The Bushnell Performing Arts Center

166 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106, USA

Address:	166 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
Phone:	+1 860-987-6000
Site:	bushnell.org
Rating:	4.5

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

Chase Tucker

I purchased tickets to see the Blue Man Group with my girlfriend last night and had a less than pleasurable experience. The performance was to take place in Mortensen Hall and we arrived around an hour before the show started. It was my first time attending anything at the Bushnell and I was very confused as to the layout. I saw a sign above a set of doors which read to Mortensen Hall and went though the entrance. After waiting for a minute or two we were greeted by an employee of Bushnell asking what we were doing in there and insisting we leave. Before we even had a chance to say anything, we were greeted by a less than friendly manager who began asking us in an even more derogatory tone why we were in there and insisting we leave immediately. So we waited for a few minutes outside the doors until they opened which was around 45 minutes before the show began. I asked an employee where the entrance to the balcony was and he pointed me towards the elevator. A kind elevator operator brought us up to the balcony where we were greeted with more employees with astonished looks on their faces. Once again we were questioned with what we were doing there and told that the theater wasnt open yet and to go back downstairs. The elevator operator apologized and brought us back downstairs. The fact that this happened twice and we were treated so disrespectfully for something which was to no fault of our own is simply unfathomable. This completely ruined the performance and the night for both of us. I will also comment that the seats in the balcony were less than comfortable. I am only 59 and my knees were aching by the end of the performance. I give the venue 2 stars due to the beauty of the theater and the convenient parking across the street. I strongly recommend if you are interested in seeing a show that you attend another venue.

Betmarie Calixto

When I was in elementary school I sang in choir. THE best part of that was joining with all the other schools in the state to perform at the Bushnell. It was an amazing experience made only better by having my mom there. I knew exactly where she was in the packed audience when the stage rose ( top balcony to the right from my vantage point). Puerto Ricans are loud if not anything else! Watching the Nutcracker ballet there is so beautiful as well.You know that with every performance no matter the type there is a level of professionalism that is matched by very few - from the performers to the ushers. Love the Bushnell!!!!

Mary Rodriguez

I purchased tickets for the mamma mia show and I couldnt go because my mother suffered a stroke that morning. I spent the whole day in the hospital with her until she was admitted. I called sent a gmail and received no response to see if at least I can get tickets for the dirty dancing show since it was an emergency the day I couldnt go to see the show. I received no response what so ever . So people watch out Bushnell does not care what situation your in they will not work with you. The money I spent down the drain. I will never purchase tickets or give them any business ever again

christopher hall

First time at this venue. Very easy to access it from the highway, avoiding city driving. Parking is in large outdoor lots a very short walk from the Auditorium. Then very easy to get back on the highway to home. There is a huge stupendous glass creation by Dale Chihuly hanging from the ceiling in the adjacent lobby! Stately building and interior. Joe Bonamassa (the performer) commented that there were 3,000 people there, although it felt more intimate. 600+ stairs to the balcony - Keep that in mind if you need to wait for the elevator.

Corey B

I saw Video Games Live here, and the show was amazing, and the theatre is gorgeous, but the seats OMG. I am 510 and could not actually sit in the seat, except with legs turned, but that led to bruises on either side of my thighs. I had to sit on the seat up in order to not be in extreme pain. I will most likely not return to see a show here, only for the seat problem. We were in the mid-balcony area, not sure if the seats in orchestra are more comfortable or not, but be forewarned tall or slightly wide people, you will be in pain.

Sara Banach

I saw Cinderella: the show was great! Very good production. My only complaint? The seats! Dont sit in the balcony- Im 55" and I had to curl up in a ball to fit in my seat because the row in front of ours were so close my knees couldnt fit. I have big black bruises on my thighs because the seats pressed into my thighs a ton. I was fairly disappointed with the seats, but I feel bad because the show was great! If it werent for the seats, and being miserable the whole time in it, it would have been a 5 star expirience.

Jonathan Cerreta

The review pertains to the box office - in order to avoid the $11.50 "service charge" when buying tickets online, I came here today only to be told that the service fee was $3/ticket. Why should there be any service fee for purchasing tickets at the box office of the theater where the show is at? So sick of being nickeled and dime these days. . Youre basically charging people to do your jobs.

James Murch Eschert

Beautiful theater. We saw Camelot here and sat in the Mezzanine. The chart when we ordered online was deceptive because it showed us unobstructed first row but actually the whole loge was in front of us - quite a disappointment. Also it is a huge theater - really too big when compared with the typical broadway venue. I would avoid anything higher than the front of the mezzanine.

Margaret McCaig

Reading past reviews , and yes the seats were a little close but not uncomfortable. We saw Love Letters with Ryan Oneill and Ali McGraw and it was wonderful. Will definitely go back! The only negative thing I have to say is about the audience members who left their playbills lying on the floor. It would have been nice of them to not leave such a mess for the staff to clean up.

Michael Wolftrand

I have been here countless times for different events and all of them have been enjoyable. The staff has always been friendly and helpful, and the sound has been perfect (to me, though I am not a sound engineer). The forum events are always interesting and entertaining! Easy parking and reasonably priced beverages. Will come back to the Bushnell as often as possible.

anon omus

Beautiful theatre with fantastic view of the stage from even the cheapest seats. The problem is the seats themselves. Your packed in like canned sardines with no leg room. Im not that tall of a gentleman and the back rest of the seats in front of me were digging in to my shins. I left during intermission and never came back.

Tim Malone

They have some good shows, but the layout of this place is terrible. Why do they have the ticket booth in a separate building that is only connected via a single entrance? For large events, it becomes a bottleneck. Im sure they have their reasons. The theater is nice though. I havent gotten a bad seat yet.

calvin deBourbon

Took my very young daughter to the live action paw patrol event. She had an absolute blast! The facility was very clean and the staff professional and gave great direction. My only concern was the parking where I had wished someone was directing traffic was stuck for an hour, pay for parking