Woolly mammoth better not ever go extinct because this theatre is truly one of a kind. I've been to several plays (some through Yelp and some on my own) and I have really enjoyed or at the very least, learned a lot, through every single one I've been to. The range of shows that they host is incredible and I always appreciate that they have out of the box plays. For example I saw GUAC a play performed by the father of a Joaquin, a Parkland shooting victim. It was an emotional, powerful, and beautiful tribute to his son. I also saw Dead Inside a comedic play about Riki Lindhome's fertility journey. I also really enjoy the set up of the theater, they always decorate the hallway and cafe section based on the play they are hosting which helps continue the atmosphere and dialogue of the shows outside of the walls of the theatre. Overall, I really enjoy Woolly Mammoth and I cannot wait to go back! read more

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It was my first time going to Woolly Mammoth Theatre to see the Great Privatization with a friend that got tickets. It was a great time! The space is intimate and ambitious. As soon as you walk in, the lobby is striking with its soaring ceilings, transparent walls, and buzz of students, artists, and 'creative types' mingling. The programming has a reputation for championing bold and provocative work that is social- justice minded and pushes boundaries. The production, acting and staging, as well as the technical aspects are very high quality. read more

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Woolly never puts on a boring play! They always present fresh, challenging new work and they aren't afraid to take risks. I also appreciate all the play discussions and talk back sessions that they host before and after scheduled shows. Also check out their Pay What You Will option, usually available for every seat during the first and second performances of each show. It's a great way to try out shoes and take a risk to see something you might otherwise miss out on. The lobby usually contains an art project or interactive exhibit related to the show, so make sure to come early enough to view it and add to the experience. Bathrooms are accessible and unisex. The seats are also on the larger, roomy side and very comfortable. (Some of the seats towards the back are "high top" style.) Plenty of room around you for a coat and purse. The main floor is below street level, so you'll need to take stairs or the elevators to get to most seats. The seating area is smaller (a good thing!) so you'll be close to the stage and have a great view of the actors no matter where you sit. read more

Great experience for my first time here! Really nice theater with clean facilities and a great bar area. The seating was comfortable and easy to find. read more

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

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The Great Privation-- what an incredible play! This production truly made me pause and reflect on where we are today and how far we've come as a people. The storytelling, the emotion, and the artistry were absolutely powerful. The team at Woolly Mammoth really went above and beyond -- from the warm welcome to the best seats in the house (right on the stage!). The production design was beautiful, the sound was dramatic and moving, and every moment pulled you in. As a first-time visitor, I can honestly say it was well worth it, and I'm already looking forward to coming back for another show. Pro tip: If you plan to dine at Carmine's DC before your play, they'll kindly hold your leftovers until after the performance -- how amazing and convenient is that? Overall, such a memorable night filled with culture, reflection, and connection. read more

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We were blown away by It's a Mother F**cking Pleasure at Woolly Mammoth. What a clever and engaging show! The actors were great, and they had us cracking up. The theater is clean, modern, and well-designed. There's a small cafe for refreshments. And there's an art exhibit of paintings to explore. I'm really glad we got to experience this show. Definitely go check it out. read more

My friend and I visited Woolly Mammoth Theatre for a performance of Dead Inside last weekend. The theater is definitely on the smaller side (this is not the National Theatre, which is not a bad thing!). It's a more intimate space, and I can't imagine any seats have a bad view. We sat in the top row of the balcony, and the view was great. The ticket prices were very affordable. And the theater's other spaces were nice, too (bathrooms, bar, etc.). It's in a great part of town for dinner or drinks before or after a show. And we loved the show we saw. I can only speak for this one performance's quality, but something I love about about a smaller theater is that they can put on some really interesting, creative, even niche productions. Since Dead Inside was extended, I'm guessing lots of other people enjoy the shows Woolly Mammoth puts on, too! I'm definitely going to get on their email list if I'm not already to catch a future production! DC is lucky to have Woolly Mammoth! read more

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I've seen a few performances at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre and they've all been fantastic. They are thoughtful and thought provoking, with a unique and artistic spin. The theatre itself is quite large. They have snacks and drinks (both alcoholic and non alcoholic), although you need a special cup in order to bring drinks in the theatre that they sell (you can bring this back with you). Bathrooms are large and spacious, and best of all they have floor to ceiling doors that HAVE NO GAP!! It is easily accessible via Metro with lots of food options in walking distance if you want to get a bite to eat before or after the show. read more

If you have time and interest in a show at this theatre, I would definitely recommend coming here! My friends and I went to see second city's dance like there's black people watching, which was so much fun and can't wait to see them again! The theatre was very comfortable with a good temperature, good seats and clean space. The main glitch happened when we got into the venue and tried to get our tickets. We had seats in the l row although they didn't have us and we had to go to the ticket buying line, which took quite a bit of time. They said we owed 44 dollars, which was strange and made no sense since we already paid. We did eventually get seated although, just make sure you come ahead of time (15 minutes) to ensure you get seated on time and don't run into any issues. read more

Wooly Mammoth is my favorite theater company in DC. They are always putting on innovative new shows and giving chances to local artists. If you're looking for a creative show, I recommend Wooly Mammoth. read more

I write to praise Woolly Mammoth. I am a theatregoer, having seen as many as 25 stage plays in a season, my wife and I taking in probably a half dozen per annum post pandemic. I am always curious about what they are putting on here. We went before their move as well, long ago. Most importantly, they are doing interesting work. Among performances I would cite as challenging in the best sense are Fairview, Fat Ham, and that Akira Kurosawa and yogurt premiere (affecting in its absurdity of "meta" dramedy). I have not seen anything I have not enjoyed, on this stage. I am not a subscriber though, because I do not live in this town; I merely visit often. Washington, D.C. is a great town for live performances. Woolly Mammoth is oriented toward contemporary work, including commissions. They were where Fairview went after NY, and Fat Ham I believe had the Broadway star, and the Kurosawa piece was developed there. Another aspect of the venue that is worth mention is the place itself. The seating is not cramped and the sightlines are excellent. (I love the Folger not too far away; it is less comfortable and has many obstructed views.) The last time we went, we had a ticketing mishap. The manager helped us out, and he was exceptional in the care he took. I write reviews on Yelp as much as I can. But I was inspired in this instance by the customer service to post immediately: we put in a donation immediately, not only to do the right thing but also out of appreciation for how we were treated. There are all sorts of excellent dining options nearby. It makes for a great "date night." Ironically, we always park over at the Lansburgh, home to the smaller of the Shakespeare Theatre auditoriums. They are not competitors; the programming is too different. read more

I've had a great experience every time I've been to Woolly Mammoth. The space is modern and intimate, the staff is always welcoming, and the productions are consistently sharp, creative, and a bit daring in the best way. It's one of my favorite spots in DC to catch something smart, funny, and unexpected. Highly recommend checking it out. read more

I like this theater space in downtown DC! I bought a chair in the regular section and it was slightly too high off the ground to be comfortable. The shows are great and very innovative and weird in the best way! read more

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

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Woolly Mammoth offers the audience performances that explore the outter edges of society. It's comfortable, offers a variety of refreshments for different dietary needs, and has all gender/gender-neutral bathrooms. read more

Woolly Mammoth is always staging really innovative work and is unlike a lot of other professional theater companies in DC. I loved that I got to see A Strange Loop there before it transferred to Broadway, and have been really moved by other shows like Just For Us, the Nosebleed, Kiss, etc. and have loved when they've brought in improvisers from UCB. I do have a few complaints, largely about their box office. The box office staff is difficult to get ahold of. Even if you call or email during their stated hours, you might not hear back from them for a few days (even if your show is in that timeframe). Most recently I called because I realized my order for The Nosebleed wasn't in their system and I wanted to figure out what happened. Luckily, I ended up buying another set of tickets because I didn't hear back from them for five hours, just before I left for the show that night. They promised to look into what happened but I assume I won't hear back from them. The box office staff has helped me out in the past, like when I was exhibiting COVID symptoms and needed to change performance dates, but lost out on the early bird discount code; they upgraded my seats to make up for the difference in price. The chairs on the sides and in the back are not very comfortable if you have a wider body, but the main chairs in the lower section tend to be better. I like that their main bathrooms are now gender neutral. I wish that their shows had longer runs! They don't tend to stick around for long as it's one theater, but by the time you hear about the show it's gone! read more

I have seen two shows here and the recent one was Sensational Sea MInkettes. It was a great performance and the slightly compact nature of the auditorium created an intimate atmosphere! The availability of PWYW tickets also helps make productions accessible to students and/or others. read more

Fantastic productions! Love Woolly's performances, selections, values. Feels good to support the theater, too. DC needs Woolly!

I saw a performance of The Sensational Sea-Minkettes here. I really enjoyed the intimate setting of this theater and the innovative, unique, and engaging performance. I will add this theatre to my list of venues and look out for other performances. The venue itself is very clean, well lit, modern, and a treat for your eyes even before the show starts. There is a concession area with alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, and assorted lounge areas. Very instagramable if you care. I highly recommend! read more

I had been outside WMTC many times over the years, but had never seen a show here. I was excited to explore a new DC theatre in such a brilliant show as "A Strange Loop" (which by the way, no words... so good...) The theatre itself is on the *smaller* side... or cozy side. It's possibly the smallest I had been in in DC. But that's great because even a seat in the back is still close. I sat on the side (box 3?) and found my view partially cut off. I saw the people in the box closest to the stage leaning over to see action on the side of the stage. So you're best off finding a seat in the center if you can. I think it's worth mentioning they are beyond amazing for having PWYC (pay what you can) tickets which makes theatre available to people who otherwise might not be able to afford it. I love them for this. read more

this is a Really cute theater space in DC, we saw Riki lindholms one womanvshow and it was blast

Nice updated theater for shows. I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. A tad bit cramped but you'll be fine. The staff are very nice and inviting. read more

Woolly Mammoth is a great theatre house to catch edgy performances that touch on the many aspects of the human experience. Woolly provides a great atmosphere, and offers an intimate setting for their plays and performances that makes the audience feel as if they're part of the show (and depending on the show, you will be). Drinks and snacks are available for purchase at the theatre. I would also highly recommend showing up to your show early so you can take advantage of the cozy lounge that is set-up downstairs. In many cases theatre may seem out of reach for people because of the price, but if you're under 30 years old Woolly Mammoth offers discounted ticket prices to their shows - so take advantage before you age out! read more

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I received an email telling me about discount parking for 16 at Clara Barton Parking Garage. At the theatre, I was told that today Woolly cancelled their agreemen. I was given no notice. Shame on you Woolly for not giving me notice. read more

This is an intimate space with great views from every seat. It's easily accessible by Metro. They also offer $10 parking in a nearby garage. There are many nearby restaurants with an array of happy hour opportunities. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. There is a limited supply of snacks and beverages available for purchase, which is nice during intermission. We saw an improv comedy show on the pay what you want night. It's location and offering quality means that I'll return to see a play sometime soon. read more

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I haven't been to a show here, but I did attend a company meeting in the auditorium. As a venue, it's GREAT! It's in downtown DC close to the National Mall and the space itself is modern. They have enough restrooms, a cafe, and the auditorium seats several hundred. Despite the size, the auditorium feels more intimate with a small stage in the front. read more

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Why did I not know about this place before? Went last night to see "What to send up when it goes down". Phenomenal...... interactive workshop. The venue is in a great location near Gallery place metro. Everything is within walking distance. They have relaxed lounge area and lobby with very friendly staff. We had general seating and with the space being cozy there really wasn't a bad seat. I love the fact that the bathrooms are not gender specific so a guy may walk in while you're in there but it's all cool..... we are there for the same reason. I immediately started to look at their schedule snd can't wait to return. I only wish the cafe was open cause a duster was dehydrated! read more

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Went to see The Black Side of the Moon. The theater looks new. It's very clean and quite small. read more

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

Went to Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company for the first time to watch Gloria by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. I really liked the theatre! You buy tickets on the floor that you enter on and then go downstairs where the theater entrance is. There are two bathrooms on the top floor, but the rest are on the bottom level. At the bottom level, there's a small bar setup with snacks, sodas, coffee, wine, and beer. There was also a small exhibit of sorts setup and Woolly Mammoth swag on display for sale. The theater has a bottom seating area and you have to go up the stairs to get to the rest of the seats. I sat on the top level in the last row and I would say that the seats were still very good! I don't think there are any bad seats in this theater. Can't wait to come back and see more shows here! Great way to spend an evening. read more

I recently attended this venue for the play "BLKS." I purchased my tickets ahead of time from a discounted ticketing service and was told to go to Will Call. Will Call is located to the left of the main entrance and was seamless. After getting the tickets, we headed downstairs to what appeared to be a bar area. The bar/snack area is spacious with a good vibe. There are plenty of high bar tables and stools to enjoy a drink, a merchandise display for quirky t-shirts and accessories, as well as various couches to further enforce the loungey vibe. I cannot speak to drink/cocktail quality as I had pregamed at a bar but no one looked disgusted and no one was drunk out of their mind which probably means drinks have a reasonable ratio of liquor to juice/simple syrup/ice etc. The venue inside is small and intimate. There really isn't a bad seat in the house and I say that as a short woman. I was placed in the very back on high stools and could still see over the head of the man in front of me with no issue. There are two levels so if you're on the balcony on level 2, still expect to have a good view. If you're in the mood for a bite to eat after, Rasika is right next door. And Dirty Habit (a few blocks down) is a good bar/restaurant that gives you a discount if you bring in your theater ticket stub. The only pain point is the parking garage that is directly across from the theater is a crap shoot. Online it notes they do not close until 11, but I found out later that they tend to close whenever they want (during the week anyway). Case in point, my show was 2hrs from 8-10 and as I was leaving the garage to attend the show I was told they were closing at 10. Also, if I wasn't back before 10 I'd have to get my car the next morning. It was some straight bulllllshit. read more

If you're attending a production at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, prepare to step outside of the box. Things can get a little weird and that's a really, really good thing. While visiting DC, we snagged tickets to see 'Fever' while in town. I knew nothing about the show itself, but the theatre had rave reviews and that was enough for me! We waited in the reception area while we waited for showtime. During this time we noticed how diverse the crowd was. This place really does appeal to everyone! Once inside, we were lead on a journey that was unlike any sort of theater production that I've ever experienced, and I loved it! It was a voluntary collaboration with strangers that almost instantly become your tribe. The theater is located just outside of Chinatown and is super easy to get to on the train. Concessions aren't great so you'd be better off grabbing a cocktail or dinner at one of the neighboring restaurants. read more

I visited this theater for the first time recently and was impressed. The location is super accessible via the Gallery Place or Archives metro stops. I went to Will Call to grab my tickets, which was seamless, and then made my way downstairs. There was fair pricing on the snacks and drinks that were available and the line was pretty short right up until showtime when people wanted things last minute. I really liked the layout of the theater. While I was very close in the orchestra section, it appeared that there weren't any "bad" seats. The theater hosted a party after the show and I spent time admiring how spacious it was, with cool lighting, and interior design. I really enjoyed my time there and look forward to checking out another show in the near future!. read more

I've had Woolly bookmarked for more than a year. Not because I have wanted to try it--oh believe me, I've tried it--but because I never could find the time to write a review that can capture the magic that is the Woolly Mammoth Theater Company. Eventually, I just decided that I would try my best, put out my untested review, and see what happens. And that's what Woolly's all about: putting out brand new (or almost brand new), challenging works of theater and seeing what happens. Some are polished, some are raw. Woolly is a laboratory, a place where fairly young yet quite brilliant writers are able to push their own limits. Highlights include plays by Sarah Ruhl, who is becoming to the English language what Gabriel Garcia Marquez is to Spanish. It's a place where playwrights can take risks, where the audience will not always agree with what's happening on stage, where you will leave, as one reviewer said, contemplating about something you have not thought of before. Woolly is a place where you find new ideas that spawn what comes as close to original thought as I will ever encounter. But it's not necessarily fringe. Woolly founder and artistic director Howard Shalwitz and his staff do a phenomenal job of finding new talent and bringing forth a quality product. It's as if he went to a fringe theater festival, saw two hundred plays, picked the best, worked with the playwright for a year to improve the work, and then staged it, just for you. Woolly has put on some tremendous performances over the past several years. I have been fortunate enough to see more than a dozen performances in their newish space, and I've appreciated all but a couple of them. And those few blemishes are so adorable to me; I see them differently, because I'm in love with Woolly. The actors are solid, too. Sarah Marshall is one of the most wonderful people I have ever had the privilege to see on stage. If you have the chance to see her--go. The topic doesn't matter. She will light up the room. Kimberly Gilbert is excellent, too. I have heard they have very good classes. I took a one-hour acting class from one of their teachers and found it very enjoyable. Woolly has a yard sale twice a year where they sell all of their props, costumes, and sets for unbelievably low prices. It's worth showing up for. You can also buy stuff through the theater's website. They also have had the tremendous foresight to regularly bring in Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, an incredible troupe out of Chicago's Neo-Futurists, which is sure to delight (memorize the phrase "When we sell out, WE ORDER OUT" before you go). Woolly is refreshing. Woolly is unique. Woolly is soul-searching. Woolly is community. Woolly is inspirational. Woolly is satiating. Woolly is fresh. Woolly is forward-thinking. Woolly is calculated. Woolly is safe. Woolly is risk-taking. Woolly is home. Woolly is for growth. Woolly is engaging. Woolly is creation. Woolly is intimate. Woolly is accessible. Woolly is sophisticated. Woolly is down-to-earth. Woolly is in the stars. Woolly is dreamy. Woolly is fantastic. Woolly is super(lative?). Woolly is change. Woolly is community organizing. Woolly is grounded. Woolly is idealistic. Woolly is meaning. Woolly exists to expose. To Woolly is to learn, love, question, dream, smile, swoon, ache, groan, wonder, and hope. Woolly provides ways to make sense of the chaotic world in which we live. Please support this adventure. And please forgive the inadequacy of my words. I have tried my best in thirty minutes or less. read more

This theatre space is lovely and almost intimate for downtown theatre standards. The plays are novel and perhaps avant grade, intriguing in the talent presented in the physical performances and the content themes, leaving you questioning roles by people in their physical forms and their personal identities as related to social perspectives. The orchestra is a prime choice for seating, and really, anywhere on that level works well. The balcony area is pretty decent at any angle, but you may miss some action on the sides depending on where you are seated. The lobby/foyer/ waiting/ mingling area is low key, allowing you to sit or walk around without feeling a lesser-second-class theater patron because you are not a subscriber-member. I like the entrance on the street on the side of the theater, and the upstairs/ downstairs nature of the theater that is airy and free spirited. There are some snacks and beverages to purchase if you are so inclined before the show or during intermission. Staff and volunteers here are cheerful, helpful and patient. Parking seems easier than near other theaters. There are some good restaurants nearby for some before or after theater dining. If you are trying to change up your normal theater routine, this is a great choice! read more

I love this venue! This is a small, intimate theater in Chinatown. There is parking across the street and many shows have discounted tickets via GoldStar. I originally planned to see a show on Thursday and plans changed to Wednesday. I showed up and they had rush tickets. I was a little nervous because this was my first time at Woolly Mammoth and I wasn't sure what it would be like to sit in the last row of the theater...I was pleasantly surprised. Our seats were awesome! It seemed all seats in the house were great but I can't say for certain but wouldn't hesitate to sit anywhere especially for a deal. I like the diversity and quirkiness of the shows here and may make a trip to DC especially to see an upcoming production. For all my out of towners looking to experience DC's theater scene without breaking this bank, this is a great option! read more

It was my first time going to this theater - did not realize it was so close to the metro (2 blocks from Gallery Place and 1 block from Archives metro stop). There is also a parking garage across the street which showed $10 for Event Parking but yet its posted hours showed it closed at 7pm. Anyways, when I entered the building to the Woolly Mammoth, there is a small area with chairs and tables to the right. What looked like the box office was straight ahead. The show I went to see on this day was The Totalitarians. Initially as I got down the stairs, it looked as if someone had set up their own office within the lobby, but as I walked around some areas, I noticed it was actually part of the show...neat. There is a little spot called "Judith's Café" that serves snacks and drinks like 4-5 choices of beer, 2 choices of wine, some soda and from what I remember...peanuts, M&M's, cookies and pretzels, so it is best to have an outside meal before arriving. I have been to several shows within the DC metro area and for a few I have sat in the front row and enjoyed my view. This was actually the first time I sat in the front row of a theater, but did not enjoy the view - the stage was also an awkward size. It is somewhat hard trying to explain, but here goes - you know when you go to a movie theater and the only seat available is the one in the front and so you end up watching the movie looking up most of the time based on where and how your seat is positioned...well it is kind of like that. I felt the characters were too close to the edge of the stage, that most of the time I was looking up at them and I felt uncomfortable. Other times, where they were on the stage, my head was turned completely to the far left and so that very hard to watch. I could not really bend forward to see them perform as I would be blocking people's views of the stage as well. Instead of seeing the performers on stage, I got a silhouette view of the person's face sitting next to me with a snippet of the play to the right. To me that was a bad view and I was hurting my neck in the process. I did look around and saw how the other seats where positioned and I will come back to this theater, but sit in a different seat or even try the balcony seats instead. read more

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I attended my first Woolly show last night, and absolutely loved the experience. The space is really intimate, and it seems that there is no bad seat in the house. We arrived a few minutes late and had to be seated in the balcony, but still felt intimate with the actors and stage. We watched The Nether, which was so gripping that 90 minutes just flew by. The visuals and stage lighting were stunning and gave so much dimension to the play that at times I felt like I was in an ethereal yet twisted dream. 3 1/2 meter parking nearby after 6:30 and plenty of dining options! read more

Went with a group of 10 to see "A Girl's Guide to Washington Politics" by the Second City comedy troupe. This was my third performance I've seen at the Woolly Mammoth and I've always left impressed and, most importantly, entertained. I love their choices made the past two seasons of quirky, interesting plays. I find the spartan, yet modern, design of the theater and lobby space appealing. The staff is friendly (although one of the ushers sent us upstairs when our seats were actually on the main level). And generally, there are no bad seats, in terms of sight lines, in the house. I definitely find great value for my entertainment dollar at the Woolly Mammoth! "A Girl's Guide to Washington Politics"? Simply hilarious! I love clever, intelligent humor. I love political humor. I love improv. I loved this production! The Second City players are all enormously talented! The two who stood out to me (not to count, categorize, define or otherwise put them in a box) were Joey Bland who has a Seth Rogen-ish look and appeal and Brooke Breit who is hilariously energetic if not manic and reminds me of Cheri Oteri from her SNL days. Bottom line...SEE IT. You'll be glad you did. read more

I went here with a large group. We went to see " A Girl's Guide to Washington Politics". This is the third time I've been to the Woolly and I can say I'm a huge fan. I haven't seen a bad production yet. "A Girl's Guide to Washington Politics" was absolutely hilarious. The humor was clever and the improvisation was top notch! This is a must see. The entire cast will keep you in stitches. read more

Stumbled across this place Tuesday night around 7:30pm after dining at Rasika right before. After talking to the front desk, we decided to get two balcony tickets for American Utopias by Mike Daisey. The seats themselves were okay (both in terms of view and comfort), and the acoustics and lighting were good. Although I was one of the few people who didn't laugh during the show, it was still a good performance. Unfortunately, they no longer offer Pay What You Can Performances, but they still have good discounts like 30yo or under patrons and stampede seats. read more

Octoroon was funny, entertaining and thought provoking. The lead man was awesome. One can see well from any seat. I like the location and contemporary look of this theatre. read more

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