Ahmanson Theatre

135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Address:	135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Phone:	+1 213-628-2772
Site:	centertheatregroup.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

Tiffany Duong

Ahmanson is one of those hidden gems of DTLA. Unless youve been, you assume it is just an extension of the Walt Disney Concert Hall or Dorothy Chandler right next door. But it isnt. It is the baby brother of Pantages, lacking some of the gilding and pomp of Hollywood, but while it lacks the flash, it sure delivers the substance. THEATRE: Not a bad seat in the house. Seriously, you can sit anywhere (back, and to the side) and you will be able to see the stage clearly and hear everything. The acoustics are phenomenal (much better than Pantages), and everyone in the audience is pretty chill. Some people dress up, some come straight from work, and some come in jeans with their kids (lucky kids, getting exposed that early). The area around the grounds is amazing and makes up for the grandeur that the theatre itself lacks. Theres a beautiful center sculpture surrounded by fountains shooting up from the ground (the kind that make you want to run through them like a kid). In the summer, lots of kids do run through them. Its a beautiful plaza with a taco stand and a few cafe-like food stalls around, and plenty of tables. I see some "writers" come here in the afternoons and sit and ponder. The newly-revamped Grand Park is right across Grand Avenue as well, which is a great stroll. The other side of Hope leaves you with a view of the LADWP building with their amazing waterworks features all lit up at night. The trees on both streets are strewn with lights, and make it so romantic at night. At Christmas, they have a huge christmas tree up with gorgeous ornaments. SHOWS: Broadway comes here. You see and hear everything. Its wonderful. My favorites that Ive seen at Ahmanson: Follies, Mary Poppins. FOOD/DRINKS: They have snacks, beer, and wine, but beware nothing is allowed inside. PARKING: Sometimes you get lucky and find a meter on Hope near the LADWP side or on Hope. Otherwise pay $9 (weekday) - $15 (weekend) for the underground lot (entrance on Grand Avenue) and make sure to pay attention to where your car is -- its very easy to get lost. Or, eat at one of the eateries downtown and park there, and get a free shuttle up (I know Engine Co. 28 does this). TIP: Season tickets to Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, or any of LAs smaller theatres is one of LAs best kept secrets. For $99, I get 5 shows a year. That is about $20 a show, for a theatre literally right in my back yard. Season tickets allow you to change your date as many times as you want, and get first pick at seats. Its a steal and has made my LA/DTLA experience so much richer.

Alice Wang

Wonderful theatre in the heart of L.A.! Great place to see plays, musicals, and comedies. The Ahmanson has a classic proscenium stage designed for musicals and plays that seats 1600 to 2000 people in three levels. Parking is available underneath the theatre for $9. We sat on the main orchestra floor in row K, right smack in the middle. They were fantastic seats and we had front and center views of the musical. We were fortunate enough to see the Sound of Music, which was just phenomenal. Im still singing some of the songs three days later! The whole cast was wonderful, especially Ashley Brown who plays the Mother Abbess. What voices! The acoustics in the theatre allows their voices to travel effortlessly. Highly recommend seeing them before they head off to their next destination on their North American tour. You still have 8 days left as of today (ends Oct 31)! Upcoming performances include The Bridges of Madison County, Sean Hayes An Act of God, and the Titanic.

A Private User

My friend purchased A Chorus Line tickets in the orchestra section for my birthday present. I nearly fell asleep half way through the production for 2 reasons: first of all, I did not like A Chorus Line at all. When the dancers finally got decked out and danced, the show ended! Also, Cassies dance was dull especially after watching amateurs dance on shows like So You Think You Can Dance. Secondly, I could not see their faces from my seats. We were about 1/2 way back in orchestra, center. It seemed so far away and yet the seats were the best available. I have seen so many great productions at much better theaters. I was not impressed and will not return to this theater. I would definitely NOT recommend A Chorus Line. It was a big disappointment - way too much talking and not nearly enough good dancing.

Carm W

When a popular musical or play is in town there are 3 places it can be held and the Ahmanson is one of them. I dont think Ive ever been to a show that I didnt enjoy here. Tickets can be a bit pricey but they do offer rush tickets where you purchase the ticket 2 hours prior to the show for only $20. It is not guaranteed but only what is available. This is cash only.

Miranda Zhang

Wonderful place to enjoy a musical show! Took my son to see the last day of Into The Woods on mothers day, enjoyed the entire experience. Seats are very comfortable, the sound effect is excellent, staff are friendly, professional but not rigid! The center courtyard is also so lively and open.

Bob Delamater

I found the theater great. What I dont like is the constant bombardment of phone calls after trying to sell you tickets. Ive received about 10 calls in a week time frame. Finally, after asking them to take me off their call list they simply hang up in your ear. Spectacular guys, nice work there.

John Houser

My favorite theater in LA. They play host to large productions that have either come from Broadway or is in previews to go to Broadway. I love it when the latter happens. Mezzanine is my preferred area of seating but most of the seating is very good.

David Mosk

My girlfriend and I saw "Into the Woods" this past weekend here. Its one of the most amazing theaters in Los Angeles because its both elegant and modern at the same time. This is most certainly a beautiful theater in which to see great venues.

Megan Frances

Love the atmosphere here. Its got a big outdoor area with food & drinks. The staff was very friendly. They should have free parking with ticket purchase, however. But its DTLA, so I suppose the $9 flat rate isnt too bad if you carpool.

Linda Liang

Love this theater, not too big (which is great) and the seats are comfortable (some places have really tiny seats that are soooo close to each other). The sound was pretty nice and was distributed evenly for the musical I watched there.

Marcus R. Harden

Theyve always something great for those who can appreciate the theater. I went to a production of "God of Carnage" last year; Hope Davis & Marcia Gay Harden were classic, Jeff Daniels & James Gandolfini were unforgettable.

Jina Dishman

Ive seen a few shows here, and really have enjoyed them all! Expensive snacks and drinks, but thats to be expected. They have premium alcohol, including St. Germaine! The venue is near the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Chelsea Case

The shows here are fantastic and you can usually find a good seat on Goldstar if need be. Lots of great seats in this house. Alcohol and food can be expensive here but there are also other good restaurants nearby.

Micki Kirkland

Im a season ticket holder and I love seeing live performances both at the Ahmanson and the Mark Taper Theater. Great way to see the plays which are either on their way to Broadway or have already been.