I'll give The Muny 4 stars because it's the only place of it's kind, it's amazing that there are free seats to see high quality performances, and everyone I have ever met that worked for The Muny has been incredibly nice and accommodating. The shows are good, and they always have an excellent selection for the season. But..... The thought of spending an evening in an outdoor theater, on a 90 degree, muggy St. Louis night, sitting on plastic chairs that you stick to, in a gigantic cement pit that has been roasting all day long, is not my idea of a fun night. However, anywhere that people wear ripped shorts, carry coolers of bud light, and call it going to the "opera" has to be at least alright. read more

Writing my overdue review for Mountain Play in my area reminded me that I forgot to review the Muny!!! I saw a couple plays here (in 2010) and was thoroughly impressed by this lovely Forest Park gem! One performance we paid for and the other we sat in 3 rows behind paid seating for free. Nice. Excellent venue, highly recommended. It's ironic how many locals don't realize this charmer is right in their back yard! I may be a San Franciscan but living in St Louis was awesome and I miss Forest park's bounty. read more

Fantastic open air theater, with great preformances. The most memorable for me will always be "Meet Me in St. Louis" & "The King & I". There is nothing more amazing than being out in the open, waiting for nature to dim the lights, and when you see the stars the show begins. Not that expensive for close seats, but the best spur of the moment thing is to get there early and wait in line for the free seats! read more

The theatre is gorgeous. Everyone was super friendly. Ticket prices reasonable Too many seats though. Hard to see from section B and back due to distance, even harder when you your view is the back of heads in front, and seats are too close to try to move left or right. Sound system is great. I didn't feel like I missed much by the visual obstacles read more

One star for food only. Two iced teas and sad nachos are $16.50. When weather is nice -5stars. Just bring your own food from outside. read more

The Muny - Performing Arts Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I took my daughter and young granddaughters (older 3, almost 6 years old) to see Cinderella on July 11. It was a pleasant night weather-wise, and the fans do a great job of keeping the air moving. The girls loved the "magical" touches, but the second act really dragged, and I was surprised at the revisions to the show I remember from several television iterations. Given that this was one of the plays clearly chosen with families in mind, I wish they had used the older version, which is closer to the classic fairy tale. . . . it would have been easier for kids to hang with, and it would have shortened the production by some 20 minutes is my guess! But 4 stars, simply for the wonderful experience that is The Muny. read more

First Muny show for their 100th year 2018 - was poor. I was so disappointed. For a 100th year anniversary - Jerome Robbins Broadway was awful. Long and boring. I sure hope the rest of the season picks up. read more

I love, love, love the MUNY!! I've been a fan ever since my sister attended college here and brought me to my first MUNY show, Miss Saigon in 2001. Since then, I've tried to attend as often as possible when I was visiting her. Since I moved to STL four years ago, I've made it a point to come at least once every season...and have thought seriously about getting season tickets. But I always go with different friends, and season tickets would not be conducive to seating arrangements. I love the free seats at the MUNY. It's true that the best seats are filled early and people start lining up and picnicking in line at 6 pm for an 8:15 show. It's a great atmosphere...you bring a picnic basket (some people actually bring chairs and tables), sit in line, and throw yourselves a little party. You pack up a little before they open the gates, choose seats, and watch the rest of the paying world filter in. I think the free seats are smaller than the regular seats, and sometimes, it's hard to see over the heads of the people ahead of you. And when it's hot, it's REALLY hot in the seats...we always bring fans and binoculars! But the sound is just as good as it would be in the regular seats...and you're getting to see an excellent play for free! Also, it's pretty good if it starts raining...the free seat area is the only place where it's partially covered. I think the regular seats are pretty reasonable as well. Prices are $10 to $79. I don't think they've raised prices in several years, which just shows how well the MUNY is run. You definitely feel the fans better in the regular seats, but it's always still pretty muggy if that's the weather du jour. I think the shows themselves are as good as any Broadway show. I think there's only one show that I didn't like, and that was Cats. The actors are amazing, the scenery and visual effects are astounding, and the sound system is top notch for being an outdoor amphitheater. It makes Broadway look simple as the acoustics are built in...here, they have to deal with occasional overhead airplanes/helicopters from nearby BJC. The only thing I would change, if I could at all, would be the season's running time. Instead of going from late June to mid-August, I would do three or four from May to June and then take a break until late August until mid-September. The weather would be better, but I guess that would take away some of the abilities for the kids to participate in MUNY. Oh, and I used to think that it was crazy trying to go to the washroom at the MUNY, but then I discovered the washrooms on the sides of the theatre...much smaller lines than ones on top. Dress varies: you'll see people in tank tops and shorts and you'll see people all dressed up. I love how the MUNY is casual for those who want it to be and a night out for the others. It's just that kind of place. I can't wait to see Chicago, Aladdin, Joseph, and Pirates this year! Meet me at the MUNY! read more

The Muny is one of my favorite past times. Growing up, my grandmother and I went seasonally. The fact that it is a theater nestled in forest park, away from the city, but still in the city, is one of a kind. It's a large complex with smaller pavilions shooting off of the main pavilion housing the stage and seating. I was lucky enough to have a college event at the Muny and it was phenomenal. The acoustics are outstanding, the set up was beautiful and the open aired atmosphere brings a special quality to any occasion. The food, drinks, and merchandise are not overly outlandish when you patronize the venue and no matter where you are sitting, the show is still spectacular. The committee endlessly brings in terrific shows and being able to feel the breeze, look up and see stars, and watch a live performance is perfection. Another perk is that college students can show their ID's and watch performances for free (in nose bleed seating, but still!) read more

I was born in St. Louis, grew up here, and now live here as an adult. I've been to the Muny a bunch of times over the years, but each time I go back, I still enjoy this venue and the atmosphere of the performances. It's a relaxed family environment and when the weather is perfect, you can just sit back and watch the show come to life. It can be the kind of experience (for kids and adults alike!) that makes you believe in magic again. It may not be Broadway but the Muny staff and performers know what they're doing and always put on a good show. read more

The MUNY is AWESOME! The only theater outdoor that has trees buildt around the stage! Love going here!

Yet another sapphire in the treasures of Forest Park.... some tickets are _FREE_ ! How Roman can you get? Keep the population entertained and you too can go down in history as a great emperor... read more

The fans have drastically improved this experience! Check it out, try to avoid the center section as it gets the least benefit from the fans. Up front on either side is where it's at. Enjoy! read more

I treated myself to a ticket for the Tuesday production of Porgy and Bess. Since this was my first time I decided to buy a ticket in the b section. I love theatre and love to be close, B was not close enough for me. The seats are not sloped enough so it is tough to see over the heads. You do spend most off the night peering over people and moving sued to side as those in front if you do the same. I really enjoyed the sound quality and the actors when I peered through a neighbors binoculars but next time I want to be closer. I should have gone with a free ticket or one even further back to save money, I will be either close or far and just enjoy the music. I planed to leave my hotel (20 min west of the park ) around 6! And get dinner at the park. However I was advised that I would have hit traffic in and around the park leaving at that time. Leave by 5;30 or you'll miss dinner. So I left at 7:15 and it was smooth saving into the park and I was able to park near the boat club a very easy walk to the theatre. Nice easy exit too. Food, snack and even water were expensive, I skipped all of it. Water is more expensive in Muny than in some broadway theatres. The seats are comfortable. The new fans are so quiet they leave them on for the entire show, which gave a nice breeze. Nice mix of people, some serious theatre buffs, some first timers. Nice mix of young and old. I look forward to going again. read more

My wife and I had the pleasure of seeing the opening show of the Muny's 97th season. We were way in the back but the show was great! My attention was mostly on the musical, but from time to time I took a moment to enjoy the refreshing breeze on my face, or to check on the stars as the progressed through the sky.... I took a point off the rating because I had trouble seeing the stage due to the fact that someone was sitting in front of me for half the show (she left during intermission). I suspect the elevation between rows isn't as high as it should be. Or perhaps the lady was just very tall. Regardless, I enjoyed the show, and will be back again. And next time we'll pay extra for better seats. read more

The Muny is an amphitheatre located in Forest Park which hosts a series of summer musicals. The tickets are cheap, the performances are decent, the refreshments aren't terribly overpriced, but it is very, very hot and humid! Especially in a STL August. Normally after the sun goes down it's a bit better, and during the intermission and before the show, they have fans that help a little. If you like musical theatre, and don't mind sweating, The Muny is a fun place to go. Remember to keep yourself hydrated and bring a towel. read more

Free seats! Of course, the non-free seats are better, but just being at the Muny is an experience in itself. Every other summer or so, they offer a sampler, and those are always spectacular! The "Best of the Muny" and "Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber" were both favorites of mine :) read more

Outdoor musical theater experience. Growing up in Chicago, and being a bit of a theater nerd, I'm always impressed with the actors. Always a good family event. Can be very hot in the summer, prepare accordingly with icy bottled water! read more

Until last night, I had been very happy with the productions for the 2019 season, especially Guys and Dolls. But Cinderella was a huge disappointment. Not sure where the script came from, but the themes were everywhere. Obviously, someone thought the story needed to be updated for current issues, but the numerous items completely overwhelm the play and eclipse the original story. Maybe if it had concentrated on one social issue, the script would have worked. The opening, with the computer generated monsters, reminded me of some early computer games. Not the impression I want from live theater. Not much choreography. And, truly, little to awe and entertain youngsters. Definitely nothing enjoyable for adults. Don't waste your money on Cinderella this year. read more

I bought season tickets this year for my girlfriends graduation present. It was alot of fun and I enjoyed every minute of it. The only thing I would do different for next year is bring a mini fan and seat on the end because it can get HOT! They do have fans that run before the show and during intermission but they do not run during the show since they are loud. Parking and getting out of the parking lot can be crazy but if you know where to park and what way to go you can be fine. read more

Watching Dream girls at the Muny. Great seats with the family. We had a great time.

I've seen plays both from more expensive seats and from free seats in the back - and always had a great time! The women's bathrooms in the back by the free section are limited in stalls and the lines are awful- they don't seem to handle the demand before the show and during intermission. But overall, I've always had a good time here! read more

The newly renovated Muny in Forest Park is too big. The parking lot has no markings to help you remember where your car is, among a literal sea of cars. Also, we could not see the show. I thought I got fairly good seats for $48, but they were too far from the stage to see well. Also, it seems when they renovated, they did not put enough slant on the seats, so if anyone over 5'4 sits in front of you, they block you. My party of 4 adults struggled all night, and wound up having sore necks. The show (Guys and Dolls) itself was exceptional, just wished for a better venue! read more

We took our little one to the Muny to see Alladin last week. It was a good show, once the genie showed up (pretty much a snoozer up to that point, but that's not the Muny's fault). The acting, singing was all very high quality. For me, the Muny is not a place you'll find me more than every 5 or 10 years. I like that it exists, it's been a St. Louis institution for a long long time. Here are some observations: - The college kids passing out brochures don't care about where people sit unless they're asked to kick somebody out. They're nice, but I kind of wish the guy with the big head hadn't randomly chosen the seat in front of me. - Even with the heat during the day, the fans and the breeze made it really comfortable. I think unless it's 95+ during the day, it won't be too bad by the time the show starts at night. - The angle of the seats allows for people to easily block your view. I wish it was steeper. We sat in the first row of the C section but people in the B section blocked our view of part of the stage. - I like that they serve beer. - The rush to the bathrooms and concessions at intermission is downright dangerous. Beware. - They had police directing traffic on the way out, so it wasn't so bad for us. It still seemed like a dangerous and stressful rush to get out first. Pretty sure I didn't run over anyone, though. - Tickets for our seats were only $7. I could see the people onstage, but not features. You really need to pay more to get the full effect. Free seats? Worse than mine...at least they could hear what was happening. I was jealous of the people down front until it was time to go. - Please don't bring a baby. Dumbass. (If you have to be told.) If I had seen a mediocre play, I would have been downright grumpy. read more

The shows were excellent, Grant and I had a wonderful time. Seats were okay, granted we sat in the free seats which were nice to not have to spend anything, made for a very cost efficient day. read more

Walking into The Muny for the first time I was expecting to sit on the lawn and watch a small show on stage...I was pleasantly surprised when we got there to a beautiful outdoor theater with stadium seating, fans, and especially the elaborately decorated stage. My first show was Aladdin and I was amazed when it started with live camels on stage!! It was so much more than I could have ever expected. I have since enjoyed a a variety of shows and cannot wait to enjoy more! read more

Why do they choose the hottest season to do shows outside? Otherwise a great theatre company and they have been importing some wonderful New York City actors for their shows recently! read more

Looooooove The Muny. Loses 1 star because occassionally they have epicly bad productions, but that's usually once every five years. Be prepared for all weather here. Its outdoor and in St. Louis. read more

Well. I have loved the Muny for many years, however I have to speak on the terrible customer service I just encountered. My family went to Hairspray a few weeks back and the show was rained out halfway through. We heard that night that we could exchange tickets for an upcoming show, even checked the website for the policy. We could not all make another night of hairspray so chose to wait until beauty and the beast. Drove to the Muny today and was told we could only exchange for the show hairspray and that since it ran a few minutes over an hour it technically was not a rainout . What? Really? So we paid for half a show and because we couldn't make the next few nights of that show we can't exchange tickets for another? Absolutely absurd. read more

I have been going to the muny since a young kid, its been a summer family tradition every thursday night during the summer months! If you have never been, I would highly recommend! read more

Love this place! It is a summer must for my family! Love that they still have the free seats, which makes for a great cheap night out. We look forward to the shows and the great lineups they have every year! read more

Very cool place, show was excellent. Food is expensive, they do let you bring your own which is nice. My only issue was my child was not able to see over the people in front of us. We ended up having to leave. read more

The Muny is a pretty wonderful deal. I went to see The King and I last weekend and enjoyed it immensely. I bought B Terrace seats for $22 and they were definitely worth it. I agree with others that the slope of the stadium seating can prevent some people from being able to see if someone tall or in my case, someone with big hair sits in front of you. That does make things difficult. The sound was wonderful, the ambiance was perfect and the show was spectacular! Couple that with the ability to get free seats if you wait in line... the Muny is perhaps one of the very best deals for an evening out in St Louis. My only warning would be that all shows start at 8:15 which makes it a bit difficult if your younger kids have bed times. Weather plays a role as well as the amphitheater is outdoors. Plan your trip ahead! read more

Wonderful venue but don't call to get questions answered the receptionist is not very friendly is short in her communication and acts disgusted at having to explain her answers of you don't understand her explanation... read more

I grew up in st. Louis and I never knew how lucky I was to have a place like the Muny. Every summer people pile into this huge open air ampitheatre to watch really great professional productions of really great musicals. I've seen countless shows there and I've never been disappointed. The shows are always great. What is it that sets the Muny apart you ask? Not only is it beautiful, but it's fun to sit outside! Theatre is usually a super fancy thing (which is fun) but the Muny makes it approachable and kid friendly. No need to dress up to come -- in fact, you'd be much happier in shorts! You can even bring your own food inside. Finally, true to the style of Forest Park, you can go for free. True, you can pay money and sit up front, but for families with less money, or poor college/high school students, or people who are just thrifty, if you show up early you can sit in the free seats. It's excellent. Downsides: St. Louis is ungodly humid and it's not uncommon to be hideously hot and miserable throughout the show. Additionally, because it is outside you will occasionally have to deal with a rained out or delayed show. But that rarely happens. I miss the Muny most about St. Louis. It's a St. Louis tradition and everyone should take the time to see a show. read more

Despite having a ridiculously catchy, yet annoying jingle, the Muny surpassed my expectations. the fiance and I went to see Bye Bye Birdie for my birthday. First I was pleasantly surprised to read that you could bring your own food and drinks in (ok they say no alcohol, but I saw more than a few people with their fountain drink roadies. Damn me for following the rules). And then parking was far easier than I expected. And then there were fans! The spinning wind creating kind and the stand up and applaud kind :) I figured the night would cool off and I wouldn't melt too badly, but the giant fans created a nice breeze before the show and during intermission (also read this and don't spend too much time on your hair!). Last but not least, the concessions weren't crazy expensive (back to damn me for not bringing in my own drink!). The margarita was sweet and lacked a boozey taste, but according to Stephanie S- they must be strong. read more

I can't believe it took me so long to get here!! It was awesome! I went 2 weeks in a row this August. The first show I saw was Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and it was such fun. It rained a little bit, but just for a few minutes. We got the $19 seats, and they were great seats for the price. We were able to have a picnic before the show, and they let you bring in snacks and drinks! Awesome. I had such a good time, I brought my mom the following week to see Bye Bye Birdie on the last night of the season. What a great night! The Muny Kids sang the National Anthem, and the whole cast and crew sang together at the end. The show was fun and the weather was beautiful. If I had a complaint, it would be the seats. We got the $29 seats online, and I picked the "best available" seats. They were center stage, and we couldn't see at all. We ended up moving over to empty seats on the side to see better. So I suggest picking your own seats if you can. But you should definitely go! Such an awesome night out in St. Louis! read more

Great place, great shows but where is the security? Anybody can walk in especially the back gates pre show, gate 2 is wide open, there is nobody watching the gates. This day and age security must be in place people!!! And your sign says no hard sided coolers, but I just watched you let in a group with a monster sized cooler!! Why? You didn't even look in it!! Please fix the security issue quick!!! Secondarily, why do free tickets get placed before paid tickets? Doesn't make sense but not as big of a deal. read more

I have been going to the Muny for many years. It has improved so much in the last few years that if you haven't been at the Muny in a while you need to go! The sound system is excellent. Fans rotate silently throughout the show providing a nice breeze. The shows are full of pizazz and move along at a great clip. The perfect scenery and dazzling costuming go along well with the excellent talent--lots of great singing, lots of incredible dancing! You'll love it! read more

The Muny is my number 1 favorite thing to do in the Lou. The plays are all excellent, the talent is wonderful and the crowds are young, old and everything in between. I read another review and they liked everything but the heat. The heat? That's part of the tradition. Bring some frozen water and drink it as it melts. I was at Woodstock and the Muny is better! And best of all, it's a good value. It's worth it just for the orchestra that fills the Lou nights with a sound that makes you smile. Really, an orchestra! When was the last time you heard an orchestra? And it doesn't matter what the play is, they are all great. read more