This place is designed in such a cool way. It's fun to just sit inside the lobby and stare at all the architecture. It's worth arriving a bit early to eat and drink before the show. Remember that you can't take any food inside during the performances! They can kick you out if they catch you snacking. Drinks are ok though. The only thing I dislike is panting in the underground garage. You will have to do quite a bit of walking to come up from under to enter the venue. I don't mind personally, but if your date is dolled up in heels, you may want to uber, valet park closer, or find street park in the surrounding blocks. It's a smaller stage production but they still bring companies that bring it and put on a great performance. We'll definitely be back! read more

Wortham Theater Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

This place was incredibly amazing! It was very cool inside and we came to see the Hunchback of Notre Dame. They have a wine bar and a build your own pasta pot plate area that would've been good to know about before we headed off to dinner. The production was incredible. We were sat very close to the production and it was so amazing to see all the actors so close! I will say that the staff was very efficient and amazing when we came into the facility. They will call window was quick and coming to check your ticket in was also very efficient. Definitely recommend as something new and cool to do if you are in the area. read more

Took my daughter to watch a play for the first time and we both had an amazing time. I remember going to see plays at the Wortham when I was a kid and it just brought back so many memories with my grandmother and my aunt. My 11 year-old and I watched hunchback of Notre Dame and it was a great place. Everybody was so nice and helpful. We got snacks and just enjoyed our time. Definitely recommend parking in the parking garage connected to the theater. It was really convenient to just get out of the car and walk into the building. My only complaint is they didn't have all the bathrooms open for the women at least and the lines were so long that I missed some of the second half of the play. Well, in all, it was a good trip and we're already looking at the schedule to see what other place will be happening and kid friendly. read more

See all

I absolutely loved the grand entrance. When I reached the main floor, I noticed a beverage area with seating to the right where guests could relax while waiting for the show. Just beyond that was another lounge space that looked like a wonderful spot to unwind. Everyone was incredibly kind, welcoming, and eager to help. We also discovered a charming hallway that led to views of the aquarium and a beautiful sunset both were truly breathtaking. I can't wait to return and enjoy another unforgettable evening at this amazing facility. read more

Wortham Theater Center - Just check in what a view - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

Downtown Houston Pluses 1. Garage parking $18 pricey to park for a show but close to venue 2. Some areas to sit to eat and drink in venue 3. Good acoustics 4. You can exit the building to get fresh air during intermission Areas to improve 1. Exiting parking garage a mess - most exits were closed and you are directed to a few remaining exits plus you must have the ticket on the dashboard or you can't exit. 2. Main sofa seating that is comfortable is all scuffed up 3. Pretty lounge area with seating was closed 4. Restrooms are small and outdated and half of sinks or towels not working read more

See all

Houston has my favorite Nutcracker. I had a great time attending the ballet this year. Parking is really efficient and worth paying the $18 for easy and safe access to the theater. Downtown has really expanded with the food options near the theater over the past ten years - if you haven't been in a while I recommend checking it out. read more

I came to watch the Nutcracker during December at the Wortham theater center and had a great experience. We ordered our tickets online and right before the show picked them up at the box office. We parked at a parking garage nearby for about $10. We got there just in time to sit in our seats and enjoy the ballet. Our view was great and we were able to see the entire ballet as well as the Orchestra. The stairs are pretty steep and small so if you're handicapped, I would be conscious of that. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful and guiding us towards our seats. It was a Christmas classic and I can't wait until next year! read more

Wortham Theater Center - View of the stage and orchestra pit - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

Another in a long-lineup of lovely arts venues in Houston. The Wortham is home of the Houston Ballet and will also host a variety of other artists and performances. The Houston Ballet's Nutcracker is a must-see for me; it is a magical performance full of whimsy, laughs, and beautiful artistry. The building itself is quite luxe without being too ostentatious, lovely interior and spacious seats (albeit a bit low to the ground for my long legs). The Grand Tier and upwards is quite steep, so if you have vertigo or a fear of heights, mentally prepare yourself. Parking available around the area - I generally recommend the underground garages as they connect directly to the Wortham via tunnels/the garage walkways itself. Just make sure to park in the area designated for the Wortham, otherwise you may find yourself good and lost when you come out somewhere else! read more

Wortham Theater Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Great event to celebrate Mexico Independence Day. It was very well organized. Location: downtown Parking: garage, street and valet Staff: plenty and helpful Wait time: none as you are on time when show starts Seating: spacious enough I was able to attend the mariachi festival, everything was well set up. Had a private vip area as well as a common area. Audio was good and so were the views. read more

See all

Launched in 1987, this theatre is owned by the city of Houston and located in Downtown. They have two facilities within, the bigger one is the Brown Theatre and the smaller one is Cullen. We had the opportunity to visit the Brown for a musical show on  MughalEAzam, the famed legendary love story between prince Saleem and Anarkali. This show was being enacted for the first time on stage as a direct extract from the movie of the same name and was a must see for all music lovers. The songs from this 1960 original can give goosebumps even today to any Indian...(well..most Indians, not sure if the Z generation even know about it). It was just the perfect theatre for the huge hit that the show was. The seats are narrow though, so heavier persons cannot sit comfortably. What I liked was the rising hill effect of the seating area, otherwise a short person like me would have to miss most of the performance on stage.  The sound effect was surrounding and just apt. A section outside is, I think, used for receptions and stuff, the deco and the tables were set in that manner.  Food and drinks were set up in the hall adjoining this area. This hall was again huge with numerous stalls including Indian clothes, jewelry, mementos from India and from the movie, books and so on. There was enough seating place which included sofas, tables and chairs. The theatre offers annual memberships of various nature, which allows one to not only get updates about upcoming performances delivered right into their inbox, but also get discounted tickets, and sometimes even free tickets. Purchasing it would really make it worth it especially if you are a theatre buff. Lovely hall and the food court across the street is just the perfect place to relish after or before an event here. Parking is a small challenge, since it is shared parking, but manageable. Hope to come back here again. read more

See all

I have been to the Wortham Theater Center a few times over the years. This last time it was to attend the annual Mariachi Festival. It was a sold out show! The performances were amazing and it was so great to see Oscar De la Rosa, a true icon in the Tejano music community. We were able to park right away in the parking garage, we just had to walk maybe half a block to get into the theater. The theater is currently under some renovations/constrution. Which is great because it's pretty outdated. It's definitely time for a facelift. During the first part of the show, they had to keep turning the lights back on because so many people were late and having trouble finding their seat. One negative thing about this theater center is that the steps are super steep! Overall it was a great experience, I can't wait to see it after they're done with the constructions. read more

The Magic of Motown was interesting and funny. The band was really great. The male singers were good only one of the three females could sing lead. It was really good to hear the dated music. The Motown Review that is at Miller Theater at Herman Park could put them to shame. The male singer with the beard is 82 with more pep and movement than all of the performers. Overall, it was a fun outing with the ladies. read more

See all

Home to the Houston Ballet, this is a beautiful venue. Access is relatively easy, and there is an underground parking garage that has direct access through a tunnel straight into the Wortham Center. Beautifully decorated for this holiday season, I was very impressed with how enchanting and inviting it was, particularly for children. A huge, gorgeous Christmas tree along with an impressive gingerbread house adorn the lobby area in the front. The center of the lobby had a little market, and multiple food kiosks are available with small tables. Great for a quick drink or bite before the show. Guides were helpful in directing us where to enter to access our seats. Seating was comfortable. The acoustics we great, as you could clearly hear every instrument that was playing throughout the ballet. Restrooms were adequate, and it was actually not too difficult to make a visit there during intermission. This is a much larger venue than Jones Hall (where the Houston Ballet used to perform), so there are many seat options from which to choose (at varying prices, obviously). We were very pleased with our orchestra-level seating, as it provided a great view for all of us. A great experience. read more

The costumes, the lighting and acting were great. But, the translation into English above the stage was VERY HARD TO READ! And too high up causing neck strain to read. I suggest having a screen on either side of the stage as in the mega churches that is much lower with larger letters. Por favor! The faces of the actors were also a bit blurry because of the lighting there perhaps? Maybe a soft spotlight on the main characters communicating would help. Thanks for listening! read more

Why 3 stars? Because we had some issues with this venue. --- --- --- We came here to see Bluey Live with the family and my brother's family. We purchased tickets in Box 39 and Box 41, which is in the far right corner of the 2nd level, stage right. I am not sure if this problem is more because of the production of this particular show, or if this is just a dead spot in the Wortham Theater, but the audio was awful here. We probably could only understand one out of every 10 or 20 words that were said. Fortunately, our kids were happy to see the characters on stage, but it was very disappointing overall. These tickets were $45 each, and when you are buying 7 of them, you'd hope you are able to hear the show. Unfortunately, we did not. I reached out to the theater afterward and was never responded to. Other than the sound issue, the theater itself was beautiful. It was a bit of a maze to find our seats and quite a cluster to leave as everyone has to funnel onto one escalator, but it was cool to experience a venue that felt a lot more old school and traditional. read more

Came for the Houston Ballet- The Orginals. Had an amazing time. Excellent Ballet. Parking is right across the street, and connects to the center. Just a little confusing to determine best place to park depending on the venue, because it's a shared parking garage with Alley Theater, Jones Hall etc. They had people directing people after the event, where to go and how to get out of the parking lot, wish they had done this for the beginning of the event! read more

Wortham Theater Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Went to see Tannhauser, it's was a pleasurable Italian love story filled with the usual suspects, lol. Fun nite w/wifey.

A fairly large boxy building which houses an amazing interior. The entrance is spectacular with large towering sculptures adorning the sides of the escalator leading up to the main lobby where a band was playing to a full audience and this was just the appetizer performance. I drove from San Antonio just to see Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Old friends from LA who put on a great show of salsa dura. The crowd was mainly older silver haired folks sprinkled with the rest of us. What they did a great job on was the pay what you can ticket prices. I had already bought expensive tickets for the next night in Sugarland so adding this night turned my trip into a 3 day weekend. The theatre had comfy seats and a good view. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is that I couldn't tip the bartender. It's cash only for tips. Cmon. We are a cashless society now and tips are important. read more

This place is huge they have great entertainment nice food and drinks the staff are great and it's a clean facility

Second time to the Wortham (dont ask me what I saw here because it was the 90's!) Tonight drove in from Galveston to see the Nutcracker...theater is just beautiful and well kept. SUPPORT THE ARTS!!! read more

Wortham Theater Center - Balcony section - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

my sister in law and I came here last night (12/05/2021) to see the Nutcracker and it was such an amazing experience! the theater was beautiful and really big. I would like for there to be more seating in the waiting lobby and more restrooms as well. the line was hugeee before waiting to be seated. once seating began and they opened the floors to the seats and sections, more restrooms were available for use. the staff was very helpful in finding restrooms and seating us. very clean buildings and seats, can't wait to see the next show read more

See all

I stopped by Wortham Theater Center for a jazz concert with my mom and uncle on a Saturday. We found free street parking and grabbed dinner before the show at Bravery Food Hall (which is within walking distance). Getting to our seats was a little confusing as we had to walk through multiple buildings and cross the street outside to get from one building to the other (we probably just went to the wrong one). I went a couple of months ago and with it being Covid times, masks are required when you enter and also while you're sitting. The venue is pretty and the acoustics are nice. It makes for a nice venue for the performing arts. Not my favorite type of venue for a jazz concert but I think I would have liked it a lot more for a play or a ballet performance or something like that. Support the arts! read more

Second time I've been here. I came to see Jim Jefferies. The show was great! The theater is nice. I love the fact that they made the seating comfortable instead of stadium style. It's actually a little too comfy lol. I almost fell asleep because of my comfort level. I was in the back on the bottom and the view was still very good. I love the arrangement of the seating. For parking, it's just like any other parking. Costs $12 and they tell you where to park. I did find it super easy tO get out of the parking garagee though which waS fabulous! I do also love that they taKe cards. I've been to many places where it was cash only and that really sucks. Overall I would give the theater a 4/5. The only reason I don't give it a 5/5 is because there wasn't anything mind blowing happening here. I do recommend going to a show or two here though. They know how to get the good acts. read more

Wortham Theater Center - Jim Jefferies! - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

Sis and I went to see Cinderella the Ballet on 3/3. We got there and we got a ticket for parking in the ramp. I appreciated that there were signs for the Wortham theatre because the parking garage was for multiple theatres. We managed to get a good parking. Took the tunnel to the stairs to get to the building. Arrived and security was there to answer questions and confirm why we were there. Mind you, there is an initial building, that does have escalators to get to the other side, and also I guess the other portion of the building (from the escalators down). Anyway, there was security and people there. We did have a fire alarm situation. While the alarming was blaring, the announcements were a bit hard of hearing and initially there was some amount of confusion as no one proceeded to exits. However, the security team did set in and asked everyone to evacuate the building. We were told to gather in the circle of the courtyard. After a while, they let in the security prior to the masses. We got back in with very little issue. The alarms did go off again shortly but we were told that its a false alarm. We got to our seats and there was some confusion over the sections (we were in L) but eventually we got that figured out. I will say it is pretty steep going up down and up and it made me nervous but they do have railings for support. We enjoyed the show, although with it being so dimly lit and myself a bit tired I did end up dozing for some of it. There were only 3 bathroom stalls by that section but I think the line moved relatively fast since intermission was short. This place is really beautiful and grand. I loved going up the escalators and seeing the sculptors, almost felt like they were moving (cause we were moving) xD. There's a comfortable lobby area that you can wait in while waiting for the show (this is after the escalators). It was a fun experience. I would be interested in going to see another show someday, maybe opera. read more

Had the opportunity to see Tig Notaro here. Great venue, easy to navigate. Luckily we had front row seats because the knee room as with most of these venues is limited. We enjoyed ourselves and laughed like maniacs with Tig! read more

I want to commend Chastity Jackson for helping me find my lost phone. She took me to the seats I had when I lost my phone. The cleaning staff missed it, and I didn't see it either. She found it for me. She was great. read more

This wasn't my first visit to our theatre district and I've come here for a few musicals or plays in my 20+ yrs in Houston. The food isn't great here, but you wouldn't know it by their website - it's typical Aramark fare of snacks, drinks, and there was a taco bar on this visit. My biggest complaint is their website and options for handicap parking info. I took an Uber rather than trying to figure out if it would be too far for my husband to walk from the parking garage due to his mobility issue. It says to call a number for valet options, but that number is supposedly not answered on the weekends so plan ahead if this affects you. Otherwise we had a great afternoon and I am sure I will return again. read more

i bought 5 tickets to the motown review on september 16, 2024 at the wortham center. it was horrible, terrible, awful and much more. the sound system was so horrible that the event the performers complained about the sound system. the female performers never smile that looked like they were under duress or their money is beig with held if they did not go on. they performed like they were forced with no plesat smiling at all. the employees (ushers) said that the show was terrible! it was so bad that me and my 4 guest left at intermission. it was so bad that we were looking on facebook to see if others were posting on how bad it was during real time. i want a refund of the $350.00 i paid. i've contacted the wortham and left a message to call regarding a refund. i will never go back for this performance ever again. please do better with black performances and don't give us the worse, i've never attended any other performamces with the sound system being horrible. cindy joseph read more

The Wortham Center is top notch for a top notch city. I've been attending operas and ballets since they theatre first opened in 1987, before this productions were shown at Jones Hall. Houston is WORLD CLASS when it comes to the Houston Ballet and Opera! The Wortham center has two theatres. The Brown Theatre which holds the larger productions such as the ballet and opera and The Cullen for other events. The grand entryway is just that - GRAND! I always notice patrons taking photos in the luxurious area and who wouldn't blame them. The most magnificent time to come is when The Houston Ballet features the Nutcracker. There are HUGE gingerbread houses, an impeccable Christmas tree and the most stunning people watching from children to adults. My family likes to enjoy dinner at the Wortham before the ballet and opera. Get there an hour or so before and you can have salads, sandwiches, pasta, fruit and cheeses, desserts, beer, wine and other drinks. If you can't find a table in the grand entryway - there are two side rooms with tables, just ask if you aren't sure how to find them. Very convenient. They take cash or credit card. Tips: 1) Always read the reviews and or synopsis before bringing children to a production to make sure it is child appropriate. 2) There is valet, however can be quite expensive. Park underground if you are able to do so. Lots of handicap parking if needed. 3) Don't be late. Plan early and arrive early. 4) Don't wear jeans. PLEASE don't wear jeans! read more

Wortham Theater Center - My 93 year old Grandmother and I just finishing up dinner before the ballet. Always eat to just eat at the Wortham. - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

We had an amazing experience while attending The Nutcracker student matinee performance today. Not only was the booking of the event flawless, but after countless changes to our head count, Catrinia never lost her cool with me; via email or phone! She is surely one trooper! Not to mention, we were able to have some of the best seats in the theater: Only one aisle from the stage! The performance itself was amazing, as it always is. During some of the skits, you can be overwhelmed with trying to watch all of the action happening, but it's short lived. The intermission was unique in that we were able to see how a scene is set and what all goes into the making of The Nutcracker. One would think that the two hour performance would be boring, but it definitely wasn't; time flew by! We will definitely be back in following years! read more

See all

Went to see The Nutcracker for the first time and I was very impressed with the theatre. There is ample parking around and near the theatre. The street parking is metered for a mix of 3 hours aloft $6. There are parking garages that range from $8-12 in price. I had balcony seating so I took the escalators up to the 2nd floor and took the elevators up. Be sure to arrive early, as the crowds increase wait times for the elevators. There weren't much concessions but there was wine and water for purchase. The venue was very clean and gorgeous. I felt that as far up as I was I still had a great view. Getting to my seat was a bit rough as some of the stairs are very steep, so just be careful. Attendants/ushers are there to assist you if needed. I will hopefully be back soon! read more

Wortham Theater Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

I took my mom to go see Pride & Joy: The Marvin Gaye Musical for an early birthday present. It was perfect because they only played for a week here in Houston! What an amazing performance and a breathtaking theater. Easy parking, great lighting and loved the art peices that towered in the entrance. read more

See all

My boyfriend bought me tickets to see The Nutcracker at the Hobby Center. I was super excited because I've been wanting to go for sooooo long. We parked in the parking garage at the Hobby Center but as we approached the front we were told that we needed to walk further in order to get to Wortham Theater. Confused at this point because the ticket clearly says Hobby Center! Nevertheless we walked about a half a mile down the street to Wortham Theater. Please don't put Hobby Center on the ticket if it's not at the Hobby Center!!!!! Despite taking a half mile journey in heels to get to Wortham Theater, we made it just in time. The Nutcracker was marvelous!!!!! I am soooo glad that I got a chance to see it. All smiles!!! read more

We came here to see sleeping beauty and were overall happy with the seating at the venue. We sat in the balcony and felt a bit scared because of the steepness of the walkway especially in high heel shoes. I was holding very tightly to the railing!! I also found that the lobby was offering a variety of healthy foods and drinks which I was very excited to see. Usually it's nothing that comes close to healthy at these venues but was happy to see this. Healthy smoothies would have made it perfect for me. Bottom line: good place to see the ballet. The seats are comfortable and the recession area is accommodating to health conscious individuals. If you are considering seating in the balcony, be sure to consider the fact that the stairs are very steep especially for elderly or handicap. read more

I had the pleasure of visiting this theatre for a recent Nutcracker show with the Houston Ballet. A few notes: -hot cocoa ($4) is made with Ghirardelli chocolate but unfortunately was mixed with water -free ice water if you fill up the cups in the middle at a fountain -pasta bar on site -Art Deco design (the show had incredible set designs-one of the best I have ever seen) -bathroom lines can be on the long side -consider opting for an Uber driver to save yourself parking hurdles read more

After attending a New Year's party at the Wortham Center, I have been looking for the perfect word to describe it. What did I come up with? MAJESTIC. (This word describes it PERFECTLY!) Yup. The place is absolutely beautiful and dare I say "breath taking?!" The design is magnificent and the attention to detail absolutely amazing. The place is massive and one can easily compare it to a beautiful castle. All I can really say is that I am very impressed and can only imagine how great it would be to see the Houston Ballet or an Opera there. If you have not yet attended a function there, just do it!! I can't wait to visit it again! read more

I came here recently to watch the Houston Ballet. I must say this is probably one of my favorite theaters in town. I had balcony box seats, which are a step down from the cheap seats. However, I was able to purchase the first row and first seats of this section which puts me at a very interesting view. They are almost like private boxes with only 5 seats per row and protrude out further than any of the private boxes and still has me up at a high enough vantage point to still see all of the formations. The sound is great here, since basically the only noise you hear is from the orchestra and the feet of the performers. The seats were comfortable and stage was vast. I was able to find plenty of street parking on a few blocks away. Overall, favorite venue to date. read more

Parking is a confused mess. I get it...parking downtown is tight, space is limited, and many of the lots are shared. Signage could be better though. Most of us found it easier to look for people that seemed to know where they were going and follow them. Good luck in finding your car again. On a positive note, the parking garage is well lit and doesn't smell like an automotive center. Once you're in, the center is grand with a huge palacial escalator which takes you to the mezzanine. A quick walk across the street gets you to orchestra level seating. The theater is more intimate than I'd expected. There didn't seem to be a bad seat in the house as the seating is on a steep incline. Seating was comfortable. Though i didn't care for the evenings entertainment, i hope to have the opportunity to return. read more

See all

Wortham Center is a world class setting for theatre, ballet and music. You can't possibly take in all of the details and majesty while viewing a show here. Wortham is just breath taking. During the last theatre open house, I was lucky enough to get a back stage tour at the Wortham Center and it is really an astounding maze. We got to see the stage from the most expensive seats in the house then we were on the stage itself. Having seen opera and ballet performances here, I really learned a lot about the theatre where I'd attended shows with a look behind the scenes. Did you know that the Green Room was built around that show stopping chandelier? Apparently, once it was in place, they just put a box around it and constructed the entire room just to suit it. Really amazing. The Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Society for the Performing Arts, and Da Camera of Houston all call the Wortham home. Try and take in a show this season and see what is happening down in the theatre district. Houston's arts are attended more than their sports - Wortham Center is certainly one of the reasons this is true. read more

Wortham Theater Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas

This was my first visit to this place, and first time seeing the Houston Ballet. I will review BOTH on here. PSA: DressCode. This is a big one for me, and I'm not sure why because I actually hate dressing up. But I believe a place like this deserves for it's visitors to dress "nice". I saw a lot of men (including my husband) in suits. I wore a black dress and heels. For those of you who never been and not sure what to wear, "evening wear" or "formal" is the answer here. :) At the very least be comfortable, but jeans and tank top are totally not gonna cut it! -------------------------------------- We came to the Sunday 730 PM "Nutcracker" ballet show. The parking was NOT a problem. $7, and the attendants in the parking garage guide you and tell you where to park. They then have golf carts that will take you to the doorway if you don't want to walk yourself from your car (honestly not worth it, it's not even far lol). The building itself is HUGE. The main waiting hall will have seats to sit and chill, a souvenir shop area, alcoholic drinks/coffee/cakes etc to eat while you wait. There are also more private areas to sit that were empty. Coffee-$2.50+, cakes $6+, wine (small cup) was about $9. ------------------------ The auditorium has several levels. We sat in Level L balcony, and the view was just fine. The balcony stairs are super duper steep, so those of us who wear high heels - be careful! Not kidding here. You need a climbing harness and a budgie jumping rope. (Can you tell I am scared of heights?) I really liked the set up, and you can see and hear the orchestra just fine. I couldn't see some of the background decorations on the stage, but I can see all the performers. During the intermission they let you go downstairs to eat and take pictures with the performers, including the soldiers and mice :) The show itself was aaamazing! The music was spot in and the choreography and dancing was beautiful. The lighting make the tutus "glow" and it was all just so pretty. The costumes on the mice and toy soldiers were adorable! If you read the booklet they give you, and can see which ballerinas perform that day and their photos and stuff. Also there is a story line included for those not familiar with the performance. Afterwards the place got cleared out pretty quickly. You can still walk around and take photos with the cast, and in front of the giant Christmas tree. :) Parking was also not a problem to leave. Overall, i totally recommend this place! :) read more

Wortham Theater Center - "Balcony Seats", level L - row H. You can see the orchestra, stage, but won't see the whole "background" displays. - Performing Arts Near Me - Houston, Texas