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Came to the National Theatre on Easter Sunday to see Beauty and the Beast and had such a great experience overall. I was running a little late, about five minutes after showtime, but somehow luck was on my side because I found street parking right on the same block, winning . I definitely would not count on that every time though; there are parking garages nearby that are probably a safer bet if you are cutting it close. Since I arrived just after the show started, I was expecting a hassle getting in, but it was actually super smooth. I did not have to deal with a long line at all, and the staff were really helpful in getting me seated quickly. I did not grab any food or drinks, so I cannot speak to pricing or options, but one thing I will say is avoid the bathroom lines during intermission if you can. They get very long. Try to go right before the show, after, or sneak away at a less obvious time if possible. As for the show itself, I loved it. I was seated in the very last row at the top and still had a clear view, which says a lot about the layout. Since there is no recording allowed, it really lets you stay present and enjoy the performance for what it is. I went solo and honestly it was the perfect solo outing. Super grateful for the experience and would definitely do it again.
Found a couple of nearby lots. We used SpotHero to get good priced parking. The theater had a nice process for letting many people inside. We were on the mezzanine level. I couldn't find an elevator and my injured foot hobbled up and down the steps. The saving grace was a nearby restroom on our level. Seats were pretty roomy. The mezzanine seats are great with a good overall view of the stage.
I've officially seen 2 shows now at this theatre (Michael Jackson and Harry Potter), both really good. It's a smaller, more intimate theatre but nevertheless it makes you feel closer to the performers. Recommend orchestra seats because it's practically in the center of the theatre and not too close to stage. The only reason for 1 less star is the bathroom and snack line situation. There's only 1 restroom available (multiple stalls) but I would imagine then building more to accommodate the amount of people. Also snacks and drinks are expensive.
This review is purely for their app and to get their attention to fixing the issue - since they moved their lottery system online, the feature does not work. It asks you to keep signing in even if you did. Then AI suggests creating another account but the app does not register this ability (see photo- after several minutes the spinning thing is still going on). They also do not answer their phone.
I always enjoy a night at this historic Washington institution. Famous for its orange seats. They have a nice selection of shows and comfortable seating. I prefer to sit upstairs, it's a better view for me. They have both an upstairs and lobby concessions. The restrooms are located on the second floor.
Came to see Jason's Lyric. There is garage parking in the back of the theatre, but be prepared to wait in long lines to exit. We found street parking tho :) You walk straight into the bar area, so that space gets crowded Bathrooms with plenty of stalls on the 1st floor (which is 1 floor up from just Ground level) and there is also another bar Seats are SQUISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Be prepared to stand and Get out of the row, if someone is late and sits in the middle We ended up finding open space in the back, next to the sound booth. So much more space with your legs and comfort Audio and lights were good
Came for Je'Caryous Johnson's Jason's Lyric live and was so pleased with my experience. The show was great and ran just as mentioned online, a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It started 15 minutes later than supposed to, but it wasn't awful. As for the theatre, I think it's still in great shape for the amount of time it's been around. Security at the door was quick and efficient. There's a bar just to the left of the entrance so you can get drinks as soon as you get in; there's also a bar upstairs so if you're on the upper level, just go up there (less of a wait too). There are drinks and snacks available- heads up, they're somewhat pricy. There isn't much room in the lobby to mingle, but you aren't there for long because doors open an hour before the show starts, and people walk out after the show ends. The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible on the second floor. The seats are kind of crammed, but it's expected with a smaller theatre. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and am glad we have this beautiful theatre. It's an older building, but still in great shape.
I've seen a couple of shows here and while the caliber of the performances have been fantastic, I don't love the venue. Both times I've sat in the balcony, which is generally my preference because I like seeing from above. Here though the balcony is really steep and feels kind of uncomfortable to walk to your seat because of this. Also, both times, the sound seemed off at the beginning of the show and was hard to make out what was being said/sung. There are other venues I'd prefer for shows in DC.
Our first visit to the theater was to see Harry Potter and the cursed child. The plan was amazing-funny, smart and very well done with the "magic" part of things. The seats were in the center on the floor but we were able to see very well. The food and drinks are overpriced but thats to be expected anywhere you have a captive audience. The "cheese plate" is $4.99 at the grocery and $18 at the theater. We had dinner before we went so didn't order food, just drinks. The only complaint is that they seated people after the show had started and it interrupts your experience. Especially when it specifically says that they won't seat people late.
My husband and I recently saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre. There are many parking options both underground and street nearby. Many restaurants available for brunch or dinner before and after your show. The theatre has comfortable padded chairs and they even offer booster seats for small children so they can see the show. They have full bars and concessions with snacks available for purchase. Bathrooms are located on the second floor.
Great venue we went and enjoyed the Temptations play. What an amazing show! A must see definitely recommend the music and the actors were amazing!
I came here with a friend to see Jason's Lyric. This was my first time to this theater in a long time. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The seats are kind of uncomfortable but to be expected in an older theater. It has nice balcony sections. The rows are small so when someone in the middle has to come in the row everyone has to get up
Another great evening at the National seeing Shucked! Security was fast and efficient, ushers were friendly and helpful and the Shucked tour was great fun.
Representing Feb. 2020 in my scrapbook series is The National Theatre. I'll be honest that it's rare I ever go to a play, but in 2019-early 2020, it was a pretty common occurrence as I was part of INWEGO. In April 2019, my friend got me to join INWEGO. We each got a credit, which made it nearly free. On April 12, 2019, I went to Arena Stage for the 1st time, and the INWEGO era began. You'd pay $19 for 1 show a month, $39 for 3 shows, & $59 for 5 shows. This included plays, concerts, sporting event, comedy, & other various events. I visited National Theatre 4 times all on INWEGO: 1. Tuesday, December 10, 2019: Fiddler on the Roof 2. Thursday, December 19, 2019: Jersey Boys 3. Tuesday, February 11, 2020: King's Speech 4. Wednesday, March 4, 2020: Bandstand A lot of great shows. Some good vantage points from the level to upper level section seats that I got along with my girlfriend of that time. It was a cool, grand venue. Each time was its own unique experience. December 10, 2019: I'll be honest that I was upset with my girlfriend of that time on that day. I had gotten home from work to quickly eat & take Metro down. I had some couscous at home. She was making it, but she had doctored it with cannabis. She had feminine issues that day, but I was pissed she ruined our couscous that night. I barely could talk to her I was shaking with anger. Ultimately, we were committed to going, and I still wanted to see Fiddler on the Roof. It was a great show with a great first impression of National Theatre. December 19, 2019: My girlfriend & I didn't break up on or shortly after December 10th's couscous. We were pretty good for Jersey Boys. This time my friend who got me to join INWEGO was joining us for the play. I remember my g/f & I had some disagreement in the early part of the evening around dinner, but I don't remember what it was about, and it didn't spoil the night. Jersey Boys was my favorite of the 4 plays I think. February 11, 2020: King's Speech was a great play and a good night for us on the lower orchestra level. That was the only time of the 4 we were on the orchestra level. March 4, 2020: Bandstand was another funny story. We were in the upper balcony section once again. We met up with her friends another couple sitting next to them. At the time, we were taking this Covid thing with a grain of salt not realizing what we would be facing soon, saying time to social distance & fist bumping but not thinking much of it. After the show, I learned my friend who got me to join INWEGO was there too. We were texting about the Metro or something after the show, and I was like what a coincidence we are at the same Metro. He mentioned Bandstand. We realized we were in the same row. He was like 8 seats further down, but we didn't notice each other. My girlfriend & I thought it was interesting he didn't try to coordinate with me. Conclusions: National Theatre is a great venue with a lot of memories. Sadly, INWEGO went out of business in Sept. 2020 as they couldn't survive the still Covid environment at that time. Perhaps, I'll visit National Theatre again if it was ever convenient. read more
1 month ago
Went to the National Theatre for the first time ever. The group I was with saw "Suffs" (short for Suffragists). It is a Tony Award winning musical that retell pivotal moments from the Women's Suffrage Movement, especially events that led up to the Suffrage March in 1913, the The National Woman's Party White House Pickets in 1917, and the subsequent events after over the decades. The story was told beautifully through a lot of music and dancing, humor, disagreements, losses, tragedies, and wins the women faced individually and together over the decades. I appreciate the play also addressing tough discussions that needed to be had, such as the movement often & purposely excluding women of color. I also appreciate the play highlighting the significant contributions Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. made with the 1913 March despite facing racial tension from the organizers who wanted them to be in the back of the march. Overall, I will say the theatre itself is very professional, especially with seating patrons and ensuring easy transitions before, after, and throughout the show. They absolutely do not allow any outside food nor drinks. I would suggest eating before or getting something light from the theatre. It is also very close to the metro rail (Metro Center) so transportation there isn't a hassle. read more
4 months ago
A pretty decent venue for shows! I have been for a ballet and could see everything well from the balcony; was surprised the seats were cheap for my spot with the view I got. The balcony is rather steep though, which could be scary for some. They have stairs and an elevator to go between floors, but the elevator is kind of small. Security is friendly and timely. I would come again for another show. read more
6 months ago
Came to the National Theatre on Easter Sunday to see Beauty and the Beast and had such a great experience overall. I was running a little late, about five minutes after showtime, but somehow luck was on my side because I found street parking right on the same block, winning . I definitely would not count on that every time though; there are parking garages nearby that are probably a safer bet if you are cutting it close. Since I arrived just after the show started, I was expecting a hassle getting in, but it was actually super smooth. I did not have to deal with a long line at all, and the staff were really helpful in getting me seated quickly. I did not grab any food or drinks, so I cannot speak to pricing or options, but one thing I will say is avoid the bathroom lines during intermission if you can. They get very long. Try to go right before the show, after, or sneak away at a less obvious time if possible. As for the show itself, I loved it. I was seated in the very last row at the top and still had a clear view, which says a lot about the layout. Since there is no recording allowed, it really lets you stay present and enjoy the performance for what it is. I went solo and honestly it was the perfect solo outing. Super grateful for the experience and would definitely do it again. read more
Found a couple of nearby lots. We used SpotHero to get good priced parking. The theater had a nice process for letting many people inside. We were on the mezzanine level. I couldn't find an elevator and my injured foot hobbled up and down the steps. The saving grace was a nearby restroom on our level. Seats were pretty roomy. The mezzanine seats are great with a good overall view of the stage. read more
1 year ago
I've officially seen 2 shows now at this theatre (Michael Jackson and Harry Potter), both really good. It's a smaller, more intimate theatre but nevertheless it makes you feel closer to the performers. Recommend orchestra seats because it's practically in the center of the theatre and not too close to stage. The only reason for 1 less star is the bathroom and snack line situation. There's only 1 restroom available (multiple stalls) but I would imagine then building more to accommodate the amount of people. Also snacks and drinks are expensive. read more
6 months ago
This review is purely for their app and to get their attention to fixing the issue - since they moved their lottery system online, the feature does not work. It asks you to keep signing in even if you did. Then AI suggests creating another account but the app does not register this ability (see photo- after several minutes the spinning thing is still going on). They also do not answer their phone. read more
I always enjoy a night at this historic Washington institution. Famous for its orange seats. They have a nice selection of shows and comfortable seating. I prefer to sit upstairs, it's a better view for me. They have both an upstairs and lobby concessions. The restrooms are located on the second floor. read more
Came to see Jason's Lyric. There is garage parking in the back of the theatre, but be prepared to wait in long lines to exit. We found street parking tho :) You walk straight into the bar area, so that space gets crowded Bathrooms with plenty of stalls on the 1st floor (which is 1 floor up from just Ground level) and there is also another bar Seats are SQUISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Be prepared to stand and Get out of the row, if someone is late and sits in the middle We ended up finding open space in the back, next to the sound booth. So much more space with your legs and comfort Audio and lights were good read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Came for Je'Caryous Johnson's Jason's Lyric live and was so pleased with my experience. The show was great and ran just as mentioned online, a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It started 15 minutes later than supposed to, but it wasn't awful. As for the theatre, I think it's still in great shape for the amount of time it's been around. Security at the door was quick and efficient. There's a bar just to the left of the entrance so you can get drinks as soon as you get in; there's also a bar upstairs so if you're on the upper level, just go up there (less of a wait too). There are drinks and snacks available- heads up, they're somewhat pricy. There isn't much room in the lobby to mingle, but you aren't there for long because doors open an hour before the show starts, and people walk out after the show ends. The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible on the second floor. The seats are kind of crammed, but it's expected with a smaller theatre. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and am glad we have this beautiful theatre. It's an older building, but still in great shape. read more
I've seen a couple of shows here and while the caliber of the performances have been fantastic, I don't love the venue. Both times I've sat in the balcony, which is generally my preference because I like seeing from above. Here though the balcony is really steep and feels kind of uncomfortable to walk to your seat because of this. Also, both times, the sound seemed off at the beginning of the show and was hard to make out what was being said/sung. There are other venues I'd prefer for shows in DC. read more
Our first visit to the theater was to see Harry Potter and the cursed child. The plan was amazing-funny, smart and very well done with the "magic" part of things. The seats were in the center on the floor but we were able to see very well. The food and drinks are overpriced but thats to be expected anywhere you have a captive audience. The "cheese plate" is $4.99 at the grocery and $18 at the theater. We had dinner before we went so didn't order food, just drinks. The only complaint is that they seated people after the show had started and it interrupts your experience. Especially when it specifically says that they won't seat people late. read more
My husband and I recently saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre. There are many parking options both underground and street nearby. Many restaurants available for brunch or dinner before and after your show. The theatre has comfortable padded chairs and they even offer booster seats for small children so they can see the show. They have full bars and concessions with snacks available for purchase. Bathrooms are located on the second floor. read more
1 year ago
I came here with a friend to see Jason's Lyric. This was my first time to this theater in a long time. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The seats are kind of uncomfortable but to be expected in an older theater. It has nice balcony sections. The rows are small so when someone in the middle has to come in the row everyone has to get up read more
2 years ago
Another great evening at the National seeing Shucked! Security was fast and efficient, ushers were friendly and helpful and the Shucked tour was great fun. read more
3 months ago
3 months ago
2 years ago
Very cool venue. The staff is nice. Seats were comfortable. I had a good time seeing Games Women Play here. I would recommend seeing another show here. read more
3 years ago
My cousin and I had the pleasure of attending a live performance of "The Wiz" at the National Theater in DC, and it was an overall enjoyable experience. One of the highlights of this theater is its excellent location, allowing you to enjoy dinner and drinks before or after the play. We even ventured to The Hamilton for dinner, which was conveniently within walking distance. Regarding the theater itself, the staff were kind and helpful. The security process was swift as they checked our bags and scanned our mobile tickets efficiently. Feeling a bit hungry, I ran to the concession stand jk, and while my thoughts were still on food, I found a selection of small bites and alcoholic beverages. I indulged in a gluten-free brownie for $6 and a margarita-like drink. Initially, the drink didn't seem strong, but it pleasantly surprised me by giving a small buzz. We opted for box seats, hoping for an excellent view of the stage. However, it turned out to be a bit uncomfortable as we found ourselves hunched over or leaning on the rail throughout the play. I wouldn't recommend box seats if comfort is a priority. Despite this minor seating issue, I would certainly return to the National Theater to catch another play. - there are several parking garages near this venue - I opted to Uber there read more
One of the things I wanted to do more of when I moved to the area, was to see more shows. I saw Super Freak - The Rick James story. This was my first time at the National Theatre and I had a great time. Clean theatre, with comfortable seats and plenty of leg room. Intimate. It had two bar areas, one on each floor, and one large bathroom on the second level. You can order themed drinks from the show, as well as custom drinks. The concession options were typical of theatre; candy, cookies, and chips. So please eat before you come. I'll definitely come back if they continue to host shows that I like read more
2 years ago
This was my first time ever hearing about this theatre but, it is always great to see musicals in different places. I parked in a near by garage. Parking is tight in the area so, street parking will be hard to find. They also have one right next to the theatre. What I loved about this theater is the roomy seats. I felt the seats were so plush while being a little larger than other theaters that I have visited. There was also leg room for people to enter and exit the row. I love musicals so having a Mommy and daughter date to the Wiz was a no brainer. The actors and the voices were amazing but, the actress who stole the show with vocal ability was the Wicked Witch. She literally blew the roof off the building. Dorothy's character did a wonderful job. Her voice is soft for some of the songs but, she was perfect for the role. I didn't get a chance to check out any of the near by restaurants but next time I will definitely plan to do so. Yes, I would love to return to this theatre. read more
2 years ago
Seats are cramped like an airplane but it was decent. There's no lobby to consume your drinks so to my surprise they let patrons bring their drinks into the auditorium. I saw MJ the Musical. The floor is carpeted and the seat cushions are pink velour. I can't sit in the Balcony because the seats are at such a tilt it gives me vertigo so I sprung for orchestra. You know the price never looks that high until all the fees hit you and then you're like damn I paid that much?! I paid $168 for my seat to sit in a dirty stained seat. If they are going to allow people to drink red wine in the theater, they need to clean the seats. Its unacceptable to charge this much to sit in a dirty seat. The couple next to me brought M&Ms to snack on so I had to listen and smell that during the show as well. I didn't attempt to go to the bathroom during intermission but folks to me the line was insanely long so I recommend not buying anything to drink. They have an app for same day lottery tickets. The usher at the back of the theater didn't give me program that she was holding a stack of so I grabbed my own from the table. Then half way down the aisle another usher pointed me to my seat and just a few feet later as I'm close to the stage another aggressive usher body blocked me and not so nicely asked if I needed help finding my seat. No ma'am, step to the side. read more
5 months ago
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I visited the National Theatre to see the critically acclaimed musical, "Tina." The musical itself was spectacular! The theater was quaint and smaller than what I pictured in my head. It was actually pretty perfect for this particular show. They do have a few balcony seats, but the majority is floor seats. Unfortunately for me, I'm not a tall person. So when the lady in front of me who was taller and had big hair positioned herself directly in front of me, I couldn't get a good view of center stage. Major disappointment! Good thing this musical utilized the entire stage. Restrooms, drinks, snacks and a small lounge of sorts are all located on the upper level. Entering into the building is trying because security is checking bags and confiscating all food/beverages at the door, but the lines are a bit chaotic. All of the ushers and staff were very friendly and helpful. We parked on the other side of the building and it was very close proximity to the theater. I would absolutely go back to view another show at this theater. It was clean, seats were cushy, ample leg room, and wonderful graphics. read more
3 years ago
My first time at National Theatre, was this fall to see the Wiz! Having never been before I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised that accessing the theater was rather easy. The people scanning tickets and doing security at the front made sure we all got through in a timely manner and it was fairly easy to find our seats, bathrooms and concessions. Everything was clean and organized plus the show started on time (and it was amazing!!!). The reason for the missing star is simply because the rows are very very close together. Even someone who considers them self average height would struggle to sit comfortably in the seats for long periods of time and you are incredibly close to your neighbor. Although this is something that you can generally expect, it felt like this theatre's seats were much closer than any theatre I had experienced in the past. Nonetheless, it didn't impact my enjoyment of the show just something to note in case you get uncomfortable sitting in tight spaces for long periods of time. I definitely recommend checking out a show at the national theatre and luckily there are plenty of dining options nearby for you to choose from either before after the show. I can't speak to parking since we decided to Uber, but it did seem like there were plenty of garages nearby to choose from as well. read more
Update: adding review and pics from recent visit... No phones allowed during showtime, of course, but I was able to get some quick pics during intermission. I ordered a mocktail 1321 PENN (CITRUS, GINGER, CRANBERRY, SPRITZ) with a shot (or 2!) of RUM. It was SOOOO good! I wasn't expecting such a large serving for a little over $10. PS: TINA - Tina Turner Musical was AMAZING! @tinabroadway __ I eat. @f.hux I thrift. @DCthriftish read more
I went to see the Grinch Musical on Saturday here. As soon as I arrived at the entrance, they checked everybody's vaccination records or negative covid tests and enforced masks for all ages which people complied to. While it was packed, I didn't feel unsafe and was able to enjoy the musical without worrying. This was especially important to me because of the new variant, omicron. I would not hesitate to go to another show at the national theatre. Highly recommend! read more
Nice clean well maintained theater. The rows are close together so there isn't a lot of leg room. The theater is on the smaller size and the stage is small so I highly recommend a center seat. For most productions I don't think it matters if you sit in the orchestra or the balcony since the theater is small. It's an older theater so there is not a ton of bathrooms. Side note I really enjoyed the production, Jagged Little Pill. read more
I have seen several shows here but most recently saw Come From Away. I bought tickets on Goldstar and was given seats in Rear Balcony, Row H, seats 2-6. The show was amazing and you just can't beat the price (other than winning the daily lottery). The slope in the balcony is steep so be prepared for that but the good thing is it's easy to see the entire stage. For this show it was perfect for seeing all characters at all times and they never left the stage to walk through the aisles so we didn't miss anything. We got there 45 min early, breezed through the vaccination verification at the entrance, took the elevator up, and relaxed in the lounge until it was closer to curtain time. There are only 4 stalls in the women's bathroom so a line forms 10-15 min before the start. After the show, the wait for the elevator takes a while and a large crowd forms to take it down. If you opt for the stairs, it seemed like there were 8 sets to take. read more
1 year ago
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1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW
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Ask the Community - The National Theatre
Is Row B in the Mezzanine better viewing than the last row of Orchestra seats?
That is probably personal choice and could vary from production to production, but for musicals I would probably choose row B of the Mezzanine over the last row of the Orchestra. The reason being is the Mezzanine is above you in a number of rear…
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