Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Reviews 3

RI

Richard Weitzel

I am not a "complainer" - matter of fact, Im the guy who takes the time to send letters of appreciation to airline companies when their employees do something above and beyond, and I send letters to companies when their employees do something charitable or worthy of recognition. Having said that, my wife and I attended the Vikki Carr concert last night - she was wonderful, as was the Mariachi group. But, I feel compelled to comment on the seating in the Tobin Center - in short, please bring back the seating of the old Municipal Auditorium! Why, you ask? Well, I felt claustrophobic the whole night, with the seating appearing to have been designed by opening the can that tennis balls come in, and prying open one side, from top to bottom. For example, the seats on either side of the floor seating area DONT FACE THE STAGE!!! If the performance had been held in the middle of the floor seating area, those seats might have been ok, since thats where they face - kind of like there should have been a boxing match there since all the seats face the center of the auditorium. My wife and I attended either four or five concerts/events at the old Municipal Auditorium, and the seats there were open, and almost all of the seats had great sight lines. Not so at the Tobin Center. I was greatly disappointed at the seating, and at the apparent waste of money in building the Tobin Center seating. Whoever designed the seating should be questioned, and whoever "approved" the design should be held accountable. Last night, most of the seats in the more expensive side sections were empty - I can understand why. I will probably never sit in those seats. If you paid more for one of the side sections and the seats were close to the stage, you probably cant see the stage; and, if you can, youre probably looking straight down at the performers. But, we didnt go up there and verify that to be the situation. There might be many other features of the Tobin Center that the average arts goer will never see - thats fine, since many of the contributors and other big-dollar donors deserve to be treated right. But, the average folks, who attend a handful of events each year, will never see those improvements (if any), but deserve adequate seats, with good sight liines, when we do attend events. Perhaps youve heard glowing words about the seating, and Im missing something. But, maybe its "groupthink" and people believe that other people like the seating, therefore they jump on the bandwagon. Maybe someone should recognize "the Emperors New Clothes" for what it is, though, and make a realistic and objective assessment of the seating at the Tobin Center. For me, Ill be very careful on what seats we choose from here on - and, Im very thankful for the Majestic Theater, and hope there will continue to be performances at the Majestic, where the sight lines are far superior to the sight lines at the Tobin Center. Thanks for reading this review, and I hope to read some clarification or correction to my views, which are now only ones of disappointment at the great opportunity to make the Tobin Center a world-class venue completely lost because of the seating arrangement. Of course, thats just my opinion. Ive been wrong before, but I simply had to take the time to key this in and send it. Best of everything in the future, and I sincerely hope the Tobin Center can be somehow modified to improve the seating. As a realist, however, I know that will probably take over 10 years to even be addressed, since this "shiny new, sparkling, event center" will be difficult to modify, and more difficult to even consider any type of modification this soon after completion, and opening with a flourish.

DA

Dan Harper

Very nice place for the performing arts. There are NO BAD SEATS! I have been up close and in the very last seat in the balcony. The sound is stellar no matter where you are. What you get by sitting up close is the opportunity to is to see the the musicians and artists up close. IF you are willing to forego some of that and just enjoy the experience - take the cheap seats. No matter where you sit - its worth what you paid for it. Parking: This can be a challenge if you dont arrive early or dont choose to the Valet ($20). Closer Parking is available at $15 or $10. On street parking is very difficult to find unless you are willing to walk a considerable distance. Food: Lets just say you should have eaten before arrived. There isnt much to eat unless its a special event. There are nuts, candy bars, cookies, and sometimes (very) delicious brownies. Other than that, there isnt much else - unless you came prepared ;D. Beverage: They have all! Wine, mixed drinks, shots, beer, & soda (coke products). What is amazing about these bartenders is that they have the customer service skills of a high end bartender, with the drive through speed & service of Chick-fil-A. Its the only way they could possibly accommodate that many people in such a short amount of time yet keep things so orderly and positive. Youll enjoy the experience. Overall, youll love everything the Tobin Center has to offer. I have been there several times and it has exceeded my expectations on every occasion regardless of where I sat. The staff treated every person like they were the most important person in attendance. If you havent been there, you need to go. If you have been there, you know your heart is longing to go back. I know my heart is.

BR

Bryant Prim

I saw Lavell Crawford when he came to town. The opener and Lavell were hilarious. No gripe with them. I got Box Seats, and called to buy them. You pay an additional 10 for the box seats, and an additional 10 for a luxury seat per ticket. I WAS TOLD THE LUXURY FEE OF 10 PER WAS FOR A WAIT STAFF THAT WOULD COME IN, OFFER YOU FOOD AND DRINKS. The entire performance,,Which was awesome. I and the lady never saw a single wait staffer. So why the fee when I was directly told on the phone for what it was for. Was skeptical but bought regardless because I assumed what I was told was true. Plus the convenience fee of not driving downtown to buy the tickets. I sell cars and know what fluff and puff is..extra 10 for the box at a dizzying height and an extra ten for something non existent. I called and spoke to a rep at the box office. Real nice guy. let me know that waitstaff is only on some performances and that did not include lavell Crawford. WT flip? he explained its the luxury of moving your seats around how you want even though if I moved my seat next to another person they would be like..wtflip. All in all very disappointed with paying extra for something that is not available to me and just a bunch lies. ALSO THEY RAN OUT OF POPCORN...UPSTAIRS..THEY TELL ME TO CHECK DOWNSTAIRS TO SEE IF THERE IS MORE...WTFLIP? CANT YOU CALL? AND CANT YOU MAKE MORE??Do they order popcorn LIKE A DOMINOS PIZZA?? They probably have a maker in house and just said f it. Terrible customer service. I was also the 2nd person in the door. appreciate the guy whom let me know the truth and apologized. Dont appreciate Tobin center for the other stuff though. 20 dollars can go a long way. Thanks. yay lavell

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