The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

9390 N Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA

Address:	9390 N Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA
Phone:	+1 310-246-3800
Site:	thewallis.org
Rating:	4.5

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 29

Food Shutterbug

Ive been to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts numerous times. To date, I’ve seen productions for Dunsinane, Twyla Tharp, City of Conversation and Kneehighs 946: The Amazing Adolphus Tips. The Wallis consists of 2 performing spaces: The Bram Goldsmith Theater (500 seats) and the Lovelace Studio Theater (150 seats). Ive been in both theaters, most recently for a monologue reading by Christine Lahti in the Lovelace Studio Theater which was set up like a cabaret theater for the reading. The Bram Goldsmith Theater (500 seats) theater is not as deep as the Pantages theaters so the sets tend to be very minimalistic and staging of action is at times somewhat limited. However, the acoustics were very good on both visits and I felt were better than Dorothy Chandler Pavillion and UCLAs Royce Hall. Even with orchestra seats way in back, my view of the stage and the performers was excellent. With the intimate size of the theater, terrace and balcony seats are of quality as well regarding views and sound. The staff over the phone and in person are courteous, helpful and in my experience, not typically BH snooty. Theres a public underground parking garage run by the City of Beverly Hills, but on performance days, the city jacks up the price to $8-10. Cheaper parking is available nearby, but the garage is well lit and seems safe with the bicycle patrol and staff on-site. The concessions are small, but offer wine, beer and snacks. Youre allowed to bring drinks purchased at their concessions to your seats. Several eateries are within walking distance on Canon Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard. The ones on Canon Drive stay open later (Wallys Beverly Hills located less than a block away closes at 2am). Some of the fine dining restaurants on Canon Dr. such as Spago offer specials for Wallis theater goers. I much prefer the dining options and close proximity of restaurants to the Wallis than whats available for UCLAs Royce Hall. The program offerings arent the strongest when compared to intimate theaters like Pantages or UCLAs Royce Hall, but the pros outweigh the cons, which is why Im a fan.

Jottie Jay

If you have a physical handicap (I limp and use a cane after 5 back surgeries), but are not in a wheelchair, do not come to this theater. I was sent to the 2nd level parking, no handicap spots at all. The escalator wasnt working. The elevator from the parking lot lets you off on the street, not in the building, and its a distance to the theater itself with one elevator to take guests down two very long and steep flights of stairs. Following orders, the usher shut the theater door in my face literally one second (no exaggeration) after the guest in front of me was allowed in before opening curtain. Monitors for lobby viewing face west and at 7 pm in May the sun obliterates the viewing capability. I had top dollar tickets but I had to climb down several stairs to get to my seats because the lower level entrance to the theater was "unavailable." There are handrails on only one side of the aisle. Hard to find restrooms if you listen to the ushers directions and many stairs to climb again if the side entrances/exits are closed to get to the elevator. The doors of the elevator that was supposed to return me to the lower orchestra level hit me and did not stop closing on top of me without the efforts of two other people. Once on the ground floor the doors did not open at all and the elevator took me back up to the very top mezzanine where I encountered the rudest usher ever. I barely made it back into the theater after the intermission, only after i wrestled my ticket out of the ushers hand who was on some weird power trip that surely would have left me standing in the lobby again looking at a monitor if I had allowed her to engage me or detain me any further. Not to confuse this poorly executed theater with the actors performance, Spring Awakening by Deaf West was wonderful.

Leonard Santos

We were guests of Beverly Hills friends for an evening here. Employees and docents were uniformly rude and bitchy. I guess they cant be bothered with patrons. After all, what is the place for if not to serve THEM. Maybe it is just LA culture. But these folks were off the chart on attitude and courtesy- really bad. Shame on them. The physical plant is fine, and the garden is even charming at night.

Imzadi S

I was at the UNITEDF♡RLANDO benefit last night. It was great! Ive never been to this theater but I loved it! The seats were very comfortable and there was an elevator for the those of us who needed it. Nice sized stage. Id love to see a theatrical production here. Kudos to all the people who volunteered their time for a worthy cause.

John Houser

I think this is a converted post office. The interior feels like a period set in the 30s or 40s with all the marble every where. The staff is cordial. The theater is intimate and not too big. Theres really not a bad seat in the house. Saw the great OSF production of Into the Woods here.

Daniel G. Lam

A beautiful, two theatre performing arts centre housed in the former historic Beverly Hills post office. My only problem is that the main entrance can be a bit confusing if youre driving and trying to figure out exactly where the theatres, box office and parking area are located.

marc sobul

The theatre upstairs is extremely small and with little space between the seating area and the "stage". I was seated in the front row. A very rude usher advised me that my long legs distracted the actors..Since I cant leave my legs at home I wont be returning.

Bradley Griffin

The Wallis is one of the most intimate professional theatres in LA. You feel like you could reach out and touch the performers. The programming here is thoughtful and out of the mainstream. Ive seen two productions here, and I cant wait to go back.

Evelyn Nguyen

It was one of the most beautiful theater that I visited. Underground parking was great. I did not want my hair to get wet. They have a little bar in the front, which is cute. Bathroom was very clean. The show was great.

Daniel Will-Harris

Great theater, easy parking, right in the heart of beverly hills. From their own productions to the very best international tours, the Wallis is one of the best theater complexes in the city.

Josh Lienhard

Beautiful theater! Good variety of productions that change up usually every 2/3wks! Musy check it out!

MissMary Vaughn

Great place for a field trip. Students have a blast. Very interactive and not a bad seat in the house.

David Reed

A little tricky finding your way around there, but the staff are mostly friendly and willing to help.

Mark Measures

Under used and still hasnt found its artistic voice. Given time the rating will rise.

Denise Cartwright

Great place to enjoy Sunday evening salsa dancing with Debbie Allen!

Norberto. Arismendi.

Excelente.Lugar.