighting/set/staging, makes for a great little theater to see some good plays. read more

Really more of a 3.5 or 3.75, but I'm rounding down because the Odyssey used to be so incredible. Every play was fresh. You could barely imagine what you were going to get. The Odyssey got a cutting edge reputation because it was one of the early small theaters to get in, and stay in business. They took risks in their productions. No more. This is now a play it safe theater. The good: Almost without fail, the acting is highly competent here. You will be up close to the action. Desserts & coffee offered at intermission are reasonably priced. Parking won't cost you next month's mortgage .... oh you've already defaulted, nevermind. The bad: Fewer and fewer risks taken on contemporary plays. read more

My husband and I enjoyed an afternoon performance at this lovely theatre and we will absolutely return. The theatre itself is a great space, intimate without feeling crowded, and the staff was friendly and helpful. I'm disabled and have a service dog, and Jeanine, the house manager, made us feel comfortable and right at home. She arranged a nice space for us that allowed my dog to stretch her gams a bit and get comfy, which I really appreciated (I know my dog did, too.) Check out this gem of a theatre; they have lots of wonderful goings on! read more

I bought tickets to see a play at this theater on July 23rd. On July 26th, I received notice that the performance had been canceled. I was given the option for a refund, which I accepted. I spoke to Tess and have sent MANY e-mails FOR THE LAST 2 MONTHS and I still have no refund. If you purchase tickets for a performance at this theater, know that you are taking a risk!!! read more

I actually like this venue... we saw the magic/play Smoke and Mirrors... and it was a really nice venue. PARKING: There is parking right in front and on the street.If you see a show on the weekday, it's free! STAGE ROOM Spacious. Lots of seating. And you're RIGHT in front. It's actually really nice. WAITING AREA: Comfy and lots of seats/ TICKETS: Buy online or at the ticket counter. FOOD: They have their own cafe... but no eating in the theater. read more

I've been to see many productions over the past few years at Odyssey Theatre Ensemble and each one has been beyond exceptional! From Odyssey productions to special ones brought in, they've all been wonderful! The building itself has several theatre spaces that can run more than one production at the same time which is great! The staff is always welcoming and friendly, the concessions open before the play as well as during any intermissions are always nice and it's completely understandable that food and drink aren't allowed in the theatre as a live production is very different from a film as any opening of wrappers, crunching of potato chips or possible spillage of drinks could cause a major distraction not only to the actors but the audience as well. There are times after openings or special events or previews that the audience have an opportunity to meet and chat with the cast, crew and staff while enjoying wine and such. A fantastic evening for sure. There's street parking and in the theatre lot. They normally charge a small fee to park in the lot but I like that the money is going to the theatre as it's not cheap to run a great quality theatre in Los Angeles. I'm so happy this theatre exists in LA. You can always expect a memorable evening at Odyssey! read more