Visiting town, I bought a last minute ticket, 10 min before show time, for the Back To The Future Musical. I didn't have much time to tour the venue but it's very pretty and once inside it seems there's a good view from anywhere, I was 2nd to last row at the top balcony. The lights, sound and view were all great. If you're wanting to catch a show here, it's a quality venue. The staff was also friendly and helpful. read more

State Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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This theater is simply beautiful. The architecture, wall and ceiling paintings, and inside decor are breath taking. There doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the theater as I have been here 4 times and have sit in multiple locations, and each time I can hear and see well. Highly recommend and will be back! read more

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Very beautiful theater in Playhouse Square. I wish they would enforce at least some dress code. You just simply should not be allowed to wear shorts or sports clothes to theater. This time we went to see Miss Saigon which was very good. The cast was excellent. We are theater-goers and noticed that shows became more and more sexually explicit. In the past most of the time we could bring 10 year old to the show without checking if it's age appropriate but not anymore. We have season passes which is something we done for the first time but we are strongly recommending. read more

State Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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What a beautiful theater! This was our first visit, to see Wicked. The performance was very close to sold out, so there were a LOT of people moving through. Even with checking ID, vaccine cards, and tickets, there was hardly any bottlenecks. Staff was helpful at all times. My only complaint is that the seats are very tightly spaced. Otherwise, would return! read more

My best friend and I went to the Keybank State theater to see Hamilton. Due to overwhelming popularity of the show not only was the theater packed but practically the entire long lobby was filled with people. After clearing security screening we had to wait until 30 minutes prior to entering. The long lobby is beautiful! Adorning the walls with art deco paintings, and ceiling architecture, there was so much to look at. We had to pick up our playbills before entering. Apparently the people in the "red coats" that served as ushers don't hand them out to you if you are trying to find your seat. Once inside we found our seats and were grateful we were on the end towards the center and the walkway aisle was behind us. This definitely came in handy for us to get up and leave once the show was over. We seemed to have leg room since I had made a purchase inside and was able to sit my recyclable bag in front of me. Since we were under the balcony overhang I was not able to view that area. Box seats were filled to capacity on side and although my friend asked me how does one go about getting those seats, I told her that box seats are really not the greatest. They are more giving in comparison to regular seats but your views of the stage are the same as if you are sitting to the far right or left. We were more centrally located and about 24 rows back from the orchestra. Acoustic quality was very good and with my girlfriend wearing a hearing aid told me she was able to pick up most everything without the need of an assisted device. During intermission we were ushered properly to the restrooms downstairs which helped facilitate our return for Act 2 in plenty of time. The Keybank State theater is the largest of the theaters comprising Playhouse Square (reviewed separately). Hamilton continues to remain an outstanding show even though I have seen the original Broadway cast and have been to other venues to see it as well. Each time I see the show I am fascinated with how each actor gives their own interpretation to the roles they are playing. It is still the hottest show now touring and well worth it if you are able to secure tickets. FYI-having just returned recently from Washington DC-there are two Hamilton touring companies. The one we saw was called the "Philip" cast and it was like seeing it on Broadway again. The other company is the "Angelica" cast which is currently playing in DC. After the show was over we were ushered out via a side door that led to the parking garage. There was a big tented gala out front which was closed to pedestrian traffic while the show was in progress. We were both grateful for them guiding us back to the route leading to my car. The people in the red coats were friendly and hospitable. I have subscribed to their upcoming season and will be seeing "Miss Saigon" in this same theater next year. I definitely want to focus more on the beautiful architecture of this theater on my next visit. read more

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Saw current show at State Theater.. Lion King. It was a visual explosion of colors & patterns from the African cultures. The choreography of animals dancing & the elements of earth supplementing (like wind & water & stars) was dynamic & bustling. Plus their great use of unique costumes that incorporated multiple animals in a special suit or moveable vehicle was ingenious. We loved the giraffes since they were so life like. The simple circular flying birds were great too on the long sticks. Only lousy thing was the nose bleed seats we had. Least the AC was cranking nicely to the dismay of all the old lady shivering.. haaa! The one thing I could of done with less of was the music. It was a bit repetitive w/ the tribal themes and yelling. Not my favorite show but if you liked the movie then check out the show. read more

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Beautiful theater located in the heart of Cleveland's Playhouse Square! My sister and I came here to see The Lion King on a Friday night. The place was PACKED but they do a great job of moving everyone along. They have multiple associates/volunteers working to ensure everyone knows where to go. I love the ornate detail on all of the fixtures. There was even a super fancy drinking fountain. I wish I would have gotten a pic! I also love the chandeliers that are over the main entrance as well as the lower level seating. All in all, it's quite an experience to get dressed up and head to a play in the State Theater. A Playhouse Square gem, for sure! read more

State Theater - Lower level chandelier near the soundstage - Performing Arts Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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Cleveland theater district is second to New York's! Waiting with baited breath to see this production of Miss Saigon. read more

State Theater - Miss Saigon. Grab the Kleenex.... - Performing Arts Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

They say next to broadway, Cleveland has one of the best theater districts in Ohio! I concur fully with that. Having been in this theater only once before (before yelp) I am always impressed. Comfy seats, beautiful atmosphere, and always friendly redcoats. Another reason to live Cleveland! Also special thanks to the Yelp community for making tonight at phantom of the opera possible! read more

State Theater - Great seats thanks to Yelp!!!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Came here to see Hamilton this past weekend and it was extremely packed with people which was unsurprising. What was surprising was how easy and hassle free parking, lobby navigation and seat finding was despite all the people. We were able to park in the playhouse lot that connects directly to the theater and walk straight into the lobby, we were greeted with complimentary water and candy, we then were able to join the short line for photos at the Hamilton branded step and repeat. Every employee we interacted with was so friendly and helpful and I couldn't believe how fast they got people through the ticket line and into their seats. One of the red coats even ran back downstairs for my family and I after we expressed our dismay of missing the handing out of programs. She brought them to us in our seats and we were so grateful. I had been to this theater years ago and this most recent experience confirms that I will continue to return in the future. read more

State Theater - Ceiling murals - Performing Arts Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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After a pretty long break due to COVID, I was a little surprised the State looked a little rough around the edges. Musty smell, dusty chairs, etc. God knows the theatre had time for a thorough cleaning. That said, my only complaint about the venue itself-and it is a doozy-is the absolute lack of legroom. I'm talking Sprit Airlines legroom! You would think for the big bucks they charge for a play they would give you some room! That aside, we went to see The Lion King. And as many have reported already, the acting, scenery, costumes and songs are spectacular. BUT-to expand an animated musical from 88 minutes to a Broadway Play size 2.5 hours--there is a LOT of musical stuffing beyond the expectedly great Elton John/Tim Rice songs. Some are fine, but the repetitive (assumingly authentic African) "song" additions-are nothing but rhythm-no melody whatsoever. Topped of by their incomprehensible "lyrics", they soon grow tiresome. Frankly, they could have cut all this stuffing out, had a 2 hour show (with intermission) and everyone would have been great with it. read more

We attended a musical here recently. It's probably been over twenty years since I had been to the State Theater, or really, PlayhouseSquare in general. Really had a great time. Didn't try any of the food, as we ate before the show, but it looked like they had most of the options you'd find in a standard movie theater. They also have a limited bar, a cocktail menu, several wines, and a few tailored cocktails. Everyone we dealt with staff wise was friendly, courteous and professional. The show was great! It looked like every seat had a clear view of the stage ( ours certainly did). The sound was great too! All in all, a wonderful evening. Can't wait to go back again! read more

My husband and I attended the Broadway Series Miss Saigon last night here, and it was my first time at the theater. I've attended many NYC broadway shows and I would much prefer to see shows here! You get the same quality and the theater is extremely well maintained, instead of rundown and overcrowded NYC theaters. They have several alcohol and snack bars set up and I love that you can bring drinks and food into the theater. I ordered a prosecco which the bartender (older lady) couldn't open so she had my husband open but I didn't mind. I believe this was $12. My husband got a mixed drink (they have several specials based on the show, heavily featuring gin) and then during intermission I got a sea salt brown butter Rice Krispie treat ($5). During intermission there was plenty enough place to stand that no one was overcrowded, and we were able to get the treat (above) rather quickly. No long lines (some places like the Kennedy Center in DC you'll be spending the entire intermission to get one drink and then have to chug or toss it). Would definitely return. We took an Uber there because of cold weather and walked back home, so not sure how easy their parking situation is, and it seemed like there was a mad dash that way. Please note this theater is sponsored in large part by many local businesses like BakerHostetler and those businesses deserve recognition for supporting the arts as well. read more

Yes it is a historical building and it is beautifully appointed. But dammit can you please update and upgrade the seating? The seating is very tight side-to-side as well as leg room. You absolutely need to book the first row in the balcony so you can lots of legroom. If not, enjoy sitting with your hips down low, knees up high. It is brutal. I saw quite a few senior citizens have trouble getting out of the seats and taking the steps. The crew was very slow to turn on the house lights when intermission came. There is no excuse for that. People were fumbling around in the dark. Seriously, I won't go back to that theater because of the seating. read more

I recently saw the Phantom of the Opera here and I must say this is a beautiful theatre. The ceilings and murals are absolutely beautiful. The theatre is small so no matter where you sit you can see the stage relatively well. The sound was pretty good, I could hear everything clearly. The seats were a bit uncomfortable and after a couple of hours, but I would definitely see another show here. There are also concession stands with candy, water, beer, wine and cocktails. read more

I love the Terry and Sheldon Adelman promenade! Gorgeous! All of the entrances to all the theaters are stunning! Some of the attendants are not as friendly and sociable as we could hope for, but the theaters and shows are amazing! read more

State Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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We saw John Mulaney at the State theater. Loved that were were able to buy parking ahead of time; to assure we would have a spot in the lot attacked to the theater. We also had to pick up our tickets at will call. They had several lines open so we didn't have to wait at all. The theater itself was beautiful! Loved the details!! We will be seeing at more shows here for sure!! read more

I really enjoyed the tile floors here, and also the sweet mashup of the music at this wonderful theater.

We were recently lucky to have taken in the fantastic showy, Miss Saigon, at the State Theater. What an experience! First, the show itself is incredible and go see it if you can. Second, we are big fans of Playhouse Square and The State has to be one of my favorite places to see anything. The whole vibe is exciting and thrilling and just speaks to people who love art and any live performances. Add in the fact that the people who work here are so kind and the entire building is simply beautiful--from an aesthetic standpoint. Just a great experience in our Cleveland arts and theater district that everyone should be able to enjoy. read more

The faclity is beautiful... However, we had a very poor experience with an employee named Yvonne. My husband a I were attending the APMAS. My husband embraced me, as husbands are wont to do with wives. We were approached by Yvonne. She asked us to please not embrace. We separated, and apologized. Had that been all, it would have been fine. However, she then, in a very condescending tone said, "I can't believe I have to tell people to not do that." This was EXCEEDING rude. That statemet was completely unnecessary, and I hope she will be counseled on better guest interaction!! read more

How can there only be one review for this gorgeous theater. The interior lobby for the main theater is decorated in stunning, WPA era murals depicting very Occidental "fantasies" of non-Western cultures. Not sure if you can get into the lobby to see the murals without a ticket to a show but you certainly should be able to experience the 20 X 5 foot murals 30 feet above your head. I expect they have some fine theater here too, but the day I attended Sesame Street Live was in the house. read more

The State Theater is as grand and magical as always. It is a stunning venue for any performer. Walking into the theater I felt excitement in the air from the other theater goers. On 10-19-16 I sat in section B, row DD, in an aisle seat for a Joan Baez performance. The view to the stage from this location was spectacular. The lobby is majestic and there are plenty of pleasant and helpful ushers to lead people to the proper seating areas. Bar staff in the lobby were dressed up in white shirts and bright red vests, all eager to serve patrons. It is always a wonderful experience to go to The State Theater. Remember to look up and around at the fabulous ceilings and murals. Wow. Everything about this place is top notch. read more