Came here with friends to see 9 to 5 - the show itself was wonderful, the cast are fantastic, and we commented how well done the staging and costumes were for the show. The building itself has a great theatre vibe, which there should be I guess, it's also very clean, and the seats are comfy. There did seem to be a small counter to buy food and/or drink items but we didn't use that. There was a small water fountain available for water which I found very helpful. Would certainly go back and support this small local theatre. We were able to find parking on a side street nearby which was convenient. read more

Village Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

Update June 5, 2026 Thank you for the comment and I understand that not all shows are to everyone's liking. Of course I plan to come back and see most of the shows next season. Your theatre produces many outstanding shows not otherwise available to me. I wont go to Seattle to see shows there so my options to see high quality professional productions is limited. I go to theaters from Redmond to Tacoma, but none of them can produce shows to your level. Also, I noticed on my most recent experience the usher was seated several seats in front of me which I liked because they can observe first hand any unreasonable distractions. read more

I grew up and lived in the New York City area from 1941 until early 1975 when I moved my young family to the Northwest. My wife and I had attended many Broadway, Off Broadway and Summer Stock shows before arriving in Issaquah in 1978. During the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s, we went to music venues in Greenwich Village at the south end of Fifth Avenue, near New York University and Washington Square. Places we heard jazz, folk music and more included Village Gate, Village Vanguard, Fillmore East and Cafe Wha'. More about that later. The Village Theater started producing shows in 1979. Boy, were we lucky! We attended their shows in an early 20th Century converted movie theater with many mismatched types of seating. We followed them to their state-of-the-art Frances Gaudette Theater in 1994, just up Front Street. More recently, they started to put on their shows in Everett, as well as Issaquah. Village Theater puts on classic Broadway/West End shows (mainly musicals but not always) and new shows created/produced locally. Over the years, those local shows included Pulitzer Prize winning NEXT TO NORMAL, Tony Award winner MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU nominated for a Drama Desk Award. The old theater now houses their new musicals (VILLAGE ORIGINALS) and is the venue for their children's education program called KIDSTAGE. For the last two decades, usually in August, the VT has put on a weekend of new shows open to the public for commentary. It was at one of these previews in 2024 that we first saw WE AIN'T EVER GONNA BREAK UP. At that presentation, it was Gregg Hammer and Louis Pardo (writers and actors), two chairs and a guitar or two. No sets, no costumes, no orchestra. Last night, we saw the final version of the show on the third day of performances with sets, costumes, props and still no orchestra. It helped that we grew up and saw performances in the 1960s in New York at Village Gate and Cafe Wha'. It helped that saw live, the folk singers whom Pardo and Hammer emulate in their show. We lived the history as well such as Woodstock and Vietnam. However, it is not necessary to have lived it to enjoy the show. The guys are great singers, actors and musicians. The soundtrack is wonderful. The set is spectacular. It is a snapshot of a part of US music and history from the early 1960s to the mid1990s. It is fun. It is 100 minutes that flies by (no intermission so plan for that). Folk legend Bob Dylan, record producer Sam Phillips (Sun Records in Memphis) and pop/rock hero Neil Diamond make brief guest appearances. On a scale of one to five stars (five being the best), this gets 7.5 stars. Go see it in Issaquah or later in Everett. read more

This is part of a series of theater reviews of productions put on by the Village Theater of Issaquah and Everett, Washington. If you live near either of the two venues, you will enjoy your experience when you attend a show. I spent the first 34 years of my life in the New York City area. Beginning in the mid-1950s, I started attending Broadway shows. When I moved to the Issaquah area in 1978, I was lucky to find the Village Theater, first in an old movie theater then in the state-of-the-art Francis J. Gaudette Theater (beginning in 1979). Would you like to escape the news and events of today? I did. And last night for two and a half glorious hours, through the magic of the Village Theater (Issaquah and Everett WA), I was transported back to the year I graduated from high school (in NY), 1959. The cast has wonderful actors, singers and dancers. The set is primarily a high school gym from that era. An unbilled star of the show is Greased Lightning, the car. The music is timeless. The band is typical of the bands of that time: guitars, bass, saxophone, drums. Do yourself a favor and go. read more

Blown away by Hyman & Parfunkle! We'd seen Flight of the Conchords live and this was by far the closest if not better (dare I say) musical duo comedy folk satire tribute. You don't need to know anything about Simon & Garfunkel to appreciate this satirical tribute to the general band mockumentary era. In addition to the non-stop humor, they are phenomenal singers!! I almost wish 15-20% more of the show featured their singing! Highly recommended. We haven't seen a bad show yet at this awesome little theater but this one was especially unexpectedly good. read more

First time visit, and it was a fantastic experience. The show was 9 to 5. The audience participation was excellent. It brings you back to older times thru memories. The crew were awesome and it showed how well they worked as a team. It was flawless to the audience. read more

what a treasure of an institution for Issaquah and the entire eastside. Delightful main stage productions bring us highly entertaining shows at much-lower-than-Broadway prices. The youth education program is top-notch; giving our kids unrivaled opportunities to learn and perform. The whole management team are just passionate, experienced, and capable people. read more

Village Theatre - Hunt Family Theatre, home for KidStage classes and shows - Performing Arts Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

In the day of stay home and watch Netflix, we couldn't be more fortunate to have the Village Theater. I am so thankful it survived and continues to thrive with live shows and talent. read more

Wonderful place to catch a show. We saw Little Shop of Horrors here and absolutely loved the cast's portrayal of such classic characters. I have never had the opportunity to see a live version of Little Shop and I was so glad to have done it here at the Village Theatre. Though it is a smaller theater, it still holds all of the magic that the larger theaters have. I am looking forward to seeing more shows here! read more

Village Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

I feel so lucky to have Village Theater so near by. We just saw Jersey Boys today and it was an amazing production. The talent was extraordinary and I loved every minute of the show. I have seen it on Broadway and I definitely think the show today did it justice. Don't miss it if you can catch it in Everett. read more

I feel so lucky to have this amazing theater in our community. This is my second year having season tickets with a group of friends and we look forward to every production. The venue is great, the performances are always wonderful and I have to specifically call out the amazingly kind person who runs the concession cart. She made my night last evening by just being wonderful :) read more

Continuously in awe of the quality of theatre put on by Village. From Hello, Dolly! to most recently Beautiful, I've loved every show I've seen. I really like enjoyed Sherwood as well, despite it not being a musical! It was hilarious and engaging. I enjoy that they have a snack and beverage bar, as I'm always wanting a little drink or nosh at intermission. The staff and volunteers alike are kind and helpful, and always have such joy about them. Looking forward to seeing the Dr. Ruth show next! read more

My family and I are HUGE Mamma Mia fans. We have so many incredible memories of watching the movies and listening/singing the music. Seeing this musical in person was an incredible experience. The casting decisions strayed from the traditional vision, which took some adjusting. But the acting and signing was stunning. The passion portrayed through the music was undeniably conveyed. Slipping Through My Fingers is a very special song for my mom and I. And they had us crying in the front row. read more

I just came back from the "Jerey Boys" at the Village theatre. The lanuage was unbelievably offensive!! I expect the stray four letter word but this was WAY over the top. We got home and were extremely happy we did not bring our grandson. If there was some sort of warning I certainly missed it. I have been to several shows there and never had to worry about language. We come 20 miles away and we will not be making that trek again. Local community theatre is going to be just fine. read more

I saw Camelot and just now Jersey Boys. They were both wonderful. Intimate theater great seats everywhere. Such energy and fun. I heartily recommend! read more

We saw Dial M for Murder, great performance, set was wonderful! Will definitely go back for another play.

This was our first experience with the Village Theater. Friendly staff, great performance and choreography. I like seeing a diverse cast for such a throwback musical, Hello Dolly. My only challenge is not to comfortable seating. Might be time for an upgrade? One patron made a comment during play about a black actor whose stage line indicated he couldn't dance due to a lack of rhythm. The patron yelled out "yeah right" and laughed. Other patrons gasped and at intermission staff addressed him and advised him that similar disruptions and he'd be asked to leave. Glad to see this- I'd go back. read more

A wonderful intimate theatre. have enjoyed it for many years. Just saw Beautiful the Carol King musical and it was outstandin. Highly recommended read more

Hello Dolly was over the top FIVE STARS! Everything was just wonderful!( HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Only gripe was lack of legroom in the Box Seats! Will remember this next time! read more

Great acoustics, comfortable seats, and easy access for handicapped persons. Show selection is excellent and the orchestra is great.

Nestled on Front street, which is a main street of old Issaquah, this theater awaits. I was surprised at the quality of performance in the actors, stage sets and live orchestra! The seating also surpised me because it was rather comfortable and most seats were in well view of the main stage. Also being alert to the surpises on this visit, I overheard and asked a ticket taker talk about a "family section" for patrons with small children. What a great idea for all visitors seeing a show. Tickets are priced high, but compared to the great surprises, it seems worth it to me. Parking is easy with off street side road parking, and restaurants are easily walkable to add to your theater experience! read more

We came by to see "String," which was recommended by a friend. We weren't disappointed! The entire cast had beautiful voices. They all could sing quite well and the acting was wonderful. The show was quite entertaining! This is a small theater right on Front Street. You can't miss it. There's free parking all over the area. We prefer to park across the street behind all the businesses. The ticket box is inside the lobby off to the right when you walk in. The sign says they open at 7pm for Will Call for an 8pm show but we managed to pick up our tickets earlier since they were open. I doubt there would be any bad seating here. You should be able to see the stage clearly no matter where you're at. The seats were comfortable. My Sweetie is 6 ft tall and had lots of leg room. The women's bathroom only had 9 stalls and 3 sinks. A long line does form during intermission but it does move rather quickly. There's a concession stand available. No food is allowed in the theater. Only bottled water is allowed and wine if you purchase a "sippy" cup. Staff here are quite friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this theater! Now go get those tickets! read more

Village Theatre - Front of the Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

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Everett Performing Arts Center We purchased tickets for Cinderella in November and were looking forward to taking 7 and 5 years olds After seeing a performance six friends told us it was very disappointing for them and definitely not for children thos ages. I went to the box office, told them we could not use the tickets, but all they could say was "No refunds." We are trying to give the tickets to friends but so far no takers. Lesson learned: Don't buy tickets to any productions unless someone who has seen it recommends it! Actually, I don't think we will consider going. read more

The shows are always well produced productions! I highly recommend a night out that includes a show at Village. Every seat in the Everett or Issaquah theater is a great seat. The prices are reasonable and the season tickets are the way to go if you can afford to purchase. I believe the policy regarding tickets still allows the ticket holder to return to see the show again at half price. Currently, "Into the Woods" is playing and it is remarkably well cast. The show literally sails through and the audience never realizes it is a long play because the singing, acting, props are spectacular. My favorite is Little Red played by Arika Matoba!! I cannot wait to see Newsies which is next in the line up. Both theaters are well maintained and the employees/volunteers are always friendly and accommodating. They serve coffee and snacks before and during intermission. So bring a few dollars or a debit card! read more

Village Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

Great theater locally! A little gem in issaquah! Great location. Challenging parking. Good diversity. Good entertainment. I would really love to see a lot more local talent in this theater. read more

I have been a fan of the Village Theatre for quite a while, but last night really put them over the top. First, the service was top notch. There was a snafu with our tickets (all my fault!) and the box office helped us sort things out quickly, efficiently, and gracefully. Second, I was hesitant about seeing Hello Dolly after so recently seeing the Broadway revival, fearing it might suffer in comparison. It. Did. Not. This was the absolute best production of the show I have ever seen, hands down. The entire cast was amazing, and Bobbi Kotula was nothing short of a triumph as Dolly. She captured what so few do when playing that role: the effervescent spirit and joy of the woman. It was a true delight to watch. Thank you Village Theatre, for continuing to produce such fantastic shows in our little corner of the world. read more

I just saw Sense and sensibility, the actors were having so much fun, this is such a great show, a modern twist with period Clothing and language, very comical. Great choreography and outfits! The horse head is so funny. Each of the known actors carries a number of different roles at different times in the show and they do a great job differentiating the characters! This was very, very entertaining! read more

"Hello Gorgeous!" Wow! What a fabulous show at The Village Theatre! We went to see Funny Girl this weekend and it was marvelous! The music and the cast were wonderful! We enjoyed every minute of the show! It took a lot of self control for us to hold back from singing along! The story draws you in with that familiar girl meets guy and they fall madly in love - but it's the absolute charm and delightful quirkiness that makes you lose sense of where you are and makes you feel like you are really there with the characters. I don't know a lot about these particular actors - but knowing the Barbara Streisand movie version of the play and music - I thought the Village theatre production did a fabulous job of keeping it recognizable for the Streisand fans - but also making it their own with ensemble music and vaudeville mini acts that can really only truly be appreciated in person in such a charming theatre like this! Speaking of vaudeville - seeing this show really makes me want to sign up for tap dance lessons! The toe tapping "rat tat ta tat" makes you want to jump up and "rat tat ta tat" right along with them! Big hair, lots of sequins, beautiful costumes, tons of scene changes (too many- I lost count,) truly an epic production! I forgot I was at a small local theatre! Definitely felt more like a major broadway production! We went to dinner at Fins Bistro next door - such a great pairing with the play! But that's another review... to be continued! read more

Village Theatre - Hello gorgeous! - Performing Arts Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

A friend of mine went to see My Fair Lady here the other week. He compared it to Broadway shows he's seen in NYC, going so far as to say that the Village Theater put on a better show. I had to see what all the buzz was about so my wife and I went to see it last night. Boy was he right! Every actor was spot on. I might have liked this show more than the original movie with Audrey Hepburn! I saw The Sound of Music at the 5th Ave. Theater in Seattle last week and one of the leads had no musical talent. The other lead didn't have enough musical training to meet the needs of her part. The Village Theater is clearly better than the 5th Ave. Theater. I was actually blown away when everyone in the ensemble could sing just as well as the leads. I can't deny that the theater itself isn't much to look at. That puts even more attention on the performers. And they are up to the challenge! Don't settle for the 5th Ave. A much better theater is in Issaquah, with less traffic and free parking. Can't wait for the next show! read more

Village Theatre - The lobby. I was the youngest person in there by 40 years! - Performing Arts Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

While I enjoyed the show, "Little Shop of Horrors" last night, I was insulted by how many times they gratuitously and negatively used the Lord's name in vain; Goddamn, Goddamn it, Jesus Christ, Christ. It was completely unnecessary to make the scenes. And it was offensive to those of us, most of Americans, perhaps not here in WA, but most, who believe that using the Lord's name in vain is a sin and just wrong. It's uncouth, and lowers the intellectual value of the show. Surely the writer's can find words more wholesome for families. There were children in the audience. And even if there weren't, as an adult I was disappointed with it. No excuses. read more

My family saw Sense and Sensibility last weekend. I was leary of a "modern" twist on Sense and Sensibility, but it was amazingly creative and funny. It was my first time in the theater which is perfect for community productions. It is right on the charming "main drag" of Issiquaah, so many restaurants and shops steps away. This performance was one of a few that require masks, which is a great way to provide for everyone's needs. Parking was ample, even on a Friday night. My only negative comment is that the heating was a little too warm inside for us. read more

We love live theater support live music venues community events. Found out they are still requiring masks to enjoy their theater. Their excuse is it protects the performers! Yet the cdc stated maintaining 6 feet is adequate. They don't wear masks amongst themselves and I doubt they social distance off stage. The guests come from all walks of life. As do the staff. It's time to end mask mandates! read more

A wonderful theater & Issaquah institution. I came with a friend to watch "Sense & Sensibility," and we both loved the classic romance story and fun, creative modern touches! The performers were fantastic with a great energy, and the acoustics and music were excellent. I hope to be back for many future productions. read more

Saw Mousetrap at Villager Theatre on a weekday night with a friend. The theatre is located in a cute small strip of stores/restaurants in Issaquah, so if you arrived early, you can just take 30-40 min to walk around town as well. We were able to still get tickets for Wednesday night show 3-4 days in advance of the show and even in the actual play, there were still some seats available. This means you probably can typically show up last minute to get your tickets if that works better for you (they seem to have a deal for students and veterans with IDs for 50% off tickets if you show up to buy seats 30 min before their shows). Their Mousetrap performance, all in all, was much better than expected. The actors/actresses voices were clear and there was not much background noise that distracted me from hearing at all. Another good part is that they have a separate seating (in a box) that can screen out noises (when children cry, etc) if you come with toddlers/young children, too. Seating was great. There was plenty of room for legs (which is not the case for other theatres). I wouldn't mind coming back here again at all. read more

Saw Cinderella and was terribly disappointed. I am glad I didn't take a child to it as it was a strictly "adults only" performance. I was embarrassed for the many parents or grandparents who took children only to find out it was not the story they were expecting. A disclaimer should have been put in the promotion of the program that it was "definitely not for children" Shame on you. read more

Love this place. Fantastic theatre & great youth theatre programs that changed my life.

This is our second year as subscribers and we just love this local theatre. Hairspray, Newsies, Matilda, etc. Always a great time with wonderfully talented local performers. read more

Village Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

This review is for Village Theaters' children's series. I have purchased tickets for our homeschool group the past 4 years and we have really enjoyed the quality and variety of their shows. We typically see 2-3 shows per school year and the ticket process and group seating are very well organized. They even send out an education link to the show ahead of time if you want ideas to supplement the kids' learning before/after the show. Communication from the theater is great and they provided easy refunds for shows last spring that were canceled due to covid closures. It's always been a fun field trip for our kids and we'll plan to go back next year when our school year isn't so unpredictable! read more

My wife and I are long-time subscribers to the Village Theatre. And there is a simple reason for that. The Village Theatre productions are excellent. Should you have any doubt, get yourself to the most recent production, "Little Shop of Horrors," and you'll know precisely what I mean. Excellence defines the production--from the incredibly functional set to the stupendously inventive puppetry of the show's star--Audrey 2--to the incredibly talented singers. The Village Theatre offers everyone a terrific theatre experience that fills the heart and mind--an artistic experience that will make you glad you came. read more

We have had season tickets to Issaquah Village Theater going on 40 years now. We have loved 99% of the shows until this season, 2020/2023. We have been quite disappointed for several reasons. For one, the choice of what has been presented has been very disappointing. I would never have chosen Cinderella, I'm not a 10 year old girl. I'm trying to keep an open mind for the next play, 'How to Break' but, a story about hospitalized hip-hop dancers with leukemia and sickle cell disease - REALLY?! Also, I saw Little Shop of Horrors presented there years ago and it was great but when this play showed this season it was very disappointing. The other plays have been so-so. The sets have been, generally, disappointing and seem to have had little effort put into them. Also I feel strongly in favor of racial inclusivity but not when it means placing a person of color into a part which is clearly wrong for them. In Little Shop of Horrors, the female lead is supposed to be a blond bimbo, not a sad black woman who is dreadfully abused by her boyfriend. This is supposed to be a campy, fun, comedy, not a sad story. It's true her boyfriend is supposed to be sadistic but this character is always played with enough silliness to simply make him funny. Somehow, hearing this character say, "I like to bash a cat's face in" simply sounded awful to me and it lost all its humor. I hate to say it but, unless there is improvement, I may decide not to subscribe again. I will miss what used to be a great theater experience. read more