Long center

Go see a ballet or an opera at The Long Center! My treat, except you are paying… Hands down a very fun experience. I’ve seen Madame Butterfly (Opera) and Grimm Tales (Ballet) so far. Pro Tip: The Long Center has the best view of the city. Very picturesque. 10/10 Arias 🎭

This is a review for the ice skating! It depends on the weather but they have ice skating during the winter and it's so beautiful to have the background of the city skyline as you skate, on a weeknight, with fewer people. It was a Monday and it was more older teens than children, which was the case on a Saturday afternoon. Depending on the weather you could be skating on a semi- frozen lake or on ice. Our weather was perfect, 55F and after an hour, it was enough. They have drinks for purchase, lots of little spaces for decor and pictures, a merry-go-round. I was told they got all new skates this year, which was nice. They are still a little stiff, make sure you wear long socks. Peak times cost around $30 and it's a little cheaper if you go later at night or during the day. Oh, parking in the garage is $10. Lovely way to spend a date!

The Long Center is the place to see The Austin Symphony and Austin Ballet Productions. The acoustics are good and seating is comfortable for the average person. No bad views! This place is well maintained. Can get a little crowded especially during The Nutcracker as it's very popular and sells out. For this big event, they usually have a bar inside, offering light bites and cocktails. There are also a few more food options outside, offering pastries and hot cocoa. Ice skating is available with skate rental. Outdoors is decorated and offer some great photo ops

My daughter and I attended The Nutcracker Ballet at The Long Center. This place never disappoints. Easy parking and such a clean and beautiful facility, make coming here wonderful every other year.

Very nice building. Facilities are clean and updated. Great views and the parking garage right next door is very convenient.

The view and the rink was fun but bring thick socks because the cheap skates they provide are very painful to wear. The plastic will dig into your skin and they will hurt your feet. Otherwise it was a very fun holiday activity

here is what you need to know before coming here this is my first time to see an opera show Friend bought me a ticket to treat me out for my birthday and it was a very special one but I came in knowing nothing about the show now I've been here before many times including the department of Event Center but I've never actually been to any of the live shows at the Long Center right next door so here's the trick getting in and out of here what I did was take mopac to Cesar Chavez take Cesar Chavez down to South 1st Street South 1st Street the Barton Creek take Brighton Creek over and get the parking there because logistics wise it's just a whole lot better a lot more parking it seems and just easier to get in and out of here than the parking that's facing Riverside which is for whatever reason even trickier to get in and out of and get a parking spot especially close to the elevator on the other hand from the parmer Event Center was easy enough to get parking close enough to the elevator or even just go down the stairs and then from there walk follow the sign and walk right over to the long center get to the ticket area get things situated with the ticket which was thankfully a very quick process that had a wonderful staff who went above and beyond to get people checked in And that was great because the show was very clear about getting things started on time And so again people parked in situated especially since the seating was tricky thankfully plenty of restrooms so not a long wait there but do keep in mind it is a bit tricky to get a drink on the break halfway from the show after act 1 before act 2 that everybody for a few minute break go grab drink and the drinks obviously super fancy alcoholic options especially options named after the show that are super pricey and I mean you're going to spend like easy 17 to 30 bucks on a drink and $6 on a water or topachico Minnesota and like $7 for like some pretzel bites just keep in mind as soon as you probably eat beforehand again the whole customer service staff was friendly knowledgeable and easy to work with overall had a great time got to connect with some people and especially the view afterwards got to take some phenomenal pictures

A great function at the Ballet Austin, the closing of our season tickets featured the tragic-romantic story of Romeo and Juliet 💔 in a great production 👏🏼 🩰 #balletaustin #RomeoAndJuliet #longcenter

Really enjoyed watching Nutcracker here. Even after a decade and half since they opened and my last review here, I'm proud Austin has a nice performing arts venue that is at high standard. The acoustics here is just grand and all the seats are nice. I sat in the mezzanine level and it felt like sitting right in front lower orchestra. Also you get a nice view of the awesome skyline we have now very different than the tiny college town skyline of 15 years ago, Some negatives - drink lines can be super long. Parking while they have valet - parking fills up quickly and the nearest garage can be at capacity. They have a back up garage down the road but the road network near the center just sucks and there isn't enough support directing traffic. Also although we've had traffic circles for quite sometime - no one seems to know how to use them and I laugh every time someone gets stick in the inner lane of those traffic circles and had to bully there way to the outer lane. Might make sense to just close that lane off and it's also entertaining how the self driving cars navigate getting in and out of traffic. Despite the mess , still got to see the entire show but would've been nice to do some pre show festivities.

Review for the ice rink- Love that they have an ample number of skating aids. The staff had to work hard keeping the ice from melting in this bizarre heatwave. Really love the location and decorations. We'll be back.

As the receptionist said, 'we lucked out!' I got the dates wrong for the show and arrived 1 day late. Guess what?! They gave us two free tickets to the current show and we swear they were the best seats in the house! It was perfect! Never have I ever sat in better seats! I was swept away by the Nutcracker performance, and my husband was able to reminisce about his time as a boy seeing his stepmother on stage (as a professional ballerina with Ballet Austin)

I'm actually leaving this review to say this is a solid spot to see the Austin skyline at night, or whenever they aren't having an event given it's proximity to downtown, and the central location when considering the midpoint of the skyline view from the South. I attached a few pictures that show the skyline you can see, and I took the opportunity to grab a few pics of my car while I was over there. The venue itself is very large and has a lot of parking, and was also used as part of the Thanksgiving Day Thundercloud Turkey Trot which I took part in earlier this year as well. It seems well organized and good for the community.

I came here last night with The Things to see "Poe: A Tale of Madness" for a private showing. This work by Stephen Mills explores the haunted life and works of celebrated author Edgar Allan Poe. This work is visually stunning, beautifully danced, and choreographed, and the musical score by the Austin symphony is akin to the best movie scores created. The dancers, "Poe" - Paul Martin, "Raven" - Ian J. Bethany, "Madeline Usher" - Vivien Farrell, "Death" - Edward Carr brought this piece to life with their precise pirouettes, jetés, passés, pliés and raw emotion. This ballet tells the story of Poe's life (in flashbacks and current day) as he writes what come to be some of the best literary works of the current day. Through dance and music, audiences will see Poe's descent into an unstable state as he becomes consumed by his writing. This is a must-see! Regarding the venue itself, it is clean and there isn't a bad seat in the house. There are beverages for purchase in the lobby area and people who work at the venue who will escort you to your seat if you are not familiar with the location. The view from the outside is spectacular. it's truly an unobstructed view of the Austin skyline. Parking the parking garage is $10. However, if you have DV (disabled veteran) plates, parking within the structure is complementary.

This venue is an Austin's gem, experienced it for the first time for the ballet, staff was friendly and attentive, the place has beautiful views to the city , seats were comfortable

Comfortable seats. Great film movies and ushers and SXSW screenings. I liked the humanity of anti social network.

Came out here to the Long Center for the premier of the Nutcracker. We were pleased with this center. It is a rather large place with plenty of space, very clean, and modern looking. The Long center had an ice skating ring set up out doors, and was decorated nicely for theChristmas season. Free coffee was made available to guests. There were plenty of assistants standing in ready to help anyone looking for something in particular. The center has stairs, elevators, plenty of bathrooms. Valet parking available, separate parking garage for the center, with electric car charging stations in the garage. The center also had set ups in place for the sale of beverages and simple snacks. Locations in the center made available for meet and greet of some of the Nutcracker performers, with areas also set up for photos. Everything and everyone was very organized and everyone was kind. We enjoyed the afternoon out here and the performance of the Nutcracker.

I've been here several times for occasions such as conferences, concerts, and most recently the ballet. The views are just perfect on the lawn, amazing scene of the downtown skyline. The theater itself was nice and I had a decent view for the ballet. I'd totally come back. My only gripe is parking, it's not super convenient. I'd recommend rideshare. I'd give The Long Center a solid A!

We haven't been to the indoors auditorium yet but the HEB terrace is so magical, especially around sunset. The skyline is a beautiful setting for a performance. The food is overpriced and wish either the portions were larger or pricing was reasonable. The Sunday night jazz collaboration outside is really nice because you can picnic in the lawn.

The Long Center is an excellent venue. I've seen a variety of different performances here, both inside and outside. Personnel have always treated me with respect. Parking is very easy: large covered parking garage is located with it. Reasonably priced (takes credit).

Absolutely one of the worst experiences of our lives. They asked us to remove our three year old from the nutcracker due to her looking at our phone. To keep her from getting upset. I know it's not ideal. But she's 3!!!! Can't actually talk to anyone either there. This place is a joke.

Well. The folks in the box office were absolutely lovely and helpful Our experience was not so fabulous although the actual ballet by was tremendous! It was a chilly day and so they turned on the heat. Within 10-15 minutes, we were miserable in our seats. My 7 year old granddaughter even took her tights off. They make no accommodations for patrons to take even a purchased water into the auditorium. Zach Theatre is light-years ahead with this regard. The house managers and ushers seemed incredibly preoccupied with face masks to the exclusion of all else. A child in front of us had on bright flashing reindeer antlers and this distraction had to be pointed out to the usher. Eventually, the heat was adjusted and we were more comfortable. I was very put off by the complete inattention of the house managers and ushers. There was no welcome or smile or thank you. The entire experience was extremely cold and impersonal. Perhaps the goal in usher training is 'professionalism.' But cold to the point of near rudeness is not professional.

The pizza is super greasy and sooooo good and we have determined we would pay to be here.

Over the past year I have come to love the Long Center more and more! They throw so many amazing events for the city and a lot of them free! My favorite this summer has been the Drop-In. They have live music every Thursday evening. You just have to create a log-in the Long Center website and sign up for your free tickets every Monday morning. There are also usually vendors set-up with freebies, tastings and vendors to buy food and drinks. You can bring you blankets, chairs and dogs. Many more fun events here. Check it out!

I love coming for the opera! Although the seats are a bit difficult for a long performance (no pun intended), the quality of the productions makes it worthwhile!

Totally fall for this place. The arc of the open stage is great and we had this concert performed by the Austin Symphony and everyone enjoyed the music and had great fun. It's pet friendly as well.

Parking is very problematic at the Long Center. They don't seem equipped to deal with large crowds. There was zero communication with drivers entering Riverside from South First on Saturday. Which line was which? They both appeared to be going to the U-shaped drop-off point. Finally, a guy came out and was talking to each car individually on which line to get in. I'm sure some of the people were late in getting to the performance. Unacceptable.

I was excited to check out a small comedy event with David Spade on Tuesday 4/19. My father was visiting me because I had just moved here two weeks ago. While I had to the Uber drop him off at the event and take me to my apartment to drop off the leftovers from dinner..... I started to scooter back and was hit by a car and flew into the road, chipped my tooth, cut my eye and have a huge bruise on my side. I was hit at 7:50 PM (10 minutes before the show) and waited for the cops to show up for 2 hours which made me miss the whole show. All I was looking for was some type of credit/reimbursement for another show later down the road, but nope the lovely lady on the phone basically said tough luck we don't do that. What a warm welcome to Austin TX after only moving here 2.5 weeks ago

Whaaaaaaat? I haven't written a review for The Long Center? Hmmmmm... Ive seen a number of shows here, so many I can't remember. I like this theater, (the main and smaller). It's one of my favorites. I think I like the layout at Bass a bit better, but the acoustics here seem to be better. The seats are roomier and there's a bit more room to walk if others are already seated. I've sat in various areas, so I do speak from experience. Pretty much any seat is a pretty good one. Upper balcony is a bit steep. That part I'm not so crazy about. Even a show on the grassy lawn is a treat. The view of downtown can't be beat, so if you can hang around a bit and enjoy the outdoor section, do it. The building design is so cool in that they incorporated part of the old Palmer Auditorium inside and out. The green tiles from the former structure have been put to good use as well as the round rim of the former dome. Well done!

The Long Center is one of the premier theatre facilities in Austin hosting a wide variety of performances. Located in heart of downtown on the southern banks of Lady Bird Lake it surely stands out. It shares a large parking garage with Palmer Events Center and Auditorium Shores. I always arrive early to make sure I can find a spot where there is always something going on in the surrounding area especially in the evening or weekends. The garage has two entry points so makes it easy and parking costs is always under $10. They take both cash and credit cards. There is also valet parking and always had a good experience using but can back up getting your vehicle. The Long Center main attraction is the Michael & Susan Dell Hall and Debra & Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre. Dell Hall is the larger venue and Rollins is much smaller. Both have excellent acoustics. I have sat pretty much everywhere and depending on the show I select my favorite seat selection. One time I sat in the box seats, and took a private elevator and walked through dark hallway not knowing our guide was taking us to our seats or Phantom of the Opera's lair. I mostly sit in the orchestra about 10 rows from the stage to have a good view. The orchestra has two walk isles that run down on each side and if you sit next to it then should have a good clear view of the stage. But never know a tall person sits in front of you. Happened to me and returned to another date to enjoy the ballet. There are plenty of restrooms and bars. If you find it cramped in the lobby then go up a level and there is even an outdoor covered patio. A member lounge is present and very nice. The staff is very professional and if you did not purchase tickets at home then there is a ticket office outside for buying and will call. After a night show you do not have to rush out where can wait until the garage leaving traffic dies down by hanging out in the H-E-B Terrace enjoying a great view of Austin's continuously changing downtown skyline.

This was a beautiful afternoon date with my partner to the Long Center to watch a short Hour Ballet from Shakespeare's a Midsummer's Night Dream. The staff was friendly, the amenities were very clean and the ballet was beautiful! You need to show your covid card & wear a mask, but that was nothing compared to getting to see live ballet again! Will be coming back again!

Had a great time at the ballet today. The long center is a great place to see ballet, opera, and they also have a smaller theater where I have seen great work in the past. Dress code is loose, and people wear everything from gowns to shorts.

This was my first time seeing a performance inside the Long Center. Before this, I had always been to lawn shows. One thing to know, there is a large parking garage located with two entrances. For me, it is easier to take the back entrance on Barton Spring. You can also enter via Riverside. The Long Center inside has multiple levels with restrooms and bars located on each level. The drinks are your usual overpriced drinks for these types of events. I was able to take my drink inside the show but I had to have a lid on my cup. This was a little amusing to me since I had decided on a merlot that evening. My husband and I sat in the left side balcony section. I would note that the theater is weirdly steep in the balcony section. I could see if you had big heel or maybe a few too many having some issues here. Overall, a great theater and highly recommend catching a show here whenever you get a chance.

Love this beautiful hall with the amazing acoustics - both great for the opera, broadway shows, or even magic shows. There really isn't a terrible seat. Challenges - departing the venue. If you're Mezzanine or Balcony, it'll take you a bit to get down the stairs (especially if you're at an event when folks are wearing formal attire). Plus, leaving the parking garage can be a bit of a challenge - it'll take you awhile since there are only two egresses. Be patient. Go take photos with the downtown skyline behind you. Walk across the street and grab a frozen custard from Sandy's.

5stars indeed I'm a teacher on a field trip at the long center. With other schools there for the same field trip the staff was organized, friendly, my classroom were seated rapidly had a wonderful time!!! Clean down to the restrooms definitely a good idea for next event

Wow...so I have been to so many events at the Long Center that I can't believe I haven't reviewed it until now! This fabulous venue is so mutli-faceted it is incredible! The plethora of events they host run a spectrum that very few other venues can boast! I have been to: -Broadway Shows -Local Theater Productions -Private Party Rental Space -International Culture Shows -USA World Cup Viewing Party -Summer Movie Series -Food Truck Trailer Tuesdays -Master Pancake Viewing Party -Swanky Fundraisers -Their Open House showcasing the many ways they use this facility Seriously, this venue has everything and anything that is art or culturally relevant to Austin and also has one of the best views of the skyline! It is just a fantastically stunning piece of architecture as well! Even if you aren't coming to watch some sort of show here, you can come and cloudwatch from the sweeping lawn space in front of the terrace. This is the most versatile event venue in the city and one of my favorite places! Again, my only gripe w/most places in dwntwn ATX is parking...unless you have a pretty penny to pay for valet or want to dish out some dollars for the adjacent parking garage, you have to parking spot scout on the side streets; if you do, allow yourself an extra 30mins before your show!

I've been to the Long Center a hand full of times now and I feel like I owe this place a review. I've seem the Nutcracker Ballet twice, Annie and a couple of other shows. The building is pretty nice and offers some great views of the city and Lake Lady Bird. They serve all sorts of drinks and snacks at the concessions. Drinks you can take in the theater, but food you can not. I appreciate the drink situation and agree with the food rule. Seriously who wants someone crumbling the candy wrapper in the middle of a performance... annoying. The seats here are pretty good in my opinion. I tend to judge a venue on the seats and how comfortable I can be. If you are overweight and think about this kind of thing - the seats here are not bad. I have been in the top balcony, mezzanine and orchestra level seating here and they were all great. I loved being on the orchestra level because I could see more of the fine details happening on stage. I was able to walk up to the pit orchestra before the show started as well. I also liked being on the mezzanine because I could see down into the orchestra pit. I like to see the conductor and instrumentalists. Any where you sit here is a pretty good seat. I am a huge fan of the fine arts and appreciate having a performing arts center in Austin like The Long Center. I will continue to attend performances here as long as I am a resident. They offer season pass packages and I saw an excellent Black Friday deal on the packages just recently. I considered doing it but waited too long... I will be on the look out for next year though.

We got the box seat tickets with a view from the top most level for $100 per ticket plus some fees. It was worth the money as you get your own bars on the top floor where less guests frequented because most people circulate on the lower levels. The restrooms, however, have less stalls than the ones downstairs. With the top-most box seats, you can see about 95% of the stage unless you lean over a bit to see the hidden area. The balcony wall does block a bit of the view. Acoustic wise, you may not hear as loudly as you would have in the orchestra section. Depends on what you are watching, this view is great for symphonies. As for anything else visually emphatic, you may want to opt for a lower level. Note, they allow you to bring your drinks that you purchase from the bars inside the theater because they pour them into sippy cups. Bring your own binoculars for your own viewing pleasure. Also, please dress up for the event. And make donations! They work hard, and it really helps with some cultural funding.

The Long Center in the heart of Austin, offers a few free shows if you search, and tons of ever-changing higher cost shows. I tend to veer towards the free events (having family of six people, we are more casual). I have to totally COMMEND the large staff of volunteers who man the doors, monitor the halls, take tickets, etc. It's these people who keep me feeling great whenever I make the trip to brave the traffic and parking challenges to get to events. They are always smiling, helpful, and welcoming -- even to my crew of kids and frazzled adults!!

Love this place! Sound and Cinema summer nights are always great. Love being able to have an awesome night on the lawn and still be able to social distance.

My first time here. I was invited to see The Nightmare Before Christmas played along with the Austin Symphony. What an amazing combination! The Long Center is a beautiful building with great views of the city. The staff was also very helpful. I don't really have much more to say except that I'd like to come here more often - I had a great night.

I have been here a lot since my last review. Parking is still an issue but the experience inside is wonderful. I like the Mez best, even the back row. Accoustics there are great! Now lets talk abotu the ushers! So helpful and kind. It really is a welcoming place.

A pretty awesome theater. It's newer, so it didn't have nearly as much character as other theaters, not is it the biggest, but for Austin it's just right. I feel that the staff is pretty cool, too. My girlfriend and I came here to see The Nutcracker last December, and it was raining pretty heavily and traffic *sucked.* We ended up not even parking at the time the curtain should have opened, and we were certainly not alone. The staff was kind enough to postpone the show for 15 minutes while everyone got in. That was very cool and conscientious of them.

I've never seen a show I didn't love at this venue. This particular evening it was the 100th Anniversary of Lenard Bernstein's birthday. The Austin symphony absolutely crushed this performance. I attended in the symphony pit with 3 family members. This was such a memorable evening. Lights err at 7:50. The show began promptly be an at 8:00 pm and they stunned from beginning to end. I was honestly very pleased with the entire lineup. The Austin symphony does fantastic work. You should make an effort to see them perform if you had not yet had the pleasure.

I've been to many expensive and terrible shows here, full of flash photography and tiny seats and people talking loudly and people taking long videos on their phones. On June 10, 2019, however, I witnessed a solo comedy performer heckled with transphobic hate speech four times? Five times? I lost count. The ushers did nothing. The staff did nothing. The staff let two people ruin the entire show for the rest of the audience by shouting terrible, offensive things for 30+ minutes. Around the third time the offenders started screaming at the performer, I started to feel unsafe. (Not just for me, but for everyone. Especially for the comedian.) This venue has zero security, and zero staff with any teeth. This venue apparently doesn't have so much as a theater manager. These hecklers could have walked right onto the stage with weapons, and staff would have done absolutely nothing. Nothing at all. This venue is far too large to have zero policies in place for the safety of its performers and audience members. This venue is far too large to have no policy in place to handle hecklers spewing hate speech. Until I see a press release that this venue has decided to get real security staff, and until I see a statement that they do not condone hate speech (because, as it stands, it appears they very much do condone it), I am done. It's a garbage place. Go here if you love to have shows ruined by bigots, I guess.

Love the Long Center, HOWEVER , my recent experience was not so great. We were sooo excited to see the movie "Singing in the Rain," with the Austin Symphony. The movie was great, as well as the symphony. However, our seats that were promoted, by the Long Center as GREAT seats were horrible----DON'T pay for seats 14 and 15, entrance 25, B Box Right side, you will NOT be able to see the stage. After the intermission I shared my dismay with the Long Center volunteer, who shared with with other staff. They immediately relocated us to other seats. We really appreciated the volunteers response, but it was what I was told by our guide, that disappointed me... they shared that they always have complaints about those seats. So, WHY SELL Seats 14 and 15, entrance 25, B Box Right side??? We wanted to experience a nice evening and they RUINED it for us. They only reason I gave the two stars is because of the volunteers who moved us. Beautiful venue--- crappy seats!!!

My first time here, I got to see La La Land in Concert. Beautiful show. They played the movie, but a live orchestra played the musical sections. The ambiance of the Long Center and the auditoriums inside are very nice. Clean and kept up. The staff is very helpful and know how to make events go smoothly. Highly recommended to come here and watch a show!

The only two Austin venues I hadn't been to were ACL Moody Theater and the Long Center, so to check this off I saw Bill Maher at one & Kathy Griffin at the other. Both performers put on great shows & could've played either place. It also occurs to me some of this may not apply to bands or other types of events. I actually used to go to Palmer Auditorium a lot before it was rebuilt & revamped as the contemporary Long Center, but I was pretty high in those days & don't remember much. I've been to their outdoor Summer Concert Series a couple of times, but 105-degrees is still 105-degrees, no matter how hip & cool a place is. I was looking forward to the inside changes. The good news is it's the easiest online ticket process ever: Go to the Long site, click "best seats available," and buy direct from them. My $79 ticket, with service & print fees, cost me $89.75. No complaints there. The bad news is my fourth row center mezzanine seat was good, but not great. I don't need to see some performer's wrinkles, but I thought the sound that made it up my way was a notch below - literally & figuratively - from both ACL Moody & Bass Concert Hall. Not a deal breaker, but too much midrange or treble gives me bad radio flashbacks. Something I can EQ in a car in less than twenty seconds. But hey, bonus points for free parking that night, and still having areas for those dickhead smokers. So was it worth it? Sure. Once inside, it's pretty academic: Lots of beer & wine (coffee at one of the kiosks), a friendly in-house staff, and Austin at its most diverse. We were essentially all here for the same reason, and it's all good. Much better than a 105-degree concert outside. The Long Center is indeed an Austin reboot for the 21st century. But seems to remember a touch of its past.

Tale of a date nite gone bad. Then....good! When I read Nathan I's fabulous reviews of the Trailer Food Tuesdays the Long Center was putting on, I immediately got online to find out more. I discovered that the one in Sept was also opening nite for "Rock of Ages" and I immediately bought tix to the show. Whatareyoukiddingme?? Dinner AND a show? Perfect *ominous music* or so I thought...... For those that have been married a looooong time, maybe you've experienced this phenomena. Sometimes when I talk to hubby, I think all he hears is Heybabybzzzzzchhhkeeeegibberbllllllzzzzzandtrpppppbrrrrrzzzzz, ok? And he nods and agrees. Maybe it's because I do throw a lot of social events at him as well. Unfortunately, on this particular day, even tho I'd reminded him of the event several times, he scheduled work til late in the afternoon. My hopes and excitement about hanging outside the Long Center, sampling trailer food, enjoying the beautiful sunset, began, as the evening wore on and he was later and later, to change into frustration then anger then panic that we wouldn't even make the show on time. I had read the LC website and some reviews that said to get there EARLY and so when he finally got home and ready, we hauled ass, him eating his Thai takeout in the car, me giving him the fuming silent treatment. He could have spiced up his dish with the hot anger that was oozing from my pores. As it was, we got to LC at 7:30 for the 8 o'clock show, had no trouble parking or getting in the door and they weren't even seating yet. I promptly ordered two glasses of wine from the bar (given in cups with lids and straws) and stood at the windows watching the sun set over the Trailer Food festivities. Hundreds of folks were milling around, eating from the likes of Nomad Dosa, Peached Tortilla, and Kebabalicious, drinking, sitting on the lawn and LC Rocks was cranking out some cheesy 80's rock (I think this was just for RoA opening nite) while the toddlers danced their disjointed rhythm-less moves in front of the stage. I sighed. Luckily for hubby, 80's rock is a cure-all. RoA had me giggling within minutes of David Coverdale telling folks not to be a dick and turn their phones off. By the time the cast covered Foreigner's "I Wanna Know What Love Is" end of first act, hubby tentatively put his hand on my leg, and I LET him. At Intermission I got another sippy cup of wine and midway thru second act, as the gayish fop was singing "Every Rose Has it's Thorn" I was holding hubby's hand. By the grand finale, I was snuggling up, leaning my head on his shoulder, singing along and having a blast. Journey (and wine) had once more saved the day. I would agree that the acoustics of the LC leave a little to be desired, altho for a campy fun musical like this, it was not too annoying. However, I couldn't help thinking how much funner that show would be at Zach Scott Theater which is so much more intimate and casual. Up in the balcony, I was surrounded by fuddy duds that just sat and watched with mouths slightly ajar when we should all have been up singing and pumping fists along to "We're Not Gonna Take It". Zach Scott is still my fave venue, but I would definitely return to LC for the Trailer Food Tues or maybe even another show.....probably need to find another date tho. Anybody??

The summer concert series is a must go. I really enjoyed the ones I've gone to...strings and brass. The atmosphere is awesome. You sit on a hill and watch the sunset while listening to beautiful music. The people around you are nice and it's altogether a chill atmosphere. Dogs and kids are all about. So it's family friendly. Being a nice blanket, maybe some cheese and wine, make sure you sit in the shade or soon to be shaded area. Afterward...walk home on the trail a little rather than just getting in your car and zipping home. The concert lasts about an hour.

"To pee or not to pee, that is the question." From July 21st-August 7th, The Long Center is playing host to "Urinetown: The Musical", part of its 7th season of Summer Stock Austin. SSA doubles as both a theatre company and an educational opportunity for exceptional highschool and college-aged performers, who are then paired with professional directors and production staff to put on 3 or 4 shows throughout the summer. Neal and Lisa first told me about "Urinetown" a couple weeks ago, and we thought it would be good for a chuckle. It's a satirical comedy musical, set in a town where a severe drought has allowed a gigantic private corporation to charge people to pee; if they break the law, they're banished to an awful place called "Urinetown". It satirizes the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and municipal politics. All cleverly done through the prism of pee, of course. My #1 concern was whether or not it would be silly or gross if I wore a yellow shirt. At the end I decided against it and decided to just wear a T-shirt, because here in Austintown we have our own problems. Namely, our thermometers are cracking 107 degrees these days. Hell, a law limiting taking a leak would probably not affect us that bad around here; the heat dries my pee up as fast as I can re-hydrate. We arrived a few minutes late, but right under the buzzer. The staff taking the tickets were friendly, and in an irony not lost on one of the gentlemen in the lobby of the Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre, I asked where the restroom was...because I really had to pee. As with "Hairspray" we found ourselves in an intimate setting where the actors are mere feet from you, yet entirely in another world. The acoustics were great on this particular stage. If you haven't seen the show, it mocks even the form of Broadway itself, with over-the-top ham acting and with the narrator, Officer Lockstock, and a character named Little Sally frequently breaking the fourth wall to reveal huge plot points and dish out blatant expository information. This humorous approach was actually what made me laugh the most, even on top of the obvious piss related dialogue. And with songs like "It's A Privilege to Pee", how can you not? And yes, someone simulates peeing on a wall. Once again, the performers all did a terrific job. I had a hard time believing some were still in highschool; their acting abilities and timing were better than most of the guest actors on "The Golden Girls" (my frame of reference when it comes to terrible acting; not the Girls of course, but the people around them). During intermission, I read their bios while people giggled that they had to go pee. They had a small bar with some limited liquor selections, but I just drank water. And had to pee again. More awkward than the toilet talk were the criticisms of wealth inequality and the callousness shown by the rich to a vast underclass. Turn on the news, watch the stories about the almost obscene wealth inequality in America and the refusal of the rich to pay taxes, and you'll see why a lot of the play is prescient now. Consider this quote from the main antagonist: Hope: "Gosh, Daddy, I never realized large, monopolizing corporations could be such a force for good in the world!" Mr. Cladwell: "Few do." It's also not a happy musical, something I don't consider a spoiler by any means, because they tell you this within the first part of the show, and it's part of its introductory paragraph on Wikipedia. So, prepare for that. I enjoyed the show, and found "Urinetown" to be quite a wily and intelligent piece of theatre. It seems as if the actors are all enjoying themselves during this SSA season as well, and we already have tickets to see "'The Producers" next weekend. Tickets are $18 for students, and $22 for adults. Times may be tough (and you know the arts suffer first), but if you can find some time to attend a Long Center production, it's well worth it. My mother reminded me that decades ago, locked stalls in bathrooms that you had to pay to use were actually in existence. I told her I already knew that, since the 1974 version of "Mame" with Lucille Ball and Bea Arthur ranks as one of my favorite films. In it, while at a swanky salon, the two bosom buddies recount their wild and candid friendship. Bea Arthur as Vera Charles says she loves the fact that they can say anything to each other; Mame wholeheartedly agrees. To which Bea Arthur immediately responds: "Have you got a quarter for the john?" Common words, I'm sure, in the city featured in "Urinetown". 4 flushes out of 5 for both the play and the venue.

Love seeing great shows here! I only wish: A) the drinks weren't sooo expensive and B) parking was easier/cheaper But I guess that's expected at venues this big? Le sigh. Still- worth it. Amazing productions, year round!

We really are exceptionally lucky when it comes to a number of things we enjoy here in Austin: we boast a pretty terrific airport, loads of inspired and locally owned small and quirky eateries and boutiques, a culture that rewards the art of knowing how to relax and have fun. Small wonder it is then that The Long Center sees such regular praise: it's a sparkling and impressive space, thick with intimate and ample seating, gorgeous lines, delicate ambience. We set foot in here for the Austin Fashion Awards and were rewarded with a first-hand glance at the aesthetic: it's a considerably well-appointed space, encased by giant panoramic windows looking out onto an expansive veranda, inside giving way to a modern and sophisticated theater space inside. It was a perfect setting for the Fashion Awards, and I have to say that I'm not at all surprised that they've been booking the types of other events seen here lately. I won't always be able to afford them, but I can tell you this: I'll always notice them, and I'm sure I'll be back. Hopefully soon.

I have to be honest. The only reason I'm leaving this review is combat the boboheads who leave 1 and 2 star reviews for ridiculous reasons. Anyone who has been here knows that this is a fabulous venue staffed by helpful Austinites who will do anything in their power to make sure every attendee has a marvelous experience. The seats are comfortable and every one that I have sat in has had great views. I've attended 10 years worth of symphonies and the acoustics are wonderful. Really. Better than Houston or Dallas! From Carol Burnett to the Blue Man Group to Hall and Oates to SYTYCD to the incredible Austin Symphony...there isn't a better place to see and hear them than the Long Center.

This SHOULD be a 5-Star Review. It's not. "IT" coulda been avoided. It wasn't. Show I attended? First-rate. Facility, 2nd-to-none. I expected no less. My first visit to Long Center, but NOT first visit to this very spot. I've been here since '78, seen many shows at what used to be Palmer Auditorium. Still is Palmer, sort of. Austin History Lesson: Original Municipal Auditorium (later named Lester E. Palmer, after former mayor) opened in 1959. I don't know if it was the 1st DOMED structure of its size, but preceded Astrodome by several years. Abatement & deconstruction of former building, to make way for Long facility, occurred in 2005. Grand Opening of Long Center was March 28, 2008. Fully fits Austin philosophy of "re-use & re-cycle": The distinctive exposed RING on North side of structure? Part of original structural steel of ol' Palmer. Those green & brown tiles seen here & there? From old "dome" of Palmer (aka "The Green Turtle"). FACT: 95% of materials in original Palmer Auditorium were used in "Phase I" construction of Long Center. As longtime Austin resident, this stuff MATTERS to me. For you new arrivals, I'm tryin' to educate ya about stuff that was here before you even THOUGHT about moving here, that's not here anymore. Ya weren't here THEN? Well, you're here NOW, so it should matter to YOU. It's YOUR City too. Building itself deserves full 5-STARS. Much has been written about its acoustic perfection. What I heard was pretty darn good, but I can't fully analyze, based on the show I just saw. I need to hear Austin Symphony first; takes Classical music in a room like that to expose any flaws. No, I attended a Rock 'n Roll show, or as close as this locale will ever have NOW: The "Happy Together" Tour. No Ozzy, Stevie Ray, KISS, or shows like THAT anymore. That was "old" Palmer. Now, we've got a sense of "decorum"; THAT'S why (gettin' to it) I only gives 'em 4-STARS. Among other entities, Long Center's home to Austin Symphony, Austin Lyric Opera, & Ballet Austin. But Long also hosts "lowbrow" entertainment, for we folks who've not gotten 'round to buyin' that Tux just yet. I know, I know, "we" (not ME, Kimosabe) are "transforming" Austin into a "World-Class" City, but some are takin' it WAY too seriously. Really, we have to go a LONG way (oops, a pun) to match Houston or Dallas, & THEY are light-years behind NYC, L.A., or London, etc. Me? I'm an "all inclusive" sorta music fan. 'Cept for da "Hip-Hops", I LOVE everything from Mozart to Megadeth. But there's a different convention of behavior when attending the Symphony, as opposed to a Rock show. The Long Center doesn't seem to know this. I wouldn't whistle, yell, or pump my fist in the air, between movements of Beethoven's Fifth (though "Ludy" woulda liked it, I think). But I WOULD do all these things at a Rock show (OK, I can't whistle, ya got me). Hooray! All THOSE forms of conduct are OK with Long Center, but there IS a line. And if there's a line, "Lucky" Larry will be the poor unfortunate to unwittingly find & cross it. So, I warn ya: NO SHINING CELLPHONE LIGHT AT THE STAGE! NO "PDL" (Public Display of Light) FOR PERFOMERS IS ALLOWED! Whether you're young or old, if ya been to a Rock show, it happens all the time. It's quite NORMAL behavior. I've never been to any venue, anywhere, that didn't understand this. EXCEPT Long Center. So I wasn't expecting what happened next. Seriously, I had my cell phone light on for no more than 10 SECONDS before an Usher kid comes over & SCOLDS me, dirty look for no extra charge. I put phone away. During "Intermission" (Rock show "Intermission"? THAT'S new), I was told I was "disturbing" the audience, & that Tour Manager specified "no electronic devices". I KNOW they don't want pic's/recordings made, but a LIGHT? No, I don't think that's in the contract. The PERFORMERS? They tend to LIKE that sorta stuff. "Kid-Usher" drags his Supervisor over; it's a BIG DEAL to them. If I'd persisted, I've no doubt I'd have been ejected from my NINETY DOLLAR seat. Uncharacteristically, I didn't feel like antagonizing 'em, so I agreed to stop. Guess I'm slippin'. ;) Look: If Long Center's gonna host shows for "commoners", they need to get a clue as to HOW to host 'em, or just stick to what they do best: "stuffed-shirt" type of "stuff". No offense intended. Well, not much. Am I makin' too big a deal of this? I don't think so. What's wrong with a little "flashing"? No, not THAT kind... A full 5-Stars for The Long Center, minus one for "Bad Behavior". Not mine; THEIRS. It's likely Long Center doesn't read Yelp's. So I took time to send feedback DIRECTLY to them. Bottom line: Have fun at Long Center, but have fun THEIR way, not yours. Someone needed to post pic's of the Memorial Medallions on N side of The Long Center. So I did. They're clear enough to read every word. God Bless 'em ALL! larrythediner .

Fantastic show!! The Nutcracker had great performers what a treat. 5 stars for the cast!! We appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the scenes before & after followed by questions & answers. We were able to follow it a lot more closely with the classical hand movements by the performers. The room with costumes & information also a nice way to better be informed of all the work & process into the Ballet & Music performance. Enjoyed the souvenir booth areas and beverage stations. Pleasantly surprised to see a coat check especially on a cold rainy day located at exit very efficient. Even parking was easy only $8 for self parking park tail end easier to leave.. unless you VIP park we seen a lot of people waiting inside & outside for cars, not sure how efficient that is especially on a rainy day. My Only con was I now see why they ask people not to have snacks in the actual seating area, and they ask for all drinks to have tops & lids. My purse was full of crumbs since I put my purse under my seat. Wow was that a mess I could see this at a movie theater, just glad we seen the early show... I can imagine the fast clean up not getting everything for 5pm show next. I hope they better enforce NO snacks & drinks without lids on actual seating area especially since they are not set up for drink holders or much room for snacks..it's really only a few hours of a great show to enjoy & they have intermission to grab a quick bite & use the restrooms just be prepared for the lines. Will return now we know what to expect a great show & next time get balcony seating.

Second time here, free parking, because the cop was awesome!!! Great view and sound. Perfect location. Love the feel outside and inside.

This new center is @ 400 days from being done, and once it's finished, it's going to be the f-shizzity. With facilities for all types of performances (and film, and galas) this perfectly located, acoustically perfect structure will be the headquarters for events and a destination for the best talent out there. I've been inside the structure for tours (they give two a day) and also mooched my way onto a large donor's tour at night, and the upstairs deck overlooking Town Lake and downtown is the best view I've seen of our fair city (minus being on the Capitol corridor). They are about 3 something million away from their 77.5 million dollar goal and have created all sorts of creative ways for everyone to contribute and reap the rewards. Their Catalyst 8 program (http://www.thelongcenter.org/WebSite/contribute6.htm) only costs 20 bucks to sign up, then 40 bucks a month, and offers all sorts of networking, VIP, free and discount opportunities to mix with the young movers and shakers in town.