Alabama Shakespeare Festival

Everything was wonderful, as live theater should be. Because of the layout there is not a bad seat in the house. The acoustics were very good. The lighting was super and the acting was exceptional! We plan to attend more often in 2025.

The best theater in the region. The grounds, facilities, and staff are so polished. We've seen three plays this year, and all have been put together very professionally. I'm particularly drawn to the design elements. Sets, props, and costume design continue to blow my mind. I don't believe there's a bad seat in the house.

Beautiful facility and great hospitality. Me and my wife have been to countless plays and always have a great time. We decided to “subscribe” and buy a whole year this year. One of my favorite things to do in Montgomery.

Beautiful grounds and building! They do a great job we have seen both A Christmas Carol and Sherwood

The Shakespeare Festival Park is truly a gem. Even when there are no shows happening, it’s still one of the most peaceful and uplifting places to be. I found myself going there daily—not for the performances, but simply to relax, clear my mind, and release stress. There’s something about the atmosphere that just feels welcoming and safe. It became a personal sanctuary where I could breathe deeply and just be. Now that I’ve moved away from the area, I realize how much I truly miss it. It’s not just a park—it’s a space that brought me comfort and calm when I needed it most. Whether you’re there for the art or just some quiet time, the Shakespeare Festival Park is a beautiful place to be.

We went to see Sherwood at ASF and truly enjoyed it. The facility is amazing and the quality of the performances stellar. The performances, production values, set, costumes and lighting were all fantastic. In over 20 years of attending performances here I have never been disappointed. This is truly a gem in the Montgomery area

Great place to take the kids and enjoy open space to relax, play and have quality time. Feeding the turtles, fish, ducks and geese is fun for everyone and there is plenty of room to have a picnic or play sports on the open lawn.

My first time here, what a wonderful venue for theater. Loved the facility, loved the show.

The personalities and customer service of the ticket box office employees definitely needs improvement as well as, they need adequate customer service and professionalism training. I have been an ASF member and patron for many years. My daughter and I went by the box office today, July 29th at approximately 3 PM to change the show time of the tickets purchased for the Wizard of Oz. The box office "customer service" reps attitudes were not exemplary of the tiles they wear! Neither of them had smiles on their faces and they did not greet us as patrons upon walking in. They were stoic faced, unfriendly and boarderline rude. Upon requesting to change ticket times, they stated we must pay an additional $5 per ticket. Upon paying $10 for the change, we were not asked what seats we wanted (several comparable premium seats were left as indicated on the seating chart online). However, the rep took it upon herself without asking us or acknowledging to honor the same level seats of our purchased seats. That rep took too much liberty in downgraded our prepaid premium seats (close to the stage) to lesser ones much further back. Yet, she did not offer us compensation for the lesser priced seats she gave with the new showtime. Also, I politely asked them about "using the restroom". The elderly rep immediately after me questioning "where is the bathroom?", stated in a condescending tone, pointing toward the window, saying in the form of a statement "were the bathrooms outside locked". I replied pointing to our SUV parked just outside of the ticket box office door, "what bathroom? Our car is right there!" Then she said something in a very low voice to one of the other reps sitting next to her. That rep without saying one word, only gestured for me to follow her. I assumed correctly, it was to show me the way and to unlock the area where the bathroom is. As I was leaving neither of the three so titled customer service reps uttered a word. Neither of them had given an entrance salutation (hello, how are you doing?) nor parting salutation (goodbye, have a good day, etc.). There was very little to literally no verbal interaction from them during our entire experience. I am very disappointed with the customer experience caused by those employees representing what I have never had a problem patronizing as an elite, reputable local theater. We left feeling disrespected and less than the loyal, longstanding, paying member/patron of ASF that we are and have been for the course over several years.

Getting ready to enjoy the show... DEAR JACK DEAR LOUIS 2:00 PM SECTION 4 ROW F SEAT 3012/302 ENTRANCE WAS SWEET, the greeters were extremely nice.. This is our 3rd time coming, I bet you I remembered to bring my blanket this time... Always love the venue and the atmosphere..

We've never regretted the 90 minute drive. My Granddaughter LOVES this place- so we bought Season tickets. WELL WORTH THE PRICE! :)

A group of 40 senior travelers attended the fabulous Million Dollar Quartet play. 90 minutes of awesome songs from the fab 4 of years ago- Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis took us down memory lane of that one night this group of 4 in December 1956 were all together at Sun Records. Don't miss this great music at the Al Shakespeare Festival.

We went to see Cabaret and it was the most amazing performance! The theater is gorgeous and the sound is perfect with its round stage. The talent that graces it's stages is top notch.

Beautiful park and great shows at the theatre. I've seen many shows here over the years. I have made the mistake of attending matinees and ended up being in the theatre with students on field trips who did not know how to behave at an event like this. Other than that, it's a great place--one of Alabama's gems.

I've been coming to ASF since I was a child and it's always a wonderful time. This time around we came for the production of Annie. It was really wonderful, the kids did a great job and the adults were marvelous. This is my daughter's third time attending an ASF show and she really enjoyed herself. I know she's growing up because she didn't need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the first act like last time. If your child is 7 and under make sure they go to the restroom 10 min before showtime, if the get a little antsy near the end of the first act, give them a nibble of a quiet snack. Then let them get a snack during intermission and take them back to the bathroom 5 min before the second act starts. You have to time their little bladders just right. The ASF staff is usually very friendly and helpful, I've yet to have a bad experience dealing with them. Support the theatre arts and go see a show!

Wonderful place to walk have picnics and enjoy the outdoors with friends family or even some me time.They also offer summer camp programs. If you like to be out doors with a beautiful view this is the best place to do so. Many walk on the trails or jog. Its across from the Fine Arts Museum. It very well kept & many places to grab a bite to eat around the area.

First class. Cannot say enough good about this theater. Top notch performances in a very comfortable and clean setting. I understand the theater has had some setbacks with the economic crisis. I can only hope this will not diminish the quality of performances offered here. The costuming, acting, stage setting, is extraordinary. In addition, the grounds are very relaxing as well with a garden, lakes, ducks, and huge lawns. Lots of room to run, walk, picnic, or fly a kite. The museum of art is also on the grounds. Another wonderful attraction to explore if you're in the area.

A hidden cultural gem in southern Alabama. My family and I attended a performance of Dracula in October as well as A Christmas Carole earlier this month. We couldn't be more pleased. We have a renewed appreciation in the performing arts and live performances as a result of our visits here. We consider ourselves fortunate to have discovered this place and anxiously look forward to our next visit. Active duty personnel may purchase discounted tickets through MWR. My only wish, as a 6'2" tall man, I would prefer some of the seating to offer a bit more leg room. Otherwise, I have no other negative feedback. Performances here are wonderful.

We saw a terrific performance of "Much Ado About Nothing." Great acting and the staging was comically delightful. Beautiful theater space. Support the arts!

I love the theatre and have attended many in other countries. This was my first time in Montgomery and I was really impressed. Attended the Patsy Kline show with my husband. The show was great; got to speak with the actresses after the show, which was informative. The decor is beautiful and we took some time touring the place prior to the show. No photos allowed inside. Will definitely return to attend more events there.

Love the plays. Very nice theatres and nice grounds for a walk before or after. Did not think I would be a fan of the Shakespeare plays...always enjoyed the others... but King Lear and Hamlet were superb!

Beautiful! Safe!! I go here to run. Great area. People are friendly. I also did engagement photos here. They were beautiful! Great place for picnics, games, walks and animals are welcome so that is always a plus!

Nanta show and ASF again were great experiences (4 stars). Was even surprise we were allowed to bring in beer for the opening night. However a BIG WARNING to others to not be fooled into eating at the Olive Branch (1 Star) prior to the shows. This was one big Lampoon type escapade from the low quality all around. First, let's start with why me and my date even decided to eat prior to the show as the ASF independent Olive Branch restaurant operated by the Olive Room. An email went out on behalf of ASF on July 10th advertising the Korean inspired menu prior to the show (we attended Nanta on July 11th). After being seated we are immediately informed there were only 2 entrees and 2 sides available. So that means the menu cut 2 soups, 3 salads, and a kimchi entree/appetizer, and the only dessert. Fine as long as I can get a beer and her a glass of wine....ERRRRR...no sir we cannot serve alcohol. Why not? I don't really know is NOT an appropriate nor honest response. We were then given styrofoam cups (1 damaged, had to be exchanged), plasticware (YES...a $16 entree gets you a plastic knife and plastic fork), and one napkin for ribs. Food was served in less than 5 minutes indicated it was warmed up and barely at that since the ribs were barely lukewarm, fatty, and more bone than actual ribs. Did i mention only one napkin? I proceeded to get drinks independently at the bar. The bar tender shares that the restaurant is NOT affiliated with ASF in other words the host/servers are not ASF staff. Luckily we are very positive people and we joked with another 2 tables about the lack of wine & spirits the email advertised and over the fine plastic dining experience. However the comedy did not conclude without its climax. I flagged down the waiter to please take my credit card that was exposed in plain sight in the black, leather bound bill fold. Afterwards...he proceeds to ask me and two other tables 4 TIMES whether the SAME credit card was mine or any of theirs. Not once, not twice, not even three times but four times presenting the SAME credit card with the SAME last name to 3 different couples who all rejected it except one couple who almost signed before they realized it wasn't their bill nor their card he gave them. The cherry on top of course was that he failed to bring a pen once a full description of my card was again reiterated. It took nearly 1 hr and 20 minutes to complete this comedy or tragedy - however you see fit. DO NOT GO TO EAT AT THE OLIVE BRANCH UNLESS THERE IS A MAJOR OVERHAUL in quality food, services and less false advertising.

A beautiful place to walk and enjoy the outdoors. Lots of room to breathe. Truly a "breath of fresh air"

I must say that the "Christmas Carol" was phenominal!!! The actresses and actors were so on point. Id never been to this location before but must say I was impressed. The inside of this theatre is exquisite and the staff were nice too very helpful when asked questions. Please keep in mind that you are not allowed to take photos or videos once you are inside the actual seating arena. Alot of people are complaining of this but of you follow the rules and not snap photos then you will not have to be grumpy of an attendant telling you to delete your photos like many reviewers are complaining about. I had a GREAT TIME and will be returning. I sat in row C which gave me a grear view and feel to be right in the middle front.

This a an incredible venue and we are season subscribers... Every play we've seen has been amazing! Did you know they make their own sets, wigs and everything? Thank you to Mr. Blount for donating the land and thanks to ALL who have a part in making the theater shows happen... It takes not only the actors, but the entire team!!!

My parents have supported ASF for over 25 years. We have enjoyed many excellent productions of Shakespearean plays and other features. But this week they had a very distressing experience when they took their 27 year old grandson to see the Sound of Music. His California ID did not have his picture on it when he tried to buy a glass of wine at the bar, so the bartender refused to serve him. My father bought two glasses and gave one to his grandson. While his back was turned, the bartender approached his grandson and TOOK the glass away from him. My father was flabbergasted. It was his responsibility when he bought the wine for the grandson who was well over the legal age of 21. This really took away from an otherwise enjoyable evening. My parents are in their 80's and they have been season ticket holders and supporters for years. This was insulting and unprofessional behavior by the bartender -- a 30 something heavy set man. Yes they plan to speak to board members they know, but someone should hold this bartender responsible. They were law abiding guests at the play hoping to enjoy ONE glass of wine with family.

I cannot begin to list all of the shows I have been to. Never disappointed. Love the costumes, the building, the amazing actors, sound, lights, etc. Last show I saw was "Alice in Wonderland" and soon buying tickets to see "The Little Mermaid". Have also been here for photo shoots and different cancer/diabetes walks - beautiful venue.

LOVED "The Little Mermaid". Fabulous!! Looking forward to the evening outdoor symphony event. Looking forward to many upcoming events scheduled here. :)

This is a situation where the building and performance is marred by the staff. The Christmas Carol performance was grand. I have never in all my years been so disappointed in the attitude and demeanor of the condescending staff. It started when the girl at 'will call' who held out the tickets and said she had to exchange them at the same time for the vouchers in a quick hand motion...she had to be kidding...what good is the voucher beyond the date? Then the gestapo guy in the theatre would come up to people before the performance and ask them to delete any photo they had just taken...of the person with them...not the performance! Down right creepy idea of what is 'copyrighted' Even saw the man come up to a women who had just taken a photo of her children sitting in their seats facing a plain wall and get her to delete the photo...and these were children who had likely never been to a nicer venue. One guy was escorted out by the police because the gestapo thought he had taken a photo of the place but would not delete it. Also, after the performance, found the bathrooms 30 feet from the theatre exit door were locked making everyone have to go to the larger bathrooms downstairs. Enjoy the performance!

I really wish they would do more with Shakespeare but what I have seen is great. Its also nice just to walk around the park or enjoy the museum. Good times, great memories, hopefully more to come.

I can't believe no one has reviewed ASF yet. The festival is one of Montgomery's greatest assets, if not the greatest. The grounds alone are a treasure, whether you want to go running, walk the dog, picnic, or just relax and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. That's all before even going into the theater. As I understand it, ASF is one of the premiere regional theater programs in the nation--not something you would naturally associate with Alabama. The venue is nice; there are two stages, the smaller Octagon, where you can virtually touch the actors if you are sitting on floor level, and the larger Festival stage; there really are no bad seats in either. Every production I've been to was enjoyable, from a fully produced musical to an intimate one-woman show. If you are a theater lover, ASF will not disappoint; if you've never even thought about attending a play, it's worth the time and money to give it a try. If nothing else, get out there and spend some time feeding the ducks in the park.