Shea's a quintessential Buffalo masterpiece that it is more than a theater it's an experience! The experience begins with the huge bright lights and walking through those brass doors, before you're in awe of the gorgeous interior of the entire building. Shea's transports you to another place and time. The whole place is magical and the restoration projects over the past twenty years have done their job. The hand painted and carved theater interior is stunning and will keep your attention as much as any show you happened to go to while there. There is a lot of seating, and Shea's is the place to go in Buffalo to see the largest plays, musicals, concerts, and numerous other acts in Buffalo. Located in the heart of the theater district, Shea's is a must visit for any out of town visitor. They've got a season pass with a bunch of different acts each year and there's always something going on. The staff have always been friendly and service has been exceptional. Don't miss an opportunity to visit Shea's if you have the chance. You too can enjoy the experience that is the Wonder Theater! read more

I'm giving it 3 stars because of 3 different reasons. Reason 1: seating is god awful. The seating could be better. I felt soooo squished and had absolutely no leg room at all. Reason 2: I understand that the vending prices are what they are because they don't make much from ticket sales. Kind of ridiculous because the person I went with to see Book of Mormon bought water and it was $4.00!! Really? Last reason: the place was clean, the building was beautiful architecturally inside and out. Plenty of restrooms and trash cans. Staff was helpful and friendly. read more

Somehow had never been here before. It is a beautiful venue. We sat in the balcony area and had a great view of the stage. I loved the vintage feel of this place. Really feels like you have stepped back in time when you walk in. The champagne that was for sale was cash only and they were hardcore about checking ids. We came to see the lion king tonight but i will definitely be back for other shows. It's great to have this kind of place right here in buffalo. read more

Sheas always does exceptional job. I had no idea what Somethings Rotten was about but I was waiting in like to buy tickets to another production ehen someone offered tickets because their friends couldn't make it. I don't remember the last time I laughed this hard. Excellent - can't say enough good things. read more

Shea's is the crown jewel of the theater district. It's marquee literally puts BUFFALO in lights. The opulence of the decor almost transforms you to a different time and place once you enter the doors! This stage has seen amazing Broadway productions, fantastic comedy shows, concerts of all genres and even hosts family movies. Being inside Shea's reminds you of Buffalo's hay day and also keeps you hopeful for the rebirth of the downtown area. Buffalo is such an eclectic city and Shea's is a big part of keeping the arts alive and well here. If you have a chance to see a show at this beautiful theater I promise you won't be disappointed! read more

Shea's Performing Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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My daughter and I went to see David Blaine. We got there too early, so we left to go eat, then came back. When we came back, the line to get into Shea's was out the door and down the street. Luckily though, they were just checking bags so the line moved pretty quickly. Once we got in, there were ushers that helped to point you in the direction of your seats. If you have not been here, the theatre is so BEAUTIFUL. We were seated pretty close to the stage, but if you're seats were further away, there was a huge screen showing David Blaine up close. The show itself was AMAZING! David Blaine is the best magician ever, and we were so lucky to have been able see him perform live! We were on the edge of our seats the whole time, with lots of suspense, laughter and amazement. Thanks to Shea's for bringing him here, and putting on a great show!! read more

One of the most exquisite buildings I have ever been in that allows you to step back in time. The Spanish/French baroque and Rococo style has been so well preserved and renovated, that you can see and feel the 1920's come back to live. Beautiful theater that houses great events throughout the year and it has a very interesting history as well. read more

Shea's Performing Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I watched the Aladdin opening show which was the best show I have ever been to. I went with Casey middle school and my gosh it was funny watching the Jeanie play highly recommend!!! read more

I love theater and specially musicals. I love that the Shea's hosts a great assortment of Broadway shows and concerts. They even do special events were they play movies. I came here with my girlfriend to see Phantom of the Opera, the black and white silent version. It was great!!! The theater is beautiful, they really have done a great job at bringing the beauty of the old building back. I am so happy they didn't tear it down and put in a modern building. For seating arrangements I recommend the first four rows of the balcony or the orchestra not under the balcony. When I have the row that the balcony goes over the orchestra I will update this review. read more

When someone says "Shea's", they're most likely referring to Shea's Buffalo, the gorgeous classic gem of a theater that is the centerpiece of Shea's Performing Arts Center. Attending any performance here always feels like a special event. Although I've been coming for years, this is only my second season as a Broadway series subscription holder. On the surface, ticket prices may seem high, but they're certainly better than New York or Toronto. And since I don't mind sitting way up in the balcony (except for all those stairs!), it's legitimately a bargain - even less expensive than some of our esteemed local theatre companies. The quality of touring shows these days is top notch! And don't discount Shea's other two venues: 710 and Smith. We are so fortunate to have a wealth of high quality theatre companies in Buffalo, and lucky to have these other fine stages for them to perform on. I'm going to take this opportunity to air a few complaints about situations I've encountered all too frequently at Shea's. When they tell you to turn your cellphone off, they mean it. TURN OFF YOUR PHONE! After you've finished your cookie or pretzel or whatever snack you couldn't survive the show without, throw the wrapper in the garbage, not on the floor! And PLEASE honestly assess your child's ability to sit quietly for the length of the performance before you force a squirmy whiner on nearby audience members. I know you paid good money for those tickets, but so did we, and if your kid is acting up, it's time to go. I've saved the hundreds of playbills from all the shows I've attended, but if you're not going to save yours, that doesn't belong on the floor either. Place it in one of the recycling bins in the lobby. Whew. Thank you. read more

Shea's is simply a beautiful theater. It's huge and gorgeous. It has tons of seating compared to a typical Broadway theater. Shea's has the ability to bring in huge shows. If seeing Broadway shows is your thing, it's definitely worth it to get season tickets. read more

I would choose no stars if it was a choice. I purchased tickets for Riverdance for my mom for Christmas right before Covid hit. I sent several emails waiting for reopening and or a refund and got zero response. So I wasted $150 but never will buy ticket s for any show ever again. read more

It's a beautiful venue but the seats are a little too small and too close together for an average sized person to fit in comfortably but they are not so bad that you can't sit in them for an entire 3-4 hour show but the intermissions definitely help. Also the main hallway outside the actual theater is too small for the number of people who go to a show. Crowds move pretty slow just shuffling along like crabs. I don't like that the men's bathroom doesn't have a divider between urinals - makes it awkward when you have to go and are pee shy. And there are so many people you can't follow the normal etiquette of leaving an empty urinal between each other. Otherwise a good venue for a night at the theater and dinner with the variety of restaurants that are nearby or can easily be driven to. This afternoon we saw the production of Mean Girls. It mostly followed the plot of the movie but I kept comparing it to the movie and while a lot was the same, a lot was also changed and because I love the movie so much, I didn't feel the changes were for the better. Also they had the volume up so loud I thought I'd need ear plugs and some of the song lyrics got buried under the rest of the music so I could barely understand at some parts. Overall a good experience. I've been before and will most likely come again. read more

Shea's Performing Arts Center - Stage set for mean girls and some random people's heads - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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A true Buffalo gem. Such a beautiful venue. I've been to Shea's countless times, and I always look forward to an opportunity to return. There are always fun events onstage whether it be a musical, comedian, or other performance artist. Most recently I went to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in concert. They projected the film on a large screen, as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra played the accompanying music live. It was amazing! I recommend that anyone visiting Buffalo make sure to stop by Shea's. Tip: when there are big events, they open up lots close to the theatre and charge $20 to park. It is not worth it! There is a parking garage nearby called Augspurger Ramp that charges far less. Last night it cost $7 to park. (On nights when there aren't big events going on, it probably costs even less.) And if you don't mind parking a little bit further away and having a little bit more of a walk, there are free parking spots available as well on nearby streets. Give yourself a little extra time so you don't get stuck paying a ridiculous amount for parking. read more

Shea's Performing Arts Center - Beautifully decorated for Christmas! - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Despite being a season ticket holder for four years, I keep procrastinating this review. It's going to be a challenge to put my love of this theater into words. Shea's is one of the best venues that Buffalo (and Western NY in general) has to offer. Its beautiful interior was recently renovated to lavish the audience with all the glory of Shea's previous state. Attending the holiday-time musical and enjoying the theater's festive decor is always one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season. The theater does a fantastic job of bringing high-quality, Broadway-tier shows to the area. Audience members hail from the far reaches of the region (my seatmate last year drove in for every show from Rochester), which is a huge boon to local economy. They don't focus on smaller or regional productions, but fear not: there are dozens of other theaters in the city that do. Shea's allows you to bring snacks and drinks into the theater. Be careful about grabbing crunchy snacks or drinks that you don't want to hold in-hand. There are no drink holders in the seats. Seats. Ah, the seats. On one hand, they are fairly comfortable and cushioned. However, I develop pretty bad knee cramps after each show. I have long legs that the narrow rows don't accommodate well. However, I have the same problem at movie theaters, so this might just be my personal cross to bear. I would recommend an aisle seat so you can twist to the side if you have similar issues. Parking can be a pain if you don't know the area. Your best option is to go down Washington and pay $3 to park in the M&T bank lot, then cut through the (very nice, well-lit) alley to Shea's a block away. The lot does fill up, so it pays to get there a little early. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, so sometimes it's best to arrive earlier, have dinner, then walk to the theater after. My mom and I often go to Tappo before a show during nice-weather months. Another tip is to use the restroom before getting to the theater, particularly if you're female. Lines are notoriously long during intermission, as is true with most theaters. Four years a member, with hopefully many more to come! read more

Everything about Shea's interior is beautiful except for the narrow seats with no leg room. They made me terribly claustrophobic. If you're a big and/or tall person, or claustrophobic, take note because sitting here for a long show will not be comfortable. And I hate to be a buzzkill, but I actually really dislike old things, like the seating set-up in this building. I mean the architecture and interior is beautiful and I appreciate it, but it smelled musty and was cramped. Similar to the Riviera Theater in NT, it's beautiful but not comfortable and just... old... Plus they're full of old people. At least, for the shows I've seen here. Ha! I like new, clean, spacious places, and am really not sentimental toward the past, so the history is kind of lost on me. Let's move forward, not back! Cabaret Restaurant and Bambino Kitchen and Bar are right across the street if you're looking to have dinner nearby ahead of time. Also, if you're a sucker and want to park close by, the lots across the street charge $20 for parking. My Dad hates being "late" and we got to Shea's at 7:43pm (the show started at 8). He was so nervous about the time that he paid for the $20 parking. We ended up sitting in our cramped seats, smelling old people cologne/perfume until 8:10 when the show finally started. Despite having a dance and music background, I'm not a theater person (nor really a concert person unless I REALLY love the performer- I hate crowds and loud atmospheres) so it doesn't pain me to come here infrequently (to the tune of every 5 years or so). read more

One of Buffalo's most prized gems and one of the most beautiful theaters in the entire country, period. They have done a wonderful job maintaining this history building while preserving its old charm. In addition, they bring in great shows and acts. Almost always on top of the biggest Broadway hits. I have to subtract a star because of their food policy ... that policy being that you are allowed to bring your snacks from the snack bar into the theater. This is an old, beautiful building that features high-end, quality performances. During a quiet scene, I don't want to hear wrappers crackling or mouths chewing. This policy simply does not comport with the regal nature of the building. Keep it classy! read more

Well, I've never rated a building before. I've only been a restaurant rater. But last night I experienced Joe Bonamassa and his talented entourage. Wow. What a show. And to see it at Shea's. What can I say; this place just drips cool. I met a couple of 1st timers from out of town. They just stood in the lobby taking in the moment and being so impressed with it. I wish I could have seen their expressions when the stepped through the doors and were ushered to their seats. They will know what gem this place is. I would highly recommend Shea's to anyone. read more

There's nothing overly spectacular about this place. It's an old-style theater that's not dissimilar to the one you'd find in every American big city. This is Buffalo's most overrated "landmark." read more

We went to see Oklahoma and were extremely disappointed with the adaptation to a classic. It was truly horrible and makes us wonder if we should continue being season ticket holders. I would love to understand how some dancer wiping her butt on the stage floor to modern music has anything to do with this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. read more

Very disappointed with the way Covid is being handled at the shows. I went to a performance this weekend and there were many people taking off their masks while the show was on and the lack of social distance is astounding. We are still in the middle of the pandemic and it is getting worse. Why would a packed house make sense?? I wouldn't have gone if I thought the place would be packed. I hoped sheas would have done the least to protect its customers by distancing us. read more

I always have a blast every time I go to Shea's. I've been here for several shows now and each time is a special event. The ticket takers are quick, the ushers are friendly, the coat check is cheap, and they provide refreshments for an affordable price. My husband and I make a point of getting to a show early for a champagne starter to celebrate the occasion. I'll admit, I've only seen traveling shows come through, but each one has been great! Spamalot, Wicked, Book of Mormon, Phantom of the Opera; everything has been wonderful! The actors are excellent and the sets are top notch! If you sit in the very back of the orchestra section, you might miss part of the set if it's more vertical, due to the balcony above obscuring the top portion of the stage, but at least Shea's doesn't have pillars blocking any view. I just love Shea's interior too. The venue is stunning and absolutely gorgeous. They've done an amazing job restoring the theater and lobby, and I love patronizing the establishment. Also, I'm thrilled with all the bars as restaurants that have popped up around the theater district. It's nice to get dressed up for a show and then go out afterwards for a full night out. Shea's is great! read more

We got tickets to The Book of Mormon, and it was easy to order, easy to get the tickets, quick service to get in and helpful ushers to get me exactly where I needed to sit. During intermission they have lots of food and beverages to choose from along with great merchandise from the show. I have been here for many shows in the past and its a great theater to watch any show and there really isn't a bad seat in the house! read more

Shea's Performing Arts Center - From Book of Mormon! - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Shea's is a prized gem in Buffalo, and it's something I think many WNYers take for granted. The interior literally takes my breath away every time I walk in. It's so ornate and well taken care of. The rich history helps add to its marvelous charm. Shea's Broadway Series is amazing, and I am always astounded by the shows they get each year and sheer volume of the audience. The boyfriend and I saw Kinky Boots in April. Everything about our experience was excellent. The chairs aren't the most comfortable, and there isn't much leg room, but that doesn't bother me too much. The organization and building are such a great asset to the local community, and it deserves all the support in the world. read more

Beautiful theatre gilded and unchanged from the 1920s. Shea's is always a treat. One thing that can be tough, though, is the seats are not staggered. They are one behind the other. I sat in row x, and someone taller set in front of me. I spent the whole show looking to the left or right of her head. I do think it would be helpful if they added more bathrooms because it is a mad rush at intermission and you barely get back in time for the second act of your show. On the positive, she is always a memorable experience. The decor is nothing short of a regal. It's always special to be there, and it's one of the best parts of Buffalo. read more

This theater was the venue for my friends' masquerade-themed wedding. It was perfect! Beautiful candelabras and chandeliers, warm atmosphere, and awesome service. The lobby was used as the ceremony room (with bride and groom up the winding staircase) and the dance hall as well. The backroom was the dining area which was beautiful. I was surprised that despite there being a whole stage area, I was too busy enjoying myself to go explore. I feel like the behind-the-scenes for this event must have been above-and-beyond. Wedding planning can be stressful, and while I did think the bride was about to snap from stress, I don't think that had anything to do with Shea's. Thanks for a wonderful night! read more

Yes Shea's is Historic, Yes it is absolutely beautiful inside and Yes they bring in some of the best Broadway Shows and National Performances, but my god the seats are really a pain for someone over 6ft tall. We saw Wicked here the other night and thank God I had an aisle seat and could stretch my legs out, as I could only sit with my feet twisted outward in a V-shape otherwise. Even my wife who is 5'7" complained about feeling crammed in there. Also it does get hot in the balcony so as Bethany M. recommends, dress in layers. I mean I have been here for quite a few shows and they along with the place itself is worth being uncomfortable for a couple hours, but just something to be aware of. read more

I had my wedding reception here. Not only was it beautiful, the staff was amazing! Bobbi and Laura were always there and available to answer my questions. The building is well kept and cleaned nicely. They had several security guards watching my gifts and monitoring the crowd for guest safety and to ensure no outsiders came in. I felt safe and had an amazing time. They provided the liquor for my reception. Everyone seemed impressed with their drinks, and no one waited long to get served. I'd do it all over again. My fairytale wedding came true. Thanks Shea's! read more

We haven't had a bad experience here yet. Shea's is such a beautiful venue and they always have great theatre events catering to any crowd. If you're in town and looking for something to do, spend some time downtown and see a show at Shea's. You'll feel fancy. read more

Once again I am cancelling my season tickets to Sheas due to lousy customer service. Phone calls go unreturned. The woman I spoke with today was insulting and not helpful. And this is not the first time I was met with a sort of pretentious "we can't do anything" response. Sadly this is the only venue for major traveling performances so I will still buy tickets but there are no noticeable benefits to being a season ticket holder read more

This an architecturally beautiful theater. I came here to see Love Jones and Maxwell this year. I wish they allowed drinks in the theater and not just the lobby, though I can understand why they don't. For Love Jones, the photo opp booths with the actors were set up in the ground floor lobby, which created quite the human traffic jam when trying to leave. If you have the opportunity to check out Shea's, do so. Even if it's just to look inside and see the theater. read more

Beautiful venue. Great acoustics. All seats are good, even in the balcony. I love that they bring a variety of shows to Buffalo and also have fundraiser events where you can have parties on the stage read more

Shea's Performing Arts Center - Curtain @ shea's - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Been a season ticket holder for 3 years but this is it for me, hand nothing But problems with the box office. They resell our season tickets for one performance every year. This year they did it again and then I had to call, it's poorly run box office with a ticket system that is old and out of touch to get a refund as my guest got stuck in the nose bleeds. I'm the next generation to support the theater I will not renew season ticket and or support in donations to the Sheas. If you want to see a show just scalp the tickets because it means NOTHING to be season ticket holder. read more

I have been very fortunate to grow up with Shea's as our local theatre. It is the most interesting, beautiful building I've ever been in (almost a tie with Central Terminal, except the two are in very different states of condition). You can't miss the historic marquee while walking down the street, and it instantly takes you back to the 1920s. Upon entering, there is so much to look at- decorative ceilings, chandeliers, velvet curtained walls, wide wooden staircases- the place is dripping with elegant history. And to think they almost lost it all 50 years ago! The theatre itself is jaw-dropping. No matter where you sit, there is a beautiful design or piece of architecture to look at and discuss until the show begins. The ushers and concessions people are all volunteers. That speaks volumes about the community! So many people dress up, show up, and work hard every night to assist the patrons and they don't receive a penny for it- they just do it because they love theatre and want to help in their community! Yes, a bottle of water may be steep in price. The coffee is only $2.50 and a bag of candy is $4... It's not that bad. There is a sign at most (if not all) concession stands mentioning that the money raised goes towards maintaining the theatre. Maybe you spent $150 on two tickets and are complaining that a bottle of water is $5? Keep in mind that the money you spent on your tickets filters through so many hands that Shea's does not end up with much of it. And yet they've done a beautiful job with upkeep. I love this theatre so much. However... There are some things that cause me to dock one star from a perfect rating, one being the bathroom situation. Twenty minutes of intermission fly by when you're in a line of 50 women having to use the restroom. There are three(?) ladies rooms that I know of. It's obvious that they cannot build more bathrooms, so there's really no fix for this dilemma. Just be prepared to panic with your pants down when the "please get back" warning chime starts playing! Also: the seating. How I love this theatre... But the seating is just plain awful. It's cramped, there's nowhere for your legs, and the seats AREN'T STAGGERED! (At least, every seat I've sat in the last three shows has not been staggered with the seats in front of it.) I *always* manage to be stuck behind a big dude. Always. Dead set in the middle of my face. So the past three shows I have been to have been experienced by leaning on my husband's shoulder. The whole show. I cannot stress enough how annoying it is to be a woman of average height with a man of average- to tall- height sitting squarely in front me. He can't help it- I'm not mad at the people in front of me- but come on Shea's! There was a giant, gaping lack of common sense when the seats were installed the way they are. It kills the vibe of the whole show when all you see is the back of a head in the dead center of your field of vision. So here is my plan for all of you coming to see a show in the future: I need everyone to dig deep and buy that $5 bottle of water so Shea's can raise enough money to install newer, roomier, staggered seating. Deal? Deal. Enjoy the show! read more

Me and my fiancé took my son to see Sesame Street live entrance is off of main parking is difficult but not to far just a couple blocks. The inside is just like walking in to a very old theater, the decor was incredible very classy. Everything is insanely over priced 10 dollars for a cheap two dollar balloon, food and drinks are just as bad then the seating is mildly uncomfortable very close together the view is great though I believe from anywhere you shouldn't have a hard time seeing the stage and the show... Well to me I was bored, the Only thing my son enjoyed was the cotton candy. My rating is less about the show more about he experience read more

Shea's Performing Arts Center - Me and my son - Performing Arts Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I Love all the interesting there it's super big so it's fun to admire what's there. Also it has a lot of fun plays there like hamiliton I went to watch I loved it please do more you guys are doing great. read more

I'm happy that I waited until now to write a review because it seems that quite recently they began allowing water inside the theater! There's not much I can say that hasn't been said already, but the beauty of Shea's surpasses any other building in Buffalo. You wouldn't really expect it from the outside, but right when you get in you're surrounded by detailed art from head to toe. Most importantly, their roasted nuts are to die for. They're absolutely delicious and just help add to the overall wonderful experience here. read more

As a relatively new season ticket holder, I am heading back to Shea's quite often and the service and space never disappoint. If you are trying to buy tickets, there are spots directly out front saved for "15 minute parking" to be used to run in for tickets. Everyone from the ticket sales people, to the security guards, to the concession stand workers are all overly friendly and delightful. If you are headed to a show anytime after 5pm, street parking is free at the meters. Generally we head out to dinner at 5:30-6pm within a block or 2 of Shea's so finding parking is extremely easy. Then we don't have to move the car and can walk directly to Shea's post dinner. We like to walk in about 5 minutes before curtain up as almost everyone else is seated by then so getting through the door is fast and we sit near the aisle so we don't have to crawl over people to get into our seats. One of the great perks of season tickets is you can not only change the night of your tickets if necessary as it is hard to plan so many months ahead, but you can also call more than 2 weeks before a show and move your seats to a closer spot if they have any available. We are really excited for the benefit of purchasing tickets for any shows at Shea's before the general public as next season Hamilton is coming! read more

Lucky enuff to experience les mis in this wonderful theater. Great production. Great staff. Cannot wait till I go again.

Love the theater scene in Buffalo. We are now season ticket holders. A few suggestions: let people know when they buy wine with a few minutes to go until the play that they can't bring it in the theater so they don't have to chug it. Been to plays in many other cities where they either allow you to bring it in or make it obvious you can't. Also the employees don't seem to be on the same page for ticket policies so they may want to make sure they are doing what's right for the customer. We recently had another bad experience at Shea's and despite being season ticket holders, they have been unresponsive to even having a conversation with us despite leaving multiple messages through various forms of communication. Assuming this keeps up, we will not be renewing or attending further events. read more