The venue seats reflect the age of the theater. Uncomfortable, worn and cramped (unless your a child.) Curbside security makes it impossible to start on time. The $10 charge to take away your leather satchel or backpack (not allowed) is a debacle. You need your purse to pickup from will call. It's a mess. I won't be returning. read more

Beautiful theater, cozy seats, and two really cute serving areas. The bathrooms downstairs and bar resemble a speak easy atmosphere. Had a wonderful experience! read more

Thanks to YelpDC I was able to check out Memphis the musical last night. The show was outstanding! The casting was great and I enjoyed all of the musical selections. This was my first time attending a show at the gorgeous Warner Theatre. The space is beautiful with tons of architectural detail and ornate trimmings. My seats were excellent, offering an amazing view of the show. I would certainly come back to Warner to see another show. Thanks YelpDC for the tickets! read more

Warner Theatre - Cover of the playbook for Memphis - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Beautiful theater!! I've been in DC a while now and I'd never been to the Warner Theater before. Last weekend I had the pleasure of seeing a show there. I was pleasantly surprised by how organized and smooth the theater was run. The parking was easy, one lot across the street, one lot at the corner, both $20. The security to enter was super easy, one bag check, a quick wand down for metals, and I was in. There were multiple ushers there to show us to our seats. As soon as I entered the theater though, I was speechless. The heavy red fabrics, the intricate ceilings--it was old world charm that is not present in modern day architecture. Once I walked through the doors, I felt like I was transported to another time. We had orchestra seats which were comfortable (plush) and the stage easily visible. When the show was over, there were lots of exit doors along the side of the theater so I didn't have to join a mass of people back to the lobby. I was out of the theater in less than 2 mins after the show ended and off to dinner. I'd definitely return to the Warner and next time I might even hit up the concession stand. read more

By far the worst theatre I have been to in the world. I'm here for the Nutcracker, and the venue is unbearable. They have sat people - consistently - 40 minutes into the show. The seats are narrow, so expect your view to be blocked no matter where you sit. Will never see another show here, and will be sure to tell everyone I know not to as well. TLDR: Any show at the Warner will be an awful experience. read more

The Warner Theatre is absolutely stunning. You are surrounded by elegant gold engravings and the seats are nice and plush. The ambiance takes you back to an era that once was and the lightening gives off a soft yellow glow. Only real compliant is lobby is small so going downstairs to the bathroom is not a pleasant experience. The bar area to the right stifles the already narrow lobby. I would redesign the space by allowing for advance purchases/ self checkout for all non-alcoholic items and have more staff on hand. All the staff were very friendly and helpful but the lobby is not built to accommodate hundreds of patrons. I came for the 15th Anniversary of the Septime Webre's The Nutcracker with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The sound system was excellent and the music was not too loud. What I am about to say next is a spolier alert for the Nutcraker. This performance was different than what I recall from previous performances by other companies. read more

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Loved the Warner Theater. Went to see PJ Morton and had a blast. Seating guarantees everyone has a great experience despite the closeness. The event was not sold out thankfully, because it would have been cramped. Easy access to street parking and multiple entrances/exits to get in and out with ease. read more

We were in town for Elton John and we scored tickets to Jeff Dunham the night by the concert. I love him the show was fantastic we laughed for 2 hours. The theater and staff were great. read more

Saw Dave Chappelle here. Don't have any inside pix cause our phones were on lock down. A very classy old school theatre. Comfortable seats. We sat on the floor row L in the center. I could see the stage perfectly. There's a lounge downstairs. Nice bar and snacks. Great location downtown and about 3 blocks from Union Station. read more

Warner Theatre - Chappelle Show!! Chappelle Show!!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Seats up top (second floor) in the back are bad, can't see the stage if you're more than a couple rows back from the front row. Also the bar at the entrance is usually pretty slow. Pro tip: if you need to use the men's room, use the one upstairs closest to the main entrance (this one has 4 or 5 urinals and several stalls) whereas the one on the main floor is a single. 2nd Pro tip: if the lines are long at the main bar, try the bar downstairs. At big shows this one is packed too but it's worth a shot -- leave a friend in line upstairs while you go check. read more

Make sure you read their new bag policy. The bag we brought was within the size limit but wasn't clear and they refused entry. We explained that we took the Metro so we couldn't put it anywhere. We emptied the contents into a friend's smaller bag so the staff wouldn't need to have "contact" with it. They still refused entry even with the purse empty. Missed the event tonight. We will never go to this venue again and will discourage anyone from go in the future. Very disappointed. read more

Three and a half stars. Theatre decor is pretty and historic, the line through security was very efficient, and ushers are polite. Okay variety of booze options from the bar upstairs. I've seen two stand-up comedians here and I always forget how uncomfortable those temptingly affordable balcony seats are; I think anyone over 5'8" or on the heavy side would be cramped as hell, and you risk getting kneed in the skull by anyone shuffling down the row behind you. (I'm pretty average sized, and exited both shows with bruises from a neighbor and the firm chairs.) For perspective-across-distance, the balcony view isn't so bad, but lighting borders on too bright and washes out performers' faces. Sound tech boosted the volume to more audible levels halfway through the headliner's set... glad to see they woke up at some point. read more

I'm too through with this establishment. I've frequented this theater, I'd say 2-3 times a year for the last 3-4 years for various performances from stage plays to concerts. I'm all for preserving historic sites and what not but the balcony seating is a joke. They are grossly overpriced for such a smug space. Airlines give you more room! My friend and I were on row HH, seats 25 and 27, which were the aisle and the seat next to it. There was barely even room to turn around. Don't come with more than your coat if you're a woman because it'll all be in your lap. There was a taller, overweight man in front of me so of course my short 5'2 frame couldn't see a thing. I ended up sitting on my coat and leaning which ever way he wasn't in order to catch a glimpse of the stage. We were also on the left side if facing the balcony and of course some of the scenes were there but due to obstructions, I could only hear them. They also kept seating people and allowing them to frolic in the aisle while the air was going on, yet another obstruction of my view. People talked through the whole show, remained on there phones and no one was shushed or escorted out. Even though there were ushers throughout! The balcony also features a VIP section which is more of a lounge style seating, more spread out. Here they take your order and bring with mustard. You'll ought to be ashamed of yourselves. When I asked the box office about a refund she begrudgingly rolled her neck and eyes to tell me they don't give refunds or reseat people. read more

Warner Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The theater is nice...very European and antique looking. The only thing that annoyed the hell out of me is that they still served some people drinks 20min after the show started and quite a lot of people came in late. read more

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Can't believe I've never been here before but better late than never. Hubby & I recently attended the Deep Purple concert here a few weeks ago and I was awestruck at how beautiful the theater is. We had seats in the balcony and the acoustics were wonderful but not only are the seats extremely small but the walkways between them felt like I was walking a tightrope. The drinks at the bar are really expensive but I'm used to that at similar venues. We actually paid for our parking at the time we purchased our tickets and it turns out the parking garage was right across the street which was super convenient and the area was well lit so I felt really safe walking to the venue after the show. read more

Warner Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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GORGEOUS theatre!! The staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable. The theatre doesn't feel too crowded at all either. Go see a show and enjoy the surroundings! read more

Beautiful theater, but their customer service is far from awesome, to say the least. They really need to treat their customers well! read more

Came here to see KARD! It was one of the most amazing nights I have had. While waiting in line go get in, my friend and I were chatting up a nice security guard named John. He was so friendly and you could tell he was passionate about his job! I felt so safe at this venue. The security and ushers are so helpful and patient. The venue in itself is absolutely stunning and classic. The highlight of the night was getting bumped to V.I P seats. My friend and I had separate tickets, and the usher just upgraded our tickets so we could sit together, just being nice. So thankful for that kind gesture. I lost my wallet and went right down to the lost and found, and the female staff member was so kind when I was in panic model. I hugged her. I never thought I'd find my wallet since the show was sold out and someone could have took it and kept it moving, but she had it locked in a stand. KARD was amazing, and there was so much energy. I hope this venue continues to book k-pop acts because the seating is terrific. Most of the time with k-pop concerts, people stand in line overnight and hours at a time since some venues aren't all seated.. This can be draining, and you're so tired during the concert. Not the case with this venue. I will be back to this breathtaking venue!! read more

Warner Theatre - Staff member Mr. John who is so helpful!! He takes his job seriously and it shows! - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Must be under 4 foot 6 inches to ride this ride! Please re-invest some of your profits and fix the seats in the balcony. Anyone over 5'8" is uncomfortable. Stop the back door dealing of tickets as well. Don't offer me an upgraded seat hours before the event, just sell me that ticket from the get-go! I loathe coming here but I do because it books big names. Hire a food service to stock sandwiches or something. I'm being rough on this venue because they can do better, the city deserves better. read more

No air conditioning in the middle of August!!! Ridiculously hot and humid in this venue. Everyone was using paper tickets to fan themselves and it smelled like a sweaty high school gym. Even backup singers had to fan themselves while singing. Outrageous that we spent $234 for 2 tickets and had to leave early it was so miserable. Many people around is left even earlier. We saw Jackson Browne who was amazing, wish it wasn't so hot. Very disappointed. read more

Came here to watch Joe Rogan. Which was a Bday surprise for my Love. Enjoyed everyone apart of the show. read more

Warner Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The quality of the acts is great, but the theater lobby is cramped. The upstairs and downstairs lounge are less crowded. They still have mask and Vax requirements, so they need to improve ventilation and air filtration. I'll return again for sure. read more

I went yesterday to see the Nutcracker, second consecutive year in a row. The theatre is beautiful and well kept for it's age. The staff are very polite and helpful. Plenty of snacks to fill you up. The ballet artists are fantastic and each year something is slightly different but still a superb show. See you next year! read more

The ballet was wonderful but getting inside was an absolute disaster. On Ticketmaster it says fully vaccinated or recent negative COVID-19 test. My daughter was fully vaccinated however, a staffer said it had to be 2 weeks since the date of the last shot which is impossible for kids considering they just approved the child vaccine. They offer rapid testing for free BUT it was only 2 people conducting the tests and hundreds who needed to be tested. Waited for 30 minutes with no movement so I decided to track down the manager to see if they could expedite the process so we didn't miss the ballet which I'll add wasn't cheap. I first encountered a staffer who was very rude and eventually found the manager who came over with the rude staffer to speed things up. I like most parents simply wanted our kids to have a memorable time and not miss the show. The Warner Theatre needs to improve their entry process and relay their rules to other sellers such as Ticketmaster. I probably won't return for some time as the entry process really left a bad taste. read more

Warner Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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After having been to the opulence of the Cadillac Theater in Chicago, the Warner pales in comparison. Not that it's a bad place to see a show. It's fine, in my experience. The seating was acceptably comfortable. The space was climate controlled to a reasonable level. The restrooms are equipped enough to turn around the crowd during intermission. Seems like what I'm getting at is that the Warner Theater is convenient. And it's an okay place to see a show. No complaints. No excitement. read more

The Warner Theatre has been around since '24 (they closed back in '89 (for renovations), and then reopened in '92); various performers have graced the Warner stage, such as Sinatra, Prince, Cash, the Washington Ballet, and comedians. I came here a few years back for a Louis CK show (which was pure awesomeness!), and I recently had a chance to go back to watch the musical, 'Nice Work If You Can Get It' (which was just oh-so-fun with their Gershwin music, and the musical numbers were entertaining!)!. I really liked the old-school charm of the theater, and the staff here are very friendly and accommodating - they have 3 windows up at the front by the entrance in purchasing/pick-up will-call tickets, and the staff here are courteous as well as very efficient. I think there may need to be some adjustments in the acoustics - if you're there for a solo act who speaks directly into the mic, it's all good; but, if it's a performance (ie. musicals), there are some parts where it was a little hard to hear! I also liked the fact that the theatre isn't monstrously big, and the seats, while a little cramp-y, still gives you a good view of the stage! The theatre is conveniently located near the Metro Center and the Federal Triangle Metro stop, so very easily-accessible. If you are car-oriented like me, you can park at the attached garage, or catch a show on the weekends and park your car for free (free on weekends/federal holidays!) at one of the lots that are available at specific Metro stations! +in the Penn Quarter neighborhood +near the Metro Center/Federal Triangle Metro stops +parking garage available (or, can park at another Metro station (free on weekends/federal holidays) +need slight adjustments in the acoustics +friendly & courteous staff! :D read more

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Was given free tickets to a concert and didn't want to miss the opportunity to see such a beautiful theater and it did not disappoint. We arrived a few minutes late. Security was tight, but staff was friendly. We were further greeted by friendly staff at the door and even the ushers were super friendly. Even though the show had started, we were led to our seats. The theater is as beautiful as I had heard. The show was fun. My only complaint is that because the theater is older, the staggering between rows wasn't well planned for the best view. My view was some what obstructed by the person's head in front of me. Would definitely return to this theater. read more

Through the years, I've been to the Warner for ballet, musicals, even many comedy shows. The interior is fancy/ornate/gaudy (you be the judge), with high ceilings and a little "lounge" area downstairs near the bathrooms which is pretty kewl. Huge plus, there's also another bar down there. The place is clean and the seats are decent. Not the most comfortable, but decent. Note: hold on to your water bottles and such. If they fall, there's nothing to stop them due to the slope down (even if you're in Orchestra). I say this cuz I paid $10 for a normal-sized bottle of water and a coffee you have to serve yourself. The movie concession stands have NOTHING on these prices. Haha. Also, the staff has always been efficient and friendly. Oddly, last night for "Nice Work if You Can Get It" which is an awesome, funny musical with great music and dancing, the doors opened at 7 as usual (and I was way early because I wanted to avoid traffic and the SBUX across the street was closed), but the theater itself was about 20 minutes late to seat us. In addition, the musical started about 20 minutes late - no doubt to accommodate the many stragglers who were still in the will call line. Again, that's not normal for the Warner, but when the show started, people applauded. Ha. Huge plus here: While I was in center, orchestra last night, I have also been on the second floor super high to see other shows. Good news is, even far away, the seats aren't bad. So if you have the chance to see a performance at the Warner and only second floor seats are open, just do it. read more

I wish I could give a higher rating, but my experience was not the greatest last night for the opening performance of "The Wizard of Oz". Nothing bad to say about the actual show except Dorothy's mic could have been turned down a bit and her over-the-top- impersonation of Judy Garland sounded more like Shirley Temple. Toto was darn cute!! The theatre itself, however was a let down. Starting with the jam in the ticket booth area. Thank God it wasn't a Walmart in upstate New York! My friend and I scored orchestra level seats. Apparently so did 200 children under ten. 100 of them were probably under four. Parents: Haven't you heard of matinees? I think a tutoring service must of given away a lot of free/cheap seats. As for the seats, also noted in several other reviews: No leg room. If angela n. complains about it, then you know it must be really bad. The seats are staggered, but the father in front of me was leaning towards his four year old and his big ol' head was right in front of the crack between their seats (i.e. my viewing spot). Thankfully the show started after a bunch of kid's bedtimes and the ten seats beside my friend were empty. I switched seats at intermission and enjoyed the rest of the show unobstructed. My final gripe is that I can't BELIEVE they let people bring drinks and food into the theatre!! I have never seen so much garbage on the floors in my life!! Yes, more trash then the dollar movie house I used to attend years ago! As we were standing to get out of our row our feet were sticking to the ground from the soda that was trickling down from the rows behind us. I hope management reads this and stops letting folks bring in food and drinks. This was such a different experience then when I saw Rent here several years ago. read more

I love the Warner Theatre. It's a lovely historic building that has seen many wonderful performances, people, and shows pass through. Being that this has been through quite a bit since its 1924 opening; in the grandeur, it is one of the prettiest theatres in DC. It started out a vaudeville and silent show theatre to falling in disarray and showing porn before closing. It went through a massive overhaul from 1989 to 1992. They renovated it to a look as it did originally. I like the Walk of Fame out front where it offers notable people who have passed through with their signatures and hand prints. My biggest complaint about the Warner is that it does have a lot of minor things that could be fixed about it. Paint on the ceiling that could be painted over or little bits and pieces of the wall chipping. It's amazing what a fresh splash of paint can do to a place. Aesthetically it is beautiful, but if they touch it up - it would be so much better! If you live in DC - it is somewhere you have to come experience once. read more

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This is the first time I sat up in the balcony, and wow what a difference between orchestra seats and balcony. I read most of the reviews, and of course people gave it five stars if they are sitting in the orchestra level. The balcony seats are so cramped - my knees were basically on my chest. There is zero leg room. I saw so many people sitting in the aisles because there is no leg room. Since it was February, the heat was blasting and all the heat was trapped in the balcony area - it felt like it was 100 degrees. I should of worn a shirt sleeve shirt! The lobby area is so small. During intermission it was packed. You had to fight your way to the bathrooms. The only saving grace was they have an indoor parking garage that is attached to the theatre and Boss Shepards. So, next time, leave your jackets and coats in your car if you're going to sit up in the balcony seats. Parking was $15 during Saturday evenings. Please do yourself a favor and if you can afford it, get orchestra seats. If you don't, you will have a terrible experience. read more

I've been to a number of shows at the Warner Theatre. It really is a beautiful venue, with hardly a bad seat in the house (the seating in the orchestra is a ramp, so the seats in front of you are slightly below you), although I've only sat in orchestra seats, so I can't speak to the balcony. The theatre looks well-maintained, which is nice, and the lighting and sound are always good. I do have one small complaint: The doors to the lobby typically open an hour before showtime, but you aren't allowed to go to your seat until half an hour before showtime.. This means that the fairly small lobby can get very crowded. You can always go downstairs to where the restrooms are, but there's rarely anything going on down there and no bar service. My boyfriend and I have decided that when we go shows at the Warner, we'll show up half an hour before showtime to get in quickly without being crammed in the lobby. read more

The Warner Theatre is a beautiful place to go for an evening in DC. Of course, you have to go and see a show there. The building is nice but not THAT nice. Lucky for you that they usually have interesting stuff going on. This is an old theatre with old theatre charms. There is only one auditorium. It's a great one, but there is only one. When you walk into the building, the first thing you should do is look up. The ceiling is incredible. The carvings and trimmings that make the intricacies of it, really make it worth craning your neck for. Much expected from an old theatre, the seats were designed a while ago. I'm sure that, at the time, people were smaller and thus having the seats so close together wasn't as much of a problem as it is now. It's close fit. It's not uncomfortable, but it can be a bit of a squeeze, especially when someone wants to pass by. But this is a beautiful choice for a night out. read more

Warner Theatre - The ceiling - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have been coming to the Nutcracker at the Warner Theater since I was a child, and have to say if this is what you are going to see, this is my preferred venue to do so. I have not experienced any musical performances here, but I have been to several stand up routines, and have found that tickets are reasonably priced and there are very few bad seats in the house. There are several parking garages nearby, a couple of them even have event pricing, which is nice, and the metro is also easily accessible. The venue itself is beautiful. It has history and you can tell by the ornate details and rich paneling. Be aware however, that older buildings typically only have one bathroom, as is the case here, and if you use it during intermission that will probably be your one and only stop. I have found the staff to always be helpful, I will concede that sometimes the lines move faster than others, but the venue is only so big, so they can only accommodate so many people at once. In the winter the temperatures get a little higher than I am comfortable with, again, it's an old building, and I know they need to keep the stage regulated for the dancers, but I would recommend dressing in layers if you tend to always be warm like I am. Also, especially in this situation, their coat check is $5 and is your friend. To end on a positive note, I have to applaud that the bar areas are not cash only and I love the fact that you can take snacks and beverages into the show with you, unlike the Kennedy Center's halls where people stand around the entrance having awkward chugging contests right before curtain call. read more

Warner Theatre - Nutcracker - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A unique DC expereince. Initially opened in Dec of 1924 this was a silent movie theater and venue for vaudeville acts. Seating for 1,800 so not too big or small. Cate and I saw the 'Piano Guys' here on a Saturday evening. The acoustics were exceptional. The seats are kinda small. The bathrooms are down stairs where you can find a roomy waiting area with seats and concessions. The architecture recalls a time of grand opulence. The detail is amazing and the chandelier is a work of art. Very easy access from Metro Center. read more

Went to see Ali Wong last night and was laughing the entire time. Her opening act was also hilarious. Great seats and atmosphere, definitely see her show. All new material, a little more tamed but still as funny. She is a great performer. The theatre was beautiful and there are a few places around to eat at. read more

Warner Theatre - Beautiful theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I cannot believe they rented out the historic Warner Theater to performances of "Why Do Good Girls Love Bad Boys?" The good thing is: I learned that the concession stand now accepts credit cards. I needed multiple cocktails to dull the pain of the an awful play like that one. So. To recap. The Warner Theater gets 4 stars. The play gets zero stars. It was awful. But the historic Warner Theater is as good as it gets. read more

Warner Theatre - You can bring cocktails in now! - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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A beautiful and somewhat historic theatre. I brought my daughter to see the Nutcracker (one of our favorite shows) and we were happy for the experience. The lobby is a bit small, and it was awkward to maneuver with even a small crowd, but the staff was very helpful and friendly and we were really there for the show anyway. read more

Warner Theatre - Lobby from above - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I had won some tickets to see a play at Warner Theatre. I am only rating the theater itself. FYI ,the play I saw was maybe worth a one star if that. It was so bad that my husband and I left before intermission. Warner theatre is close to Metro Center so it is great for all the lines to come down to this area. There is tons of places to eat and or grab a drink before or after the play. The theatre was beautiful and anyone could tell it was on the older side. I enjoyed my seats and the view which is a plus in my book. This venue allows you take drinks and food to your seat. I wish the Kennedy Center would let you! The drinks were priced high but I wouldn't expect less at the theater and it being DC. I was surprised that not a lot of people dressed up. I am not sure if it was because of the particular play or not. I see others have made comment about this too. read more

Staff are friendly and love this beautiful theater. No such thing as a bad seat here, but know the drink prices are high (even for DC). The Warner keeps bringing a variety of entertainment to the area, which will keep the seats full. read more

Warner Theatre - Outside the venue - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia