Related: | touchstar cinemas southchase 7 |
Address: | 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA |
Phone: | +1 202-783-4000 |
Site: | warnertheatredc.com |
Rating: | 4.3 |
JA
Jack Fan
[Original Visit: Feb. 12, 2009] Ive seen stand-up comedians (Lewis Black, Margaret Cho) and musicals (Avenue Q) at the Warner Theater. Ive sat at seats ranging from the center of the orchestra section to the far left side of the balcony. I always enjoyed the shows regardless of where I sat but I agree that some seats are definitely better than others.[1] Ultimately, its not the theater that you care about, its the performance. As long as the price is right and youve got good company, an aging theater will hardly ruin your evening. But here are some tips to make your theater-going experience even better. 1. Expect "convenience fees" regardless of how you purchase the ticket. Youll be less riled up about the final tab. Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Theater Box Office will charge approximately $5 on top the ticket price. But the box office might still be the better choice because Live Nation tacks on an additional "ticket fees" - whatever that means. Dont forget to oppose the Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger.[2] 2. If possible, pick up your will call tickets an hour before the show. Avoid the stressful and hurried lines and grab a pre-show drink at Chef Geoff (across the street) or Bluepoint (corner of 13th & E St) instead. 3. The Warner Theater, built in 1924, "towers with a calm classical design" with a storied history behind its "detailed, decorative façade". If you want to admire the architecture, do so before the crowds arrive. The first and second floor lobbies fill up quickly 15 minutes before the show and during intermission. 4. Use the restroom before the show begins and dont drink anything else afterwards. Theres no sense in being distracted while you debate whether to sit uncomfortably during a show or miss critical scene. 5. Along the same line, eat an appropriate meal before the show. Theres no sense in paying $2 on a 20-cent Austin Sandwich Crackers. The concession stands, whether beverage or snacks, are ludicrously expensive but easily avoided. Im not being cheap, Im just not impulsive. Footnotes: [1] For a comedy act, it doesnt matter as much where you sit for a stand-up act. But for theatrical shows, try to get a centralized seat where you can see whole stage. [2] Read "What a Live Nation-Ticketmaster Combo Means" by Eliot Van Buskirk.
DI
Diane Williams
This review is in regards of police officers not allowed to bring firearms in the Warner. They state that they have their own security. That is a big joke. The policy now is to body search or what they say a pat down of ones body as you enter the theater. If you are running late and you have 50 plus people waiting to get search you will miss half the show.I cannot trust the security that they have there. Let me tell you why? Security let a firearm and a knife get pass them. Well secure right. How do I know? I had it, One thing that the Warner dont point out is that their security only covers whats inside the door so if you were to get mugged or assaulted out front, down the street or around the corner there security is not coming to assist you outside because they are not cover outside that door. An officer without his equipment is no good to you. So are you really safe with their security?.If I can get weapons in and I am the good guy dont you think the bad guy can get them in too. I just wanted to share with Warner Theater that their system is broken. Also, the restricted items that is on their website are under FAQ sections, was very hard to find so whoever posted it on your webpage be advised no one goes to that section if you are a Washingtonian. Smart. I know your website and this is one section I have never viewed. Oh by the way your no candy or gum policy diabetics beware. The Warner Theater has become a hazard to ones health. Attend at your own risk. Peace out
AL
Alice Wang
Gorgeous venue! Despite living in DC for so long, I only stepped foot inside the Warner Theatre last night as my coworker offered me tickets to the Washington Ballets annual performance of The Nutcracker. This theatre has a long and rich history, opening in the 1920s as the Earle Theatre featuring live vaudeville and silent movies. It was most recently renovated in 1992 to what we see today. The interior is a real beauty. Spectacular, Baroque style that evokes old world charm and class with their high ceilings, chandeliers, ornate details, and gold and red accents everywhere. The seats are small and narrow so be prepared to make friends with your neighbors. The lobby is modest too, so be patient as you waddle your way in and out. Youll find most of the shows here lean towards ballet, comedy shows, and musicals. The ushers are very low-key and friendly. Snack and drinks are available for purchase in the lobby (including alcohol), and you can bring them into the theatre. Throughout the performance, souvenir Nutcracker dolls were being sold in the lobby. We parked on the street but there are parking garages around including one that is attached to the Warner Theatre.
BO
Bonster Hamibee
The theater itself was very nice. Not huge, so there are no nosebleed seats. The only issue I had was that they sell these Encore packages that have free parking, a drink ticket, and a pass to get into the "exclusive" lounge before and after the show. What they DONT tell you is that this lounge is not in an off limits place. It is only the bar area downstairs so, no one is checking your pass. Parking would have been ten dollars, but I had to pay for two passes, so covered 2 parking when you only need one. The drink passes got you an alcoholic beverage of your choice from a limited bar. If we had to pay, it would have been $10-15/drink. That didnt bother me so much as the fact that it was not a secluded area. They make it sound like a nice place to hang out before the show that is only available to paying persons- hence the extra money. NOT! Anyone can go down there, and with the limited seating, it made for a crowded and uncomfortable situation. It also looks NOTHING like the photos they have online. Next time, we will be avoiding the extra money and just go downstairs for free.
PR
Priscilla Yuen
Ive been to the Warner Theater twice and both times had a great time seeing the performances, Fifth Harmony and Ali Wong. Its a nice classy, historic theater with pretty red and gold decor, but at the same time, it is due for a renovation. Its a small theater so you pretty much get a good view of the whole stage. However, Ive only sat in the orchestra seats so not sure how the view is from the mezzanine. Legroom from the seats are a little tight. Its difficult to get through people to your seat so if there is no intermission, youre screwed. Getting through security was fast. Once inside the lobby, you have to keep moving because the bar is located there too so it gets jam packed. Bathrooms are on the lower level. There is street parking, if youre lucky to snatch one. Otherwise, the theater is metro accessible.
LA
Laura Munro
I called about a show, asking if the VIP tickets were all sold out. The guy said they were, and I was a little disappointed. It had only been 3 minutes. (i waited after the countdown, so I still dont understand why I didnt get the VIP ticket option) about an hour later, a friend told me they had JUST gotten VIP tickets. I still dont understand why the guy wouldve told me they were sold out, extremely disappointed. Ive now missed my chance to meet an idol simply because someone on service was too lazy to check if there were more tickets.