My friend and I took our significant others to the Laughing Owl Production to see OUTSIDE MULLINGAR…read morewhich was Presented by Restless Artists' Theatre for Valentine's Day. The theater was a decent size and very beautifully decorated. Upon walking into the stage, it was beautifully set up. I could see the detail and the effort that was put into creating an authentic stage for the production. We sat in the back left booth, which was very comfortable. However, since it was not raised above the chairs at the front, once other people were seated, at certain points it was hard to see the whole stage. However, it did not ruin the show for me for the production was great! I really enjoyed the humor and how the actors did an amazing job getting into and owning their characters. It made me feel as though I was really there. At intermission, they provided complementary snacks and drinks and were only asking for donations. I thought this was a great gesture towards the attendees. This was a great experience and I would certainly go back to Laughing Owl Productions. Keep up the great work!

THEY'RE NOT CLOSED!!! Unfortunately, Laughing Owl is currently without a permanent home, but they…read moreare currently touring as a childrens' theatre company as they earn their 501(c)3 nonprofit status. (They're nearly there!) Featuring the talents of long-time Reno theatre community leaders such as Dave & Angela Anderson, Androo Allen, Sandra Brunell Neace, Adam Whitney, and Rachel Lopez, they are currently offering family-friendly productions at various venues around town through various community partnerships (e.g. Meadowood Mall, Victorian Square, WCSD, etc.). I must say, Laughing Owl offers some of the best childrens' theatre in our region. They create original adaptations of classic fairytales (e.g. Pinocchio) as well as more unique folklore (e.g. The Magic Stick, which is based on Basque mythology). What Laughing Owl's childrens' shows special is the quality of their original adaptations and high performance values. These productions are literate, they teach good morals without talking down to kids, are affordable, and are very audience-interactive. As someone who fell in lifelong love with theatre at a young age due to productions of the caliber Laughing Owl offers, many theatre companies throw their childrens' theatre productions together at the last minute, offering little more than chaos, poor production values and bad writing. Laughing Owl raises the bar for sharing theatre arts with new generations (they teach acting and speech classes, too!), and I look forward to them finding a more permanent home. Stay tuned to their official website and Facebook pages for updates!

This was our first time at a Good Luck Macbeth production. we were there for Dracula, a Comedy of…read moreTerrors. We weren't sure what to expect as we have seen shows on Broadway, and other larger theaters, but we also love local theater. I don't know why we have not been to one of these shows before, the actors were outstanding, the production was hilarious, and we had a great time. I highly recommend visiting this production company if you are in the area. We will definitely be back.

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary…read more..... Oh wait, it was noon on a hot August Saturday, when a friend and I came to GLM. GLM was hosting the traveling production of Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy. A fabulous way to enjoy this early 1800's American writer. After checking in at the door we were directed into the theater, where it was open seating. I recommend arriving 20-25 minutes early to get the best seat. After seating the first cocktail was passed out and a welcome to the show announcement was made. The first poem was Pale Blue Eye paired with a drink of the same name, with a pale blueberry eye floating in it. Emptied were picked up and The Cat's Meow (a spin on EAP's favorite drink, brandy milk) was paired with The Black Cat. After the first two readings, I was getting the subtle hint Poe didn't know how to properly keep murders a secret. Next was the famous The Raven accompanied by nevermore. The final story was The Masque of the Red Death and to sip while sitting on the edge of your chair. The brandy milk was my favorite. It reminded me a little of a Brandy Alexander. The other three cocktails were good and great play on the accompanying story. Although they were a bit too sweet for me. The performances were fabulous, the tortured well portrayed. The stage with limited props and a magical backdrops was perfect. It drew you into his small dark world. The cast was your crew. Creating cocktails, picking up empties, and performing. An incredibly hard working small group. It is not all dark and dreary. The Poe puns will have you chuckling along, or maybe that the the fourth cocktail I had. Now I'm curious about other similar productions. I would love to attend more like this. Be considerate- the seating is a bit tight. Try not to come and go. Also watch your drink, I wore some of the person's next to me. Great theater. Deadly fun concept.

Last evening, I experienced a beautiful concert presented by the Reno Chamber Orchestra in this…read morefantastic recital hall. The acoustics in this facility are beyond compare. There is no bad seat at this venue. I was so pleased that the temperature was perfect! There is plenty of parking, a short walking distance, at the Brian Whalen Parking Garage, and it was free at that time of night. If you don't want to deal with the stairs or elevator at the garage, follow the signage to go down to Level 1.

The official name is "The Harlan O & Barbara R. Hall Recital Hall". It is located in The Church…read moreFine Arts building on the UNR campus. This is, in my humble opinion, the very best performance venue in Reno in terms of acoustics, ambiance, comfort, and visual appeal. There is not a bad seat in the house and is extremely well suited for smaller musical performances. The space is both soaring and intimate. We have attended a number of performances here all were of stellar quality. Parking is available in the Whalen Parking Complex and is free after 7p.m. There is also a drop-off area on the VIrginia Street entrance to the Fine Arts Building. A calendar of upcoming events is available at: https://www.unr.edu/music/events Tickets can be purchased online.

The shows put on by Theatreworks of Northern Nevada showcase local talent. The performers are…read morestudents and local people who have taken classes at the theatre program. While it is clear the performers are not professional actors, they are talented and the performance are well done. I attended Shrek'd a musical parody and it was cute and funny. Theatreworks mission is to provide youth and the underserved in the community with a chance to enjoy the arts and they do so by partnering with local programs like the Boys and Girls club. I really enjoyed how they had young actors and local actors. I can't wait for their next show.

Great theater experience supporting young thespians in our community. Some quite talented…read moreperformers for The Little Mermaid. Excellent vocals and acting. Venue is interesting and was warmer than I would have liked, even with a fan going. Seating was stadium style with 19 per row. Adult folks sitting in front really block your view, as the seating platform is only raised about 6 inches. But all in all an entertaining afternoon. I will return to view additional productions.

I have been a fan of Empire Comedy for a number of years and love going to their shows. They do…read more"long form" improv, which means they will take a suggestion and then run with it - creating recurring themes and characters over the course of 20-30 min. It's a brand of comedy out of Chicago and LA that's really fun to watch. You never know what's going to happen and neither do the performers!

Another fun-filled evening at Pops on the River. Yep, used to be on the river but outgrew…read moreWingfield Park. Now held at Rancho San Rafael Park, there's plenty of room to grow (and more than sufficient parking). Tonight the theme was the 80's and the crowd came out to represent, as costumes are highly encouraged. Incredible musicians fronted by a trio of exceptional vocalists, perfect weather (epic sunset) and a high energy environment created one of the summer's must-attend musical events. Under the incredible musical direction of Laura Jackson, the Reno Phil always delivers spot-on performances and tonight was a shining example of our Biggest Little City being a true hub for the arts. Keep an eye out for their ongoing performances and treat yourself, everything from traditional classical to movie themes on to modern interpretations, the Reno Phil is a gem!

I love the Reno Phil! Such amazing talent and such awesome…read moreperformances! I may have seen one or two live shows, pre-pandemic, but since the Pandemic, I've mostly purchased livestream tickets. I love watching the shows in the comfort of my living room. I know the artists prefer live guests in the audience, but for me, not living in Reno, the convenience of being able to buy a livestream ticket is awesome. And I feel less guilty, since this afternoon's live show was almost sold out. So the livestream tickets sales are icing on the cake. And they provide the opportunity, for people living in rural Nevada, to see these amazing performances without having to travel. I wish the livestream ticket option would spread. But for now, I'm happy to support and watch the Reno Phil.

I have not been to the Rat Theatre for quite awhile and this play interested me! I saw it on the…read morethings to do yelp page. I enjoy going by myself, and meeting intriguing people. The lady I sat next to tonite was there with her Mom and family and flew in from Pasadena, had dinner and came to the show to see their sister/daughter perform. They were fun to talk to. The play was truly a great experience for women and it reminded me of Menopause the Musical they have played 8 shows with the last one tomorrow night! I almost want to go see it again, but because it will be no more. It's too bad these ladies couldn't take their play on the road, I think they do very well across the country the performance and the singing was amazing!!! Thank you for the laugher!!!

Almost, Maine…read more Running the first two weekends of August 2024. A play based in a small town called Almost. It's several romantic events that all are actually happening at the same time. The cast of six mixed and matched, playing all the characters needed. In the one and a half hours, you went through several emotions with the characters- sadness, heartbreak, love, realization, and happiness. The minimalist set allowed the audience to focus more on the actors to tell each short story. This wasn't my first experience at RAT, I have seen a handful of productions here. It's a great small theater with individual tiered seats. A very enthusiastic staff. And easy parking. Still time to catch this show.

So surprised I went, SO GLAD I did…read more I was expecting a burlesque show. What got was more. The group did acts from the 20's to the present about an hour of time, with a short intermission. Loved the first two opening acts. They were great and I loved their choice in music. It was the old school vaudeville burlesque style. As acts continued we had clothing and music from the 60's, 70's and 80's. The final act had to be from the present since I didn't recognize the music. Each performer did a fantastic job at costume and music selection, as well as putting together the right theatrical dance. I enjoyed the old school feel of the show. I did miss a fan dance- a Sally Rand impersonation would have topped off the night. Right up front the audience was told how the troupe is about celebrating the woman- no matter their sexual orientation, color or size. Any ill manners are not tolerated and you will be removed promptly. It takes quite a bit of nerve to perform in front of so many strangers. If you ever see the name, catch the show.

These ladies are absolutely fantastic. I am a big fan of burlesque and they give it all they have,…read morethey even make it funny sometimes. I've been to about half a dozen shows now and they've got me hooked. Each and everyone of these ladies bring something special something that's a part of them to their shows! If you haven't been it's a must go! Love you ladies!!!