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    The Soraya

    4.0 (99 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

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    Lea Salonga holiday show!
    Aaron T.

    What a beautiful theater! Visited recently for Lea Salonga's holiday concert. Located on CSUN's campus, it was easy-to-find and our experience was top-notch. Being that it was an evening show, it was already dark outside but there were plenty of other patrons who also braved the brisk evening and walked the 10 minutes from the parking area. Tip: free parking! The theater was well-lit and had a glow that you couldn't miss. Getting inside was a breeze and plenty of staff to welcome and direct your seats. Nice concession options as well and also very reasonably priced. Sound and sight lines are practically perfect. In fact, the best crystal-clear sound I've heard in a while. Seats are pretty comfortable and the venue itself seemed very intimate. Overall a nice evening out and hopefully will be back soon when/if another artist of interest plays here.

    The Soraya at California State University, Northridge featuring Lea Salonga Holiday 2024 Concert
    Dr. Conrad U.

    The Soraya at California State University, Northridge featuring Lea Salonga Holiday 2024 Concert was a stunning success, hundreds of thespian die-hards enjoyed an evening with holiday songs and jiggles as they watched a night full of songs and comic relief from Lea. The Soraya is as beautiful as can be with glittering chandeliers and a well crafted theater featuring wooden panels meticulously floating like clouds and an excellent acoustics from front to back and beyond. Watching Lea Salonga's concert from the Balcony was an iconic experience and an excellent showcase life from the management of The Soraya, California State University, Northridge's theater and performing arts building. Full disclosure, I currently teach as a lecturer to their sciences department (anatomy, biology, chemistry etc..) but don't usually attend events here despite numerous invites and meetings. The holiday concert event was really well orchestrated, many parking staff that directed you where to park your car, parking permits was issued but many don't really have it on their cars but still were allowed to park for free. Inside the theater was a lot of kind and polite staff members directing attendees, they were respectful including to people who were LATE (don't really appreciate folks who come in while the concert was already unmoored, geez!). The theater was well-lighted and showcased the beauty and sophistication of the building inside and out, most importantly it was clean and tidy, too. So, if you love to attend performances at The Soraya, buy their tickets and enjoy the show in the valley, inside the campus of the California State University, Northridge.

    Candie S.

    What a gorgeous performing arts venue! We took the kids to go see Stomp here on a Sunday afternoon and had a wonderful time! The venue is new and spacious and very clean. There are bathrooms on all floors. I bought tickets late so we were up on the balcony, but you still had a wonderful view of the performance. The acoustics were fantastic as well. They had food offerings and beer and wine. You can not take any of it into the theater once the show starts though. You can buy one of their CSUN tumblers with a lid and take your drink in, but it's an additional $6. They are refillable though, so if you're planning to have more than one I guess it would be worth it. Parking is about a quarter mile walk but they also provide shuttles if you don't want to make the trek. Overall, we had a blast!

    North side view.
    Lianne K.

    What a way to celebrate the Christmas season! We attended the matinee performance of Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas show at The Soraya yesterday with a group of dear friends. The venue is beautiful, especially after dark when it's all lit up against the night sky. There are a few glitches and gotchas about attending a show there, which I'll share. Overall, it was a good experience. Parking is somewhat reminiscent of Disneyland in that it's a hike from the self-park lot to the venue. They do have valet parking available, and they also offer a free shuttle in oversized golf carts from Lot B to the north side of the theater. I was having some health issues when we arrived, so was grateful for the shuttle availability. The drop off was to the north, and our friends, and most of the crowd, were entering on the south side. We had to walk across a large lawn around the exterior of the building to get to the other side. There wasn't a sidewalk adjacent to the reflecting pool on the west side of the complex. Once united with our friends, we were able to quickly get through the entrance queue to scan tickets. They did still accept paper tickets with scannable codes. There is only one bank of two elevators to get to the upper levels. They do have stairways, as well. Several of us needed to go the elevator route, which meant waiting our turn for a number of trips. We were up one level from the Orchestra to the Parterre. Though seated several rows from the back, the view to the stage was unobstructed, and a great location to see the magnificence of the space. Curved wooden dimensional panels on the ceiling offer striking visual interest. They likely help with the acoustics, as well. The seats weren't as comfortable as they might have been, and the amount of legroom is minimal for anyone with long legs like me. If others need to get past you upon entrance, or leaving for intermission, be prepared to stand and let them by. There's no "extra" room. The pitch of the seating is great; no obstruction from the patrons in front of you looking to the stage. The performance itself was breathtaking; a feast for the eyes and ears. Lighting effects and visual graphics worked effectively with the sound acoustics. There were a few behind-the-scenes glitches during the show, but had minimal affect on my enjoyment. After the show we had to repeat the elevator wait scenario. This time it took longer as folks were descending from two levels above us. Eventually we were able to catch a semi-filled elevator and descend down to ground level. I'd say to bring your patience and good humor if you or anyone in your group needs to use something other than the stairs. Ditto for the parking shuttles, unless you want to spend extra for the valet option. It's still a benefit to be able to attend a lovely venue without having to schlep into Hollywood or Downtown L.A. And hey, free parking!

    Virginia A.

    Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Preforming Arts AKA The Soraya for short! Architecturally beautiful! Modern and Contemporary Center! Pleasing to eye!! We attended an event here and it was wonderful! Concert Performance to Disney Aladdin with New West Symphony!! They Were wonderful! if you have the opportunity to see them, I suggest you do! Drinks were rather expensive! There are no drinks allowed inside, but if you purchase their tumbler then you can take your drink inside. a glass of wine was $12 dollars with a tumbler it would of been $18 The door attendants were courteous . Valet was $10.00 though there system was a bit disorganized. To say the least we are coming back for more shows!!

    Biddy B.

    WTH we purchased 4 tickets ($106 a piece) & you can not see 1/3 of the stage from our seats! Shen Yun has beautiful visuals, formations etc that you can not see. There is a wall that blocks your view! I still can not believe we had to sit there & try to enjoy it. It was infuriating. Shame on Soraya! They shouldn't charge 1 cent for those seats! The woman in front of me had to lean over the wall a bit to see so then my view was almost completely blocked. Absolutely unacceptable!

    Claudia B.

    So back in 2012 when I said I'd NEVER return to the Soraya for anything, including all the years that Savion Glover DID come back as I feared, I was true to my word. I refused to go, and I truly love Savion. And then, something happened. Four years post-covid and not doing even one concert, play or otherwise ANYWHERE (fear of covid in large crowds), on August 11, 2023, I found out that Aaron Tveit was set to perform at The Soraya on May 11, 2024. Oh-oh. Aaron Tveit. This sensational singer, phenomenal (and okay, gorgeous) Broadway star who I've wanted to see perform since hearing his voice, was coming here, just a few miles from me... to the theatre I hated. Well, I couldn't resist. I not only bought tickets, I was lucky enough to buy tickets only six rows from the stage and pretty close to the center of the audience. I just had to do it !!! And so, I did. I took the plunge I never thought I'd take. So, May 11 has come and gone, and I will admit, not only was Aaron Tveit absolutely perfect, not only was the Pacific Jazz Orchestra a perfect accompaniment for him, everything about this evening was truly perfection. They had valet parking, which was great. It was a sold out performance, yet it never felt crowded, and I just made sure I used the (still) one bathroom they had BEFORE the performance. As for the seating, I feel like they changed some things around, but I don't really know. I don't know if the rows are further apart where we sat down in the front rows of the orchestra, or if they just fixed the cramped rows. I didn't see those walls I spoke of from 2012. I don't know what happened, but it was much, much nicer, and I didn't feel cramped in the rows or individual seats. We were totally comfortable. The sound system, which they said was brand new for that performance, was AMAAAAAAAAAAAAZING. Every note, every sound was crystal clear, and let me tell you, if you don't know who Aaron Tveit is, just google him. You'll want to see him. Let's hope he liked the incredibly warm and enthusiastic reception we gave him, and that he'll return soon !! The show was perfection, and as shocked as I am to say this, SO WAS THE SORAYA !!!

    Ballet BC
    Anton F.

    This venue is amazing! Had a family night out to see Ballet BC, the resident dance troupe, now back at The Soraya. The facility has floor to ceiling windows, well lit to light up the surrounding area at night and great acoustics. We sat in the upper balcony, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Providing food, beverages and snacks during intermission. The Soraya is a great place to see live performing artist.

    John S.

    I saw Serj Tankian perform here. THE GOOD Where to start? The inside of the theater itself is spectacular. It's gorgeous and feels simultaneously large and intimate. We had the dumb luck of having the third, fourth, and fifth seats from the stage in the Orchestra Box Left section. If you have a choice, grab an Orchestra Box seat even if regular Orchestra seats are available (and more expensive). Why? Because you'll have one of the most unique vantage points in the theater--and most theaters. Instead of popping out from the walls, the "boxes" are really just tendril-like hallways off the wings with individual seats that swivel. So rather than sitting next to your companion, you'll be slightly in front of or behind them. The boxes at all four levels have this same feature, but the Orchestra Boxes have the added advantage of placing you very close to the stage *at* stage level. The sound quality is perfect. Serj was performing with other singers, two backing choruses, and an orchestra. Everything seemed perfectly balanced. The single piano was very important in parts of the show, and the piano sound really stood out even though I expected it to be drowned out. It's easy to get in and out of the theater into the lobby, which itself is large enough to allow people to mingle while allowing everyone to flow where they need to go. Many venues try to force mingling by placing cocktail tables in obstructive places, but the Soraya has those tables in strategic places. The bar and restrooms also don't block access. It's just a well designed venue through and through. I love that they're not so obsessed with technology that they let it hinder them. Paper tickets are still accepted, which makes the Soraya more accessible to those without smartphones (like many seniors) than, say, Crypto.com Arena, which discriminates against people without smartphones by refusing to allow them entrance unless they are accompanied by someone with a smartphone. The ushers are also helpful, professional, and very friendly. And there are so many of them. I'm assuming they're CSUN students; whoever they are, they do a great job. Your ticket includes parking in a nearby lot, which is very large. It's a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the venue, but they provide golf-cart-type shuttles for people with limited mobility. Another option is to drop someone off right in front, have them wait for you, park, and join them before you enter. There's also plenty of space in front of the theater itself to wait to meet people without getting in other people's way. THE BAD It's in Northridge, which is in the Valley. That's the only negative thing I can say about it. THE UGLY This has nothing to do with the venue itself, but during the performance, a woman seated in the Orchestra section right below us kept fidgeting with either her phone or her watch, making a very loud old-fashioned-tech beeping sound. She initially did this between parts of the show, but eventually, she started to do it during the performance. A man seated in front of her was getting really frustrated, so he turned around a couple of times and asked her to stop doing whatever she was doing. When she kept at it, he turned around and told her to knock it off. The woman's two sons (?) proceeded to make lots of noises with their phones and watches just to annoy the guy. The guy got angry and walked out, possibly to tell an usher. The performance ended, and the guy returned and started berating the woman, who was yelling back at him. Both of them got ugly; he threatened to do something to the woman's companion/sons "outside," while she cursed him out and told him to grow up. They bold needed to grow up, honestly (they were middle-aged), but the woman and her constant fidgeting with whatever she was fidgeting with was rude, distracting, and uncalled for. I really do wish an usher could have intervened so that the woman could have been banned from future performances. THE RECAP It's a spectacular place to see a show. If someone you like is playing here, get tickets! You should get tickets to something you *think* you'll like just to experience the Soraya in person.

    Beautiful lobby

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    sound was incredible ! check in was simple and quick, they accommodated our scoter and handicapped seating

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Soraya

    Review Highlights - The Soraya

    VPAC has tried to mitigate the inconvenience by providing a free shuttle from CSUN's Lot B to the venue.

    Mentioned in 17 reviews

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    Vibrato Grill Jazz - My order... looks delish.

    Vibrato Grill Jazz

    4.3(1.2k reviews)
    8.9 miBeverly Crest
    $$$

    I had a great experience at Vibrato Grill Jazz. It's a beautiful jazz club with amazing acoustics…read moreand a perfect layout where every seat has a great view of the stage. They rotate bands daily, so there's always new talent and something fresh to enjoy. It's never the same band twice. The food and desserts were top notch, and it's a great spot for either a large group or a date. The waiters were very nice and accommodating, and everything flows really well overall.

    My recent evening at Vibrato Grill Jazz offered a refined blend of culinary craftsmanship and live…read moreperformance, set within one of the more elegant jazz venues in the Los Angeles area. From the moment of arrival, the atmosphere establishes itself as both sophisticated and intimate. The room is thoughtfully designed, with warm lighting, tasteful décor, and acoustics that elevate the live music experience without overwhelming conversation. The venue strikes a careful balance--energetic yet controlled--making it equally suitable for a night of entertainment or a focused dining experience. A particularly memorable highlight of the evening was a visit to our table from Eden Alpert, daughter of Herb Alpert. She was gracious, engaging, and genuinely attentive, adding a personal touch that reinforced the establishment's commitment to hospitality at every level. The culinary program reflects intention and care. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, with clear attention to detail in both presentation and flavor. Execution in the kitchen is confident, and the overall quality of the food aligns well with the venue's upscale positioning. The wine list is well-curated and sufficient in scope, offering a range of options to complement the menu. However, pricing is notably elevated, with markups that may give even seasoned diners pause. A corkage fee of $50 per bottle is in line with the venue's premium positioning, though it further reinforces the importance of thoughtful wine selection for those mindful of value. Service throughout the evening was attentive and polished, contributing to a seamless flow from seating to service to performance. Staff demonstrated both professionalism and warmth, enhancing the overall guest experience. The live music remains the centerpiece--and rightly so. Performances are exceptional, supported by excellent acoustics that allow every note to resonate clearly throughout the space. It is this combination of sound quality, ambiance, and intimacy that continues to define the venue's reputation. In summary, Vibrato Grill Jazz delivers a compelling and well-rounded experience: elevated cuisine, engaging service, and outstanding live jazz in an elegant setting. While the wine pricing may lean toward the premium end, the overall experience justifies its standing as a destination for both dining and music enthusiasts alike.

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    Vibrato Grill Jazz - The Lonely Wolf

    The Lonely Wolf

    Vibrato Grill Jazz - This bar is classy and great!

    This bar is classy and great!

    Vibrato Grill Jazz - Asparagus, Filet Mignon Skewers, bruschetta

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    Asparagus, Filet Mignon Skewers, bruschetta

    The Baked Potato - Baked potato

    The Baked Potato

    3.9(426 reviews)
    11.7 miStudio City
    $$

    Hadn't been here in a while, til a friend said - let's go see Luis Conte and some of his gang…read more WOW!!! First, the place is as I remembered - tiny, a bit cramped, and LEGENDARY! Every seat is literally 15 feet from the stage. If you're going, you better love the band and their music, because you will be right in the middle of it. Second, there's every type of baked potato imaginable- except "baked potato ropa vieja" - suggested by Luis Conte himself! Third, yes you need to stand in line before going in - worth it if you love the band that's playing. Sr Conte and his boys knocked it out. There were several guest musicians, and - surprise, surprise! - Andy Garcia himself joining in; he and Sr Conte are pals. If you haven't heard this group play, you must! And if it's at the Baked Potato, all the better. Will be back soon...

    We came here recently for the first time and had a great time. We lucked out and got a parking spot…read moreon the street right outside, and since we got there early we had great seats. They pack in a lot of people though so it can feel a little cramped. We enjoyed both of our potatoes (Philly cheesesteak and chicken fajita, which was the special that night). They were giant and we would probably just split one next time. Service was good. I wasn't expecting how cold it would be inside! Next time I'd wear long pants and bring a sweater.

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    The Baked Potato - Seating

    Seating

    The Baked Potato - Salad with steak

    Salad with steak

    The Baked Potato - Before the show, a view from the bar. No photos or recording are allowed during performance.

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    Before the show, a view from the bar. No photos or recording are allowed during performance.

    Mambo Craze Cabaret - A birthday night that feels personal, fun, and unforgettable.

    Mambo Craze Cabaret

    4.7(63 reviews)
    20.5 miDowntown
    Live music
    Private events

    I went to the most recent event at the Globe Theater in downtown Los Angeles. It was an amazing…read morevenue with a great second floor mezzanine. The live music was incredible, the guy playing the sax really knows how to jam. The dancers and musicians were performing together, and did several shows! There's this magical connection between a musician and a dancer that you see and feel as they improvise and work the crowd, the stage, and the whole venue. In between performances there was social dancing, with a lot of great dancers dressed to the nines. The birthday cake performance is something you got to see and experience, totally off the charts, like something you'd see in a movie! The final performance is with a giant martini glass. The girl dances around/in the glass filled with water and then pours champagne all over herself. One of the most wild over the top things I've ever seen! The energy and vibes were off the hook! I highly recommend this for couples that want a special date night, large groups that want a unique experience/entertainment, and people who want to celebrate their birthday in style.

    Sergio responded to my review with NOTHING BUT LIES…read more Nobody was brought on stage for a birthday surprise. They wheeled the woman out in a cake on the main floor so that's LIE #1. If you have SUPPOSED FOOTAGE of me receiving this birthday surprise then please post it!!! I WOULD ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO SEE IT LIE#2. There were definitely not 10 acts and YES then entire chaotic mess of a show was only 15-20 minutes long!!! IF you have footage of a 90 minutes show then I'm sure you can post that as well LIE#3 The only thing Sergio didn't lie about is he didn't mention anything about the disgusting food and drinks I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT APPRECIATE ALL THESE LIES AND I HOPE NO ONE EVER WASTES THEIR MONEY ON THIS SHOW AGAIN!!!

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    Mambo Craze Cabaret - Mambo Craze Cabaret at the Globe Theater in DTLA

    Mambo Craze Cabaret at the Globe Theater in DTLA

    Mambo Craze Cabaret - The live Latin jazz with burlesque is another guest favorite in DTLA.

    The live Latin jazz with burlesque is another guest favorite in DTLA.

    Mambo Craze Cabaret - Large crown for the Mambo dance lesson at the Mambo Craze Show at the Globe in downtown Los Angeles.

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    Large crown for the Mambo dance lesson at the Mambo Craze Show at the Globe in downtown Los Angeles.

    The Soraya - theater - Updated June 2026

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