Hartford Stage

Great theater with a lot of history and does the best Shakespeare around. Saw a really good production of August Wilson’s Two Trains Running. Good selection at the bar as well!

We saw Romeo and Juliet here It was our first time. Parking was $7 and the confessions were limited but reasonably priced. Beer and wine are available to drink while you enjoy the performance. Wonderful for and evening in Hartford.

Unforgettable experience! Very talented actors and amazing decorations and awesome play. The prices are okay (60-90$ for adults)but it is totally worth the spent money. There are a lot of kids who take part of play. And they do it so good so I have no idea how adults train those kids but it is so interesting to watch their play. The costumes are adorable. I am amazed by this wonderful Christmas Carol play and wish to come to Hartford again with my kids in future. Thank you!

This is a great theater! The seats are comfortable and all offer a great view. Parking is convenient. The staff is friendly and helpful. We had a great time and will definitely return for more performances.

Everything was so beautiful, even the bathrooms. I appreciated that they catered to both adults and children by having sweets and alcoholic beverages. I went to see a Christmas Carol and it was by far one of the best plays I've ever seen, to the point where I nearly cried. You won't regret coming~

Great location right in the heart of Hartford just off of route 91 and 84. The theater is surrounded by a variety of food options and it's literally connected to a parking lot. The seats could be roomier but the quaint size of the place makes it bearable. The bartenders were attentive and friendly. I saw the "The Flamingo Kid" and the production was excellent. I highly recommend the experience.

Saw the play Trouble in Mind. The play was fantastic. The theater was very clean, and the ushers polite and helpful. The lobby and concessions were very well organized. The parking was only $7. Amazing night.

This scrooge and cast is amazing!!!! They were so gracious to take photos afterwards and really influenced a bidding actress, our granddaughter! We've been a subscriber for years and for a reason, always professional and plenty powder rooms! Great Otster Bay white wine and snacks. Everyone is helpful including headphones for our son for auditorial sensitivities. Couldn't ask for a better 🎄 eve.

Come to see a Christmas Carol on its 25th year at Hartford Stage. There's a parking garage next to the theater and only costing $7 for the evening which is pretty decent. The doors opened about an hour or so before the show leaving enough time for concessions, bathroom and finding our seats. I don't think there's a bad seat in the house at all. We came for pre-opening night so the cast was rehearsing songs and it was lovely to get to hear the tunes before the show. The experience was entertaining and love that some of the cast came from the audience giving a different feel to the show.

We recently visited this theater for a production of a Christmas Carol. The actors were all amazing, especially Scrooge. It was very cool to do this with the family during the holiday season. I do recommend taking a jacket or ensure you're in a thick sweater or vest as the environment is pretty cool. Again, I'm from Florida so the local patrons from CT are a bit more used to the weather and environment. Overall, an A+ plus experience. Any associate either from concessions or assisting in the seating process were all quite friendly. If you're into the concessions, don't wait in the long lines on the first level. Go up to the second level as there are no lines at the second level bar which is much larger and a wider assortment of items. Really a special place to be.

This was my first time attending a show at the Hartford Stage. I received a ticket to go to the comedy of the Laughs in Spanish. It was definitely a wonderful evening and worth going to. The cast had so much fun with it and had expressed a lot of energy playing their roles. It's a wonderful story.

I always love seeing a show at Hartford Stage. Some pros: - The staff is very kind - Bathrooms are large enough to where the wait isn't too long - Comfortable seats - Easy parking/public transportation access - Affordable snacks & drinks I've seen a few shows but my favorite two have been Kiss My Aztec (I still sing White People on Boats from time to time) and more recently, All My Sons. For both shows I've been able to sit in at least the second row. I enjoy how Hartford Stage transforms the stage so well depending on the production.

I took my parents to see A Christmas Carol and we had a great time! Everyone working here was so nice and helpful, you can really tell how much they all care about this place. This is a small enough stage to feel intimate which I really loved. This was an overall great show and I would definitely come back to see others! Definitely try to get there early as the MAT garage next to the Hartford Stage can get a lot of traffic and activity particularly from the XL center.

I have attended shows at the Hartford Stage many times and I always have a great experience. The set designs are so impressive. They have a diverse set of shows and always have a fresh take on the shows as well. They have a great deal for folks 21-35 years old for a season pass that I currently taking advantage of since they are making an effort to diversify their audiences which I really appreciate. If you haven't seen play, I would highly recommend checking out a show this next season!!

"Everybody's a dreamer and everybody's a star And everybody's in show biz It doesn't matter who you are" (The Kinks) This was our second visit to Hartford Stage, the first being a Yelp Elite event a few years back. We were impressed with the venue then, and we were equally impressed last night to see "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play". I ordered four tickets on-line and was directed to pick them up at the box office, and both transactions went smooth as glass. The box office personnel and theater ushers we interacted with to locate our seats couldn't have been nicer. Hartford Stage is really gorgeous. The big lobby has a beet red carpet, a bar, and lots of dark upholstered seating nooks for you as you wait to be seated in the theater. There were some displays to look at, and I saw a Tony Award in person as opposed to on TV, because over the years Hartford Stage won two Tonys for Best Local Theater. We had two seats in Section D Row 8, and two more seats directly behind those in Section D Row 9. The theater is so, let's say intimate instead of small, and it looks like every seat in the house is great. Ours sure were great -center stage and very close to the stage. Tonight's show was quite creative, it was a recreation of "It's A Wonderful Life" reimagined as a live radio play. With half a dozen actors and a sound effects technician taking on the dialogue and sounds of everyone and everything in the story. They were fantastic, of course. The stage was simple - a recreation of a 1940's radio studio with old fashioned stand microphones spread out across the stage. We saw the familiar inspirational story of George Bailey, Uncle Billy, Mary, Clarence the Guardian Angel, and Mean old Mr. Potter recreated in faithful detail, much of the dialogue was word for word from the classic 1947 Jimmy Stewart movie.   The show was great and the venue was great. We also appreciated that Hartford Stage offers all patrons discounted parking (just $7) at the lot next door. Go see the show if you can, it was terrific. And if you can't, the movie is on Amazon Prime right now.

Such a Hartford gem! My husband and I came here for the opening weekend of A Christmas Carol and were NOT disappointed!! When you walk in you are immediately greeted by the friendly staff. Because this was during the holiday season the lobby was decked out in Christmas decorations which really got you in the holiday spirit! So beautiful! There was also a bar which had beer, wine, hot chocolate and coffee with an assortment of candy at decent prices as well. When we entered into the theater I was absolutely amazed! I have never been here before and I really didn't know much about Hartford stage prior. Each and every seat has a near perfect view of the stage as it is a very intimate setting. The production we saw was absolutely top notch from the actors to the set design and choreography! My husband and I could not stop talking about how great this venue and production was and we cannot wait to come back!!

So I been here three times for three different plays. I love the small cozy feel to the theater. Each time I have seated in a different section- D, F and C and each seat has had a great view. The theater is small and therefore there's not much space but I find the seats comfortable and the isle wide enough to walk in and out. I love having a local theater that has different kinds of plays. I have seen Henry V, Detroit'67 and Quixote Nuevo. Is cozy and the staff are friendly, attentive and very welcoming. They sell wine and mixed drinks, cookies, candy and pretzel.

I love theater ... the sets,the drama...how your mind transports you to another place even though your present right there. Uh! love everything about it. Unlike movies there is no cut/second shot... which makes plays much more challenging for an actor. Last night was magnificent. Opening night for a new play by Bess Whol "Make Believe" it's a wonderful anyone survives childhood. It was an adult play performed by children. How our childhood stays with us through adulthood. The choices we can make when we are still alive. The play was powerful. The kids aced the performance they were so good. The venue is perfect, the stage is right for production plays of such sort. Holds a crowd of approx. 500 ppl. Beware of some aisle seats though.... your vision could be impaired by the railings. Parking vouchers can be purchased at the box office for $6.5 @ the MAT garage. There is a bar inside where you can purchase a drink ($8-$10) and some candy, so be sure to eat before the show.

Thanks to #YelpElite I attended this play. I took my dad as my guest and he enjoyed it as well. Emails were sent with Parking info, how long play would be and discounted participating areas to eat. If you parked in the MAT garage, for the event it was 6.50 but you had to Pay inside the theater in box office. It was worth it. Garage was next door. The seatings that were given were amazing! I can't remember when I was at Hartford Stage so it was nice to a Christmasy play. They did amaze with choreography , lighting, their accents, wardrobe! Everything! Great story line with humor in it ! It was cute! Actors were of all Ages. So happy I attended! I really enjoyed it!

I love this theater as i love its unique mini indoor amphitheatre styled design. There is rarely a bad seat in this theater. I have been to a lot of theaters but this is the only one I've seen with this design. It is rather endearing and cosy. But of course, if you have long legs and are of a wide girth, the seats can be a bit uncomfortable and tight as the spacing is a tad bit on the narrow side. The ticket booth ladies/personnel were very friendly and helpful, even helped us with our parking tickets. And the theater manager allowed us in to use the bathrooms before the official theater opening hour, which I thought was very kind and compassionate of her. My friend was also very grateful as apparently it was a big emergency. We enjoyed the show which we would not otherwise have seen, but yelp gave us a couple of free tickets to the event when we applied for the lottery. (disclosure) But that is not why I am lauding this theater. We had been here at previous events and other shows. If I had to give one con about the theater, I'd say I wish they would serve lattes. The theater can get a bit chilly, so it would be nice to enjoy a warm freshly made hot drink.

We just had a glorious time tonight at this year's clever production of the time honored A Christmas Carol. What WOW factor this show has! It really packs a punch. The audience was inspired to clap even for just the grand amazing entrances of some of the characters! It moved seamlessly from each scene and had a few surprises sprinkled throughout to keep it fresh. We were mesmerized. So were our fellow audience members. It was all at once beautiful, dazzling, spooky, gymnastic & hilarious. There were NO weak links. This show is musically, visually, dramatically, comically, and gracefully rendered to bring out the very best in Dickens beloved classic. We came expecting a fun and entertaining show. We received so much more from this truly inspired rendition.

Excellent? Every seat is a good seat. Detroit 67 was a very deep and moving production on racial tension and the results

To begin, the playhouse is easy to find as it's adorned with large color-changing lights that say "Hartford Stage" and list the performances currently being held. The business' parking garage is located conveniently next to the playhouse. If you choose not to utilize the garage, street parking is available within the vicinity. Second, I walked into the establishment with the preconceived notion that I would be a part of a rather small audience. To my surprise, the theater was jam-packed with people. Ushers were scattered throughout the room guiding people to their proper seats. A friendly, elderly usher directed me to my seat, which was in the middle/ rear of the theater. I appreciate that I was able to see the actors' facial expressions from the back row. Last, a small bar is located near the exit.

Went opening night to see A Christmas Carol. This was my first time in this theater and I was very pleased. The theater is very clean and well kept. The staff, from those at the box office to the ushers, were all very pleasant. They do serve light snacks and beverages with what seemed to be a full bar, but no ice allowed in the theater. Prices seemed reasonable compared to what I was expecting to pay. I got a large pretzel with a bottled water for $5. Pretzel wasn't the best I've had, they were in a case and not served warm. There isn't a bad seat in the house from what I could tell. I was up at the very top left, off center and was able to see and hear quite well. I did not use the restroom but my sister did and she was impressed with the setup, so much so that she came out raving about it, lol. She said there were plenty of stalls and loved how they had makeup stations with mirrors for those done washing their hands but needed to do a touchup without the need to occupy a sink to do so. When it comes to parking, park in the garage adjacent to the theater. You can buy a voucher at the box office for $6.50, otherwise it'll cost you $9.

Wow!! What an amazing performance. The special effects are unbelievable. The case is very talented and the show is one of the best versions of a Christmas Carol I've ever seen. My date raved about our seats saying they were the best in the house. I had to tell him, after frequenting this venue there isn't a bad seat in the house. The show is a perfect length too. Would highly recommend. Great night!

I've been meaning to get back to this theatre, not having been for many years. They offer a nice variety of productions and every year my dad and I take turns treating my mom to tickets to a show for Christmas. Their seasons offer something for everyone and I love how they don't shy away from staging the classics. They may not be as flashy as newer productions, but as a teacher, I appreciate having the opportunity to bring my classes here. They offer sensory friendly performances so those with ASD can experience the theatre in a more comfortable environment. I'm glad I went to a traditional performance most recently, however, as I was dazzled by the lighting and effects. I can't say I've ever really noticed lighting before, but it was that good. Also way to go this theatre for having such a diverse cast. I noticed it and loved it. The theatre is conveniently located next to a parking garage. Pay for parking at the theatre $6.50 and you'll get a reduced rate than in the garage. Just do this before the show begins (the box office was closed by intermission). The lobby was a little crowded as people tried to figure out the line for entry versus will call. Nothing a little velvet rope couldn't fix though. I was so impressed with my most recent experience here I'm considering investing in season tickets.

Hartford Stage is an excellent place to catch a show and event. I attended Henry V and really enjoyed the entire experience. Parking is seamless with an adjacent parking lot that is basically connected to the Hartford Stage. They also provide discount vouchers to reduce the cost of parking. Upon walking in, there is a wide hall with concessions and the different gates to the stage area. For Henry V, the stage was set up very informally with the center floor serving as the stage. It was certainly a unique experience. All in all, I'd certainly return!

Wow, attended the Yelp event last night for the first performance of A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2019, great time! What a great presentation, elaborate costumes, excellent actors...very moving performances! A small, intimate theater with not a bad seat in the house. What a great way to spend an evening.

I had the privilege to watch on opening night the brilliant performance of Nilaja Sun in her solo piece creation of Pike St. It was funny and real and raw and angry and layered and political incorrect in ways only the arts can be, and that made it all the more brilliant!!!! Nilaja is an amazingly talented actress in the way she brings to life the different situations of the characters she plays. It's as if one is witnessing the actual interactions between her characters. I was blown away. I highly recommend Pike st. I know I will be seeing it again.

I was lucky enough to win tickets to opening night of this year's showing for A Christmas Carol. I am new to the area, and thanks to Yelp and Hartford Stage, I was introduced to this venue. The show was fantastic, the actors were very talented, the stage, sets, and costumes were on point. Some of the ghosts kinda creeped me out which I loved! The space is small which means there is not a bad seat in the house. Parking was $6.50 at the adjacent lot if you purchase the ticket at the theatre box office. If you don't mind circling around within a few blocks, you may find parking for free. Hartford Stage is also walking distance from a few restaurants. Great night out!

Came to see Christmas Carol through a Yelp event and I was very impressed!! This theater is definitely my new Hartford for. It is small and intimate with no bad seat! The seats I found slightly above average in comfort and average in closeness for theaters venues. The slope of the seats is perfect so there isnt an issue when a tall person sits in front of you. I was completely in awe of the visual effects as well as the detailed costumes and props. I do wonder if they reuse most year to year for a Christmas Carol, but I will just have to go back to find out next year! There was glitter, snow, moving stages, awesome lighting, flyers and all. Impressive for a smaller theater to have all this. While we didn't get any drinks or snacks, there seemed to be a good selection of candy and cookies, water and alcoholic drinks. Staff and ushers were obviously friendly and polite. Bathrooms were clean and updated. Parking was where we messed up. It was definitely my own fault for not researching it beforehand. We parked at the Asylum lot a block away which is by The Society Room. Paid more than twice as the garage right next store MAT which they allow you to pre pay at the box office for $6.50. Definitely the way to go if you don't want to circle around looking for street parking. All I know is I enjoyed the night and look forward to going again!

I had the fortune to be here on opening night of the Hartford stage'st newest show, The Engagement Party. Not only does the venue feature an auditorium where there are no bad seats, but the show itself is a mesmerizing one act play with humor, mystery, emotional drama, great acting, and one of the most amazing sets I have seen at a theater. There are two bars in the theater and you are allowed to purchase drinks bring them to your seats while you watch a performance. There are some snacks but nothing worth writing about. the star here is the auditorium itself and whatever show they happen to be showing. We parked in the garage next door to the theater and bought a parking voucher at the box office I gave us a 35% discount hi or parking fee, cutting the cost down to $6. 50 instead of the usual $10 for an evening of parking. We were home about 20 minutes after the show is over and we're looking forward to our next visit to the theater.

I went here last night for Henry V. The venue is fabulous! With the intimate theater and stage at the bottom of the seating, I can't imagine there's a bad seat in the house! My seats in particular were spectacular. The drinks are pricey - but when it's to support the arts, I'm okay with that! There's a cool private room, "Room", that I would love to utilize for an event or something in the future. I had dinner at Trumbull Kitchen prior to the show and utilized their valet, so I can't speak to the parking, but I know they offer some sort of discount when you purchase tickets. Highly suggest seeing a show here!

I'm a huge fan of Hartford Stage, and this is the third season I'll be taking advantage of their StagePass program. Open to folks age 21-35, you can subscribe to the full season for $99. StagePass members get discounted tickets for guests, discounts on drinks at the bar, invitations to special StagePass parties, and an online ticket reservation form that makes everything easy peasy. There are no bad seats here - I've literally sat in every section, and I've enjoyed every performance. The actors are stellar and the sets are fantastic. A few of the shows have gone from Hartford Stage to Broadway, so it's pretty cool to be able to have seen the original productions. Also, kudos to the staff and ushers for being friendly and accommodating! One note about parking: There is no designated free parking lot for Hartford Stage. However, I'm usually able to find free street parking within a block or two (Hartford currently shuts off its parking meters after 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends). If you'd prefer to park in the adjacent garage, it's worth checking in with the Box Office if you're attending a long performance or going to dinner before/after the show. You can buy a discounted parking voucher from them for $6.50 to use when you exit the garage.

I was able to see A Christmas Carol tonight via Yelp and I am so glad that I did. My daughter and I were so excited when we heard that I had won the tickets .We were able to find on street parking and arrived on time. Once seated we were very happy with our seating (there isn't a bad seat in the house) The show was FANTASTIC!! We enjoyed it thoroughly. Such a great way to kick off our holiday season!! The acting, singing, dancing was perfect!! We loved it !! We both teared up. Thank you Yelp !! We want to come back next year.

Founded in 1963, can you believe Hartford Stage is in their 54th season?! We are so lucky to have such a vibrant theater scene here in Hartford. At any time throughout the year, you can catch a major Broadway production at Hartford Stage as well as performances at the Bushnell Theater and Theaterworks. Go Hartford! Renowned for producing remakes of classics as well as provocative new plays and musicals, I've been to Hartford Stage a handful of times. And every damn time, I vehemently proclaim "why don't I visit more?!!" Whether you're looking to explore your creative side, go on a date, or do something different -- there's something for everyone here at Hartford Stage. One thing I very much appreciate is their "StagePass". An initiative that Hartford Stage hopes to bring younger and more modern audience members in. Open to theatre lovers ages 21-35, you get to see 7 shows for $99. It allows you unlimited admission to every show, you can bring up to 3 friends with you each time for only $20 per additional ticket AND you can get $1 off your drink too! Not a bad deal. Really though guys, come here and support local theatre -- you won't regret it!

I went to Hartford Stage for the opening night of A Christmas Carol thanks to Yelp Elite's ticket giveaway. I'm really glad I went; I never knew we had such a gem so close to home! First off, the parking is quite the situation over at Hartford Stage. If you're going to a show after 6 PM, you can utilize the free on-street parking (good luck finding a spot though!). I was told about discounted parking, but was not able to find how to redeem it until it was too late. I parked in a LAZ lot across the street for $10 (machine does not break bills so bring a variety). Then, when it was too late, I noticed if only I used the parking garage, I could have gotten the discounted parking. If there were more signage guiding me to the discounted parking, that would have been most helpful. But I wasn't going to let $3.50 ruin my night. I excitedly walked up to the building- you can't miss it with the big red lettering and colorful electronic marquee. The box office representative was friendly and was able to locate my tickets right away. I had no troubles at all. Inside the foyer area is a bar with $10 drinks. The line is long, and the drinks are tiny. I didn't have enough time to mingle and wait in line for a drink before we were ushered into the theater. My date tried to buy drinks and was told he had to wait until the intermission (this was before the show started). I understand the rules, but it would have been extra awesome if the top level bar was open during the shows. During the intermission, I used the restrooms and they were in top condition. They were roomy and clean. I was wearing evening wear and felt comfortable freshening up in the restroom. Even though we had fabulous Premium Gold level tickets, there isn't a bad seat in the house! The theater is so cozy and intimate, and the seats have a high enough pitch as to where any one no matter the section was able to get a fair view. As for the play- it was fabulous. The acting was professional and the scene changes were flawless. The stage itself, while small and intimate, did not appear to hinder the quality of the production. The sound quality was perfect, and the fake snow special effect that covered the audience was a great touch. I did wish for better ventilation, however, as the smell and thickness from the fog machines used did affect my breathing a bit. Overall, Hartford Stage was a fabulous intimate venue and I was so glad to be given the opportunity to go. They produce high quality plays that appeal to all ages. The only things that I would have changed were keeping the upstairs bar open during the show and maybe some better ventilation for the fog machine to clear out. I would certainly recommend this theater to anyone I know who wants a night out- either a romantic date or an enriching family experience.

First time here! Great location, easy parking, appreciated the parking validation voucher and the restaurant recommendations. The bathrooms are big and clean. The theatre was packed and bigger than I thought. I was seated off to the right and had a perfect view. They don't allow anyone in prior to the time they open the doors even if it's for the bathroom, thankfully there is a restaurant directly across the street that offers a discount to ticket holders.

A mixture of all types of people came together to watch a play in this lovely theater. Small and inviting, the Hartford Stage staff was helpful and kind. The environment was very clean and seating was intimate. Each seat is close enough to hear the actors on stage without microphones. I would definitely see another show here!

Love the Hartford Stage :) They do a great job bringing in talent and curating shows, the prices are reasonable, the theater is intimate without feeling cramped. Come see some local theatre!

Went to see a Christmas Carol and was really impressed with Hartford Stage. The lines to get inside and for drinks were nice and short and the prices were reasonable. I'll definitely be back for another show!

Okay can I just say..... I was able to see A Christmas Carol tonight (November 30, 2018) courtesy of Yelp AND IT WAS AMAZING. I've never been to Hartford Stage, but it's awesome. Cozy, the drinks aren't bad prices, the bathroom went smoothly (V important), and the show was OUTSTANDING. The time, effort, Love, talent and energy that went into the play was so, so, SO noticed. Because we got the tickets via Yelp, we were all in the same row which was neat (and great seats)! I'm already looking for more shows to go back to, and recommending my friends and family to check it out here. Can't wait to come back. Thanks Yelp, for giving me the opportunity!!!

I've been lucky enough to come to a handful of shows here with groups like Yelp Elites, and every show I've seen has been an amazing production. Overall, the theater is a nice size with stadium seating; it's big enough to bring in larger, top notch productions but small enough too to feel intimate and local. The most recent show I saw, Comedy of Errors, was hilarious and contained some modern adaptations that were amusing. The people who work here are passionate about Hartford Stage and are excited for younger folks to visit. There are often some great deals (perhaps on off days), which are worth scoping out. The parking garage can get a little hectic at the end of a show, so plan to spend a bit of time getting out of the garage if you end up parking there.

Make Believe! The play was wonderful. I didn't expect to relive my own childhood thoughts and then have 90 minutes slip by so quickly. The children and adult actors were wonderful. The story was so real and you can't get a bad seat in the theater. Don't miss it!

Located downtown, this modern theater has a beautiful interior. Plush seat, steep stadium seating where the stage juts into the room. There is no such thing as a bad seat in the house, as the acoustics allow you to hear from anywhere. I saw "Feeding the Dragon" the other night and the setting couldn't have been better. The stage was created with hundreds of donated books (which was apropos considering the context of the play) and even as the performance was put on by a single actress with only one outfit, we were able to be transported from scene to scene via lighting and clever sound effects. Clean, pretty, professional, go see a show here.

I had my first Hartford Stage experience last night and, all in all, I was very happy. I had purchased "standing room only" tickets for last night's performance of Anastasia and, although the ticket seller assured me that no one has actually HAD to stand with SRO tickets, I was worried that I'd be spending 2 1/2 hours on my feet. I arrived at the ticket booth promptly at 5pm to get my SRO assignment: basically, it's first come-first serve when it comes to SRO, and you're given a pass to show when you claimed your ticket. Once everyone is seated, you're shown to your seat in order of your pass, so having a lower number generally means you have a higher chance of sitting closer and/or with your group. There were a good 30ish SRO people in line altogether and everyone got a seat. I was there solo, so I ended up getting a seat in the dead center of the 2nd row. Looking around, I have to agree with the other reviews here that there really isn't a bad seat in the house. It's not a huge theater and the stage is designed in such a way that it's completely visible from just about everywhere in the room. Parking is definitely an issue, especially with Pratt Street being closed at the moment. I made a Church/Main/Asylum/Trumbull circle 3 or 4 times trying to find street parking. There were a number of cars double-parked and there were busses and large vans dropping people off at the door which blocked more spaces. One school bus took up 3 street spots, which was infuriating. As a result, I ended up parking in the lot next to the Society Room, which cost me $10; with the time spent circling and the money for the lot, I could have just parked at my work's garage 1/2 mile away for free and chanced walking back by myself in the dark. Anyway! The show was amazing. Anything that Darko Tresnjak touches turns to gold and we are beyond lucky to have him here. The cast of Anastasia was beyond talented and I'm excited to see where they go from here -- maybe a future Tony winner? (I'm looking at you, Christy Altomare!) My only complaints were the parking issue and the cost -- even the SRO tickets were $75! Luckily I get a discount through my employer and the seat I got was worth the price, but still. If I had gotten a seat in the back or had to stand, I would not have been happy with the cost.

Hartford Stage is a great, intimate theater to see innovative and engaging stagings. The theater hosts a healthy range from dramas, to comedies, to musicals; old (Shakespeare) to new (world debuts and Broadway-bound); and huge ensemble casts to one-person shows. If you like a range of theater, they sell season packages where you can get seats to a few shows of your choosing. They also have discount theater packages for ages 21-35, called StagePass. This is a great way to engage in local culture without breaking the bank. (The current offering is 7 shows for $99!) And the best part? There's not a bad seat in the house. From the floor to the top/back is only a dozen rows or so. I've sat in locations all over this theater, and never had an obstructed view nor had trouble hearing the actors. All the amenities that you'd expect are on offer here. The box office sells discounted parking for the attached garage. Concessions in the lobby and on the upper level serve treats and drinks at decent prices. And there's a coat check available for a couple of dollars (though I usually bring my coat in with me in case I get chilly). Whenever I bring friends to shows at Hartford Stage, they always have two reactions in close succession: "I never knew this was here!" And then, "This place is GREAT!" So, trust me (or trust my friends, if you prefer!) and acquaint yourself with Hartford theater at Hartford Stage.

There is no better theater experience in the Greater Hartford area than Hartford Stage. I have been to Hartford Stage on a number of occasions over the years, all to see A Christmas Carol, except for my latest visit, which was to support a Yelp Event to see Henry V. There is no bad seat at Hartford Stage. If you want to spend the money for an up close seat, you will feel as though you are part of the show. If you want to cheap out like me, you still get an amazing experience. You are treated with class by the staff at Hartford Stage. The experience end to end is great and the staff and volunteers are there to make your experience the best it can be. This was also my first experience with a Shakespeare play. It takes a lot of effort and planning to experience Shakespeare due to the language barrier. With the program that they provide and a little research, you can follow along. Henry V is done as a Shakespeare play in a modern setting, so the costumes are not what you think of in 1500. Please support the arts in Hartford and see a show at Hartford Stage. A Christmas Carol is always a great way to get into the arts but challenge yourself with something like Henry V or Shakespeare.

The theater is shaped in a circle, therefore, the actors move around to engage the audiance. It is a small theater that promotes intimacy. We went to see the opening night of Henry V and it was great. It was raw art! No thrills or much for costumes just raw talent. I did have my favorite actors that you could clearly see that they performed for many years. I have seen many plays at other locations in hartford and NYC. I felt that I was part of performing art. Something very rare today. I welcome those who appreciate performance in its bare, innocent and pure form, to visit The Hartford Stage.

Attended "a Christmas carol - a ghost story of Christmas" on Friday night. I usually don't think too much about Hartford stage but that may change after last night. There is not a bad seat in this house. Arranged in a horseshoe shape around the stage. That actors were amazing and the special effects to match. Our tickets were held at the box office a simple pickup procedure their downstairs bar area is quite small and had a line so plan accordingly. I have attached a shot from our seats.

Just recently saw Make Believe by Bess Wohl and directed by Jackson Gay. This is third show I have seen here overall, I believe. I can't remember having a bad experience. For the last two plays I sat on the upper wings on each side of the stage. They make each show so that no audience member feels left out by the actor's in that they are only acting in one direction. There is also great amplification of their voices so you are always able to hear what is going on and follow along. But before the show even starts, you have to get into the theater. I don't recommend parking in the lot next door. Everyone does and then you have to wait in a long line to get out. I park in the surface lot a block over. I really appreciate the theater staff who keep the lines moving at the box office and the concession. I just wish they sold wine sippy cups. I don't know what else to call them. I got them at another theater and now I think they are the greatest thing in the world. They are hard plastic cups for your wine with a cover that you can open and close so you don't spill your wine. Very helpful while managing to get to your seat and then up/down as other move past you. It's also good for the environment versus the throw-away plastic.

Love Hartford Stage. Great theater! There are no bad seats in this house as this is a pretty small theater. They have adjacent parking and you can get a voucher for $6.50 parking :) WIN! Most recently saw A Christmas Carol and it was great. I've been to a few shows over the last few years and will certainly be back!

I have been to two performances now (thank you to Yelp for both!) and plan to attend more in the future. There is plenty of parking in the area between the street and nearby garages. The ticket area, coat check and usher are extremely helpful. There really isn't a bad seat in the place, it's small enough that even the back row has a good view. There are two bars, one upstairs and one down, and the bathroom has plenty of room to make sure the line doesn't get backed up during intermission. It's a really nice venue and I'd encourage anyone considering attending to definitely go!

I've been to the Hartford Stage a few times here and there throughout the years. But this year, I've found myself there more often and it's a great experience every time. It's a really great theater and there isn't a bad seat in the house. Prices range depending on the show you're seeing and the day of the week you'd like to go. They recently ran a Black Friday special for Christmas Carol tickets, for 25% off tickets for certain shows. Then there was Rear Window, where I paid $125 per ticket, which was totally worth it to see Kevin Bacon! So they do a good mix of more budget friendly shows, and bigger names/bigger prices. They also have subscription packages that you can purchase for additional savings. One thing I learned on my last visit is that you can purchase parking vouchers at the box office, prior to the show starting. The vouchers cost $6.50, and it's definitely a good value. We did not purchase one, and ended up paying $10 for parking when we saw Rear Window. That was a relatively short show, if we had seen a longer show, it would have ended up costing more. So do yourself a favor and pre-pay for that voucher if you park in the garage! I will definitely be doing that next time. Another tip: the upstairs bar is FAR less busy than the downstairs bar. So if you're looking for a beverage or a snack pre-show, head upstairs for less waiting and more room to move around. It's a short set of stairs to get up there, and there is also an elevator. If you're thinking of having lunch or dinner before or after the show, check out their website before you go. There are several restaurants in the area that offer discounts between 10% - 20% off for ticketholders. This makes a great deal for a date night, with dinner and a show!

Nice theater, really doesn't seem like there are any bad seats. Friendly staff and a good place to see a show.

I got to see A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage this year. What a treat! I couldn't have asked for a better experience! From the ease of parking, to the comfortable seats and pleasant atmosphere. The acting and music were outstanding! I loved the special effects. I've seen a few Broadway shows and this was just as good quality! Worth every penny - will be back!

What a fantastic space. If you haven't attended a production here, I'd highly suggest it. The theatre is "black box" style, which gives the audience an intimate, close-up performance. I came here for the production of "A Christmas Carol", which was amazing. We really enjoyed our night out--and coming from a theatre background (degree and all), there is nothing I like better than to see a quality production. Lighting was balanced, creative and effective in setting the mood; staging was well thought out and I appreciated the use of the space given, especially with the trap and flying actors in on cables; sound was perfect; costumes were period appropriate and "steampunk" (my hubby taught me that one!) and acting was excellent. I plan on attending many more productions here. Seeing amazing live art like this makes me wish I was still doing production work! Anyone wanna hire me? :)