Scott K.
Yelp
My wife and I also went to the Capitol Theatre to see Wicked, and I will keep to reviewing just the theater rather than the production. However, the Salt Lake City company nailed it. What a great performance by the entire cast, crew and orchestra.
Regarding the parking, I guess it could be considered a major problem, because of all of the construction work going on in the immediate area. But we like to go downtown because my wife has a parking pass for one of the larger parking building right around the corner. So for us there really is no parking issue. Yes we are lucky.
There are plenty of little restaurants, delis, and pubs in the immediate area so finding something to do if you arrive at the theater a little early is no problem. Which is good because outside of the theater there is really no place to sit down before you go in. Going in was a breeze, the tickets were scanned by five different people stationed before the doors and everybody got in with literally no hassle.
Yes, the theater is old, but it is a classic. Reminds me of the Pantages in Los Angeles, my old hometown. Beautiful chandeliers, a nice sized balcony that is not too far from the stage, and it does not appear that there is a bad seat in the house. Our seats were in the 14th row of the orchestra section, stage right, and there was none of the action on stage that we missed.
I see where a few other patrons and reviewers have said that the inside of the theater is much too warm. I guess that could be true, because I did see dozens of people all over the area who were fanning themselves with their programs, and fancy oriental fans that the had brought in. But I was sitting right behind a group of women who were constantly fanning themselves, and I don't know if it was because of the breeze they were causing, but I was freezing, I felt like I was bracing against the cold until my back muscles actually ached.
Although the theatre made good use of the space and got as many patrons inside as they could, there was a surprising amount of leg room at my seat, I am usually not comfortable in theater seats, but this was very comfy.
Overall, this being our first experience with any musical or stage production here in Salt Lake City, we were very impressed with all of it. So much so, that I believe we will buy a season subscription for the both of us, and that's the best recommendation I can give about any place I've reviewed. I see no reason to take away any stars, this place deserves all 5!