New York City Center

This theater is gorgeous and easy to get to, enter and exit. The staff was efficient, the facility was clean, fabulous acoustics, and the seats were very comfortable. My only complaint is that the theater was packed for my event but the airflow could have been improved . . . It was quite warm and stuffy for the majority of the 90 minute performance.

Setting up on the Bslcony -5th level per the Elevator! People were standing to dance and I was sitting down. Our floor started to move up and down and shaking 🫨. Horrible feeling. I was very scared through the rest of the show.

What a beautifully magical venue! Such history to explore. I saw the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater show here & was absolutely enthralled.

New York City Center is a gem in the heart of Manhattan, offering a rich blend of cultural, artistic, and architectural experiences. As a renowned performing arts venue, it has consistently stood out as a hub for both locals and tourists seeking high-quality entertainment. My recent visit left me thoroughly impressed, and I cannot recommend it enough. Location and Accessibility Situated conveniently in Midtown Manhattan, New York City Center is easily accessible via public transportation. With nearby subway stations and bus routes, reaching this venue is a breeze. Additionally, for those who prefer driving, there are several parking garages within walking distance, though planning ahead is advisable during peak times. Historical Significance and Architecture The building’s exterior is a testament to New York’s historical charm. Designed in a stunning Moorish Revival style, its intricate detailing and grand facade are captivating. The interiors are equally mesmerizing, with an opulent lobby, ornate ceilings, and a warm ambiance that pays homage to its legacy since its opening in 1943. Walking into the theater feels like stepping into a piece of history. Cultural and Artistic Excellence New York City Center is best known for its incredible lineup of performances, ranging from Broadway musicals and dance showcases to classical concerts and contemporary art events. I had the pleasure of attending one of its renowned dance festivals, and the quality of the performers and production was exceptional. The acoustics of the theater are superb, making every note resonate beautifully. The seats are comfortable, and the sightlines from almost every seat in the house are excellent. Community Engagement and Inclusivity One of the standout features of New York City Center is its dedication to making performing arts accessible to a wider audience. The programs often include affordable ticket options, and the venue frequently hosts free community events and educational initiatives. This commitment to inclusivity sets it apart from other theaters in the city. Dining and Nearby Attractions The area surrounding New York City Center is bustling with dining options to suit every palate and budget. From fine dining restaurants to cozy cafes, there is no shortage of choices for pre- or post-show meals. Nearby attractions like Central Park, Times Square, and the Museum of Modern Art further enhance the appeal of this location, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Manhattan. Staff and Service The staff at New York City Center deserve special mention. From the ticketing counters to the ushers, everyone was courteous, professional, and eager to help. Their efficiency and warmth contribute to the overall positive experience, ensuring that visitors feel welcome and well-cared for. Final Thoughts New York City Center is more than just a performance venue—it is a cultural institution that embodies the spirit of New York City. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual visitor looking to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant arts scene, this venue is a must-visit. Its combination of historical charm, artistic excellence, and accessibility makes it a top choice for anyone exploring Manhattan. I highly recommend adding New York City Center to your itinerary. With its world-class performances, stunning architecture, and prime location, it is an experience you will treasure for years to come. www.marvellousbhuta.com

This theater is absolutely beautiful. The mosaic ceilings and decor are beautiful. All seats have great views.

Attended the Flamenco Festival last weekend and performance and venue was excellent. Highly

Beautiful airy space. Great acoustics and home to Ballet Hispanico performances.

The place was BREATHTAKING even though we saw part of the ballet it was still worth watching. I’d also beware the ushers since they don’t like people being on their phones. Practically interrupted our ballet experience twice but all in all if you like ballet it’s worth a visit!!

My mom volunteers at our local library branch and they had tickets to see the Alvin Alley dance troupe at City Center. There weren't enough tickets for me to go but on the day of the show, she wasn't up for going. She asked if I wanted to go in her place. I didn't want the ticket to go to waste, so I went. I had never been to City Center, and I was quite impressed. The theater is gorgeous. It was huge, yet in some ways, had an intimate feeling. The Alvin Alley performance was sublime. There were three performances and the final one (Revelations) was out of this world. In my opinion, it's a must-see. The theater is close to the subway and parking garages if you choose to drive.

About the Venue: New York City Center never fails to impress. It strikes the perfect balance in size--spacious enough for grand productions, yet intimate enough that even balcony seats offer a decent view. That said, nothing beats sitting in the orchestra for the ultimate experience. The venue itself is stunning, with an interior design that's both elegant and awe-inspiring. Don't forget to look up--the ceiling is a masterpiece. The lighting, sound, and acoustics are top-notch, and the ample legroom between rows adds to the comfort of the experience. The only drawback is the limited lobby space, which can make entering the venue feel a bit rushed. However, the staff more than makes up for it with their warmth, efficiency, and professionalism. About the Alvin Ailey Performance: My most recent visit was for the Alvin Ailey Winter show, and it was nothing short of spectacular. This time, I was treated to a performance featuring a live band--a first for me--and it elevated the experience to new heights. I also splurged on VIP lounge tickets, which allowed me to enjoy some drinks and relax between performances. The highlight of the evening was a piece reminiscent of aliens and outer space--it was mesmerizing and utterly unforgettable. And, of course, the show closed with the iconic "Revelations," accompanied by live singing and orchestra. It was a breathtaking and soul-stirring finale. If you haven't experienced a show at New York City Center, especially an Alvin Ailey performance, you're truly missing out!

Jelly's Last Jam (with Billy Porter & Leslie Uggams) had been the second Encore show of Winter/Spring 24 that I attended, the first was Once Upon with Sutton Foster. Well, the good news is that you can buy an affordable seat, the bad is that you must have practice being a mountain goat to survive the steep, steep incline of the rear Mezz or even Balcony. Amazing leg room though. I just returned at the end of Oct '24 for Ragtime and it was high up for sure and a bit hard to capture their expressions, I might have splurged for a better seat lower Mezz. It is a lovely theater with very kind & like minded patrons in attendance. The good news...the tiny weeny European licorice shop directly across the street where they sell a comprehensive variety of Dutch Licorice and fabulous rum cordials. A NYC gem for sure, walk across the street to the special little 6 1/2 Ave covered pedestrian walkway that takes you down to 51st. passing the beautiful La Grand Boucherie along the way.

I come here all the time to see Alvin Ailey! Beautiful theater! Generous leg room! Clean, staff friendly. Close to public transportation and paid parking. Snacks for sale on site

I've seen a few performances at the gorgeous NY City Center over the years, most recently the poignant love story "Brooklyn Laundry" written by John Patrick Shanley, one of my favorite playwrights. I especially liked the hard-boiled NYC working class mood of the piece; this ain't no dreamy feel-good rom com, the way I like it. The performers and set design were very good; I especially liked seeing actor David Zayas from "Dexter" and "Oz". Ticket prices for this Manhattan Theatre Club production were reasonable as compared with the inflated prices charged by many Broadway venues these days. Seating and legroom are relatively generous for a NYC theater. However "Brooklyn Laundry" was performed in the lower level with very poor wi-fi and one must climb three flights of stairs to enter/exit. (I believe there's a small slow handicapped accessible elevator as well). On balance, however, a nice historical venue that I would visit again.

First of all, I want to be very clear about how much I loved the show here. I saw Jelly's Last Jam. The sexiest. wildest. most soulful. show. Full of hip swinging, twerking, drama, political messaging. Comedy. Astounding dance routines. If this wasn't a limited engagement, I would go back to see it again and again, as it's such a smorgasbord for the eyes--you could watch it a hundred times and still catch new things. This is a QUALITY institution. Everyone on staff was super helpful and kind. The decor was moody and colorful and intriguing. They have bar and concession areas. Snacks are mainly movie theater stuff--candies and chips. Drinks are what you should expect at a theater--more to loosen you up than give you a fancy tasting experience. But the attendants were UBER nice and patient, as well as fast. The prices are great for what you're getting for sure! I was in the third row, orchestra, row CC, straight in the middle, and it couldn't be any better. I paid around 155 for my seat. BB was okay, but BB, in addition to AA, would have to crane their necks up some to avoid the stage in their sight. I think I had the perfect seat. Almost. And this is how I ended up at four stars instead of five. I am not a little person. I have a big badonkadonk/backside/behind, however you call it. And these seats are pretty small and cramped. I know I am not tiny, but I always touched at least one patron on either side of me depending on how I moved, and felt super uncomfortable about bothering the person next to me if my leg/thigh or arm brushed against them. This isn't a problem that can be fixed. It would cost millions of dollars to widen spaces between seats or replace seats. But I would have to really love a show concept before considering coming here again, just because of the seats. If you don't have a big a** like me, you'll be fine. Overall, this place appears to really love and care about the arts. It's not a huge theater, and can feel more intimate. Staff is awesome. Programming seems innovating. Just make sure you know Ma Rainey's big, fat bottom might not feel super comfy in the chairs!

I saw Titanic at City Center last night. What a beautiful performance! The theater is just gorgeous and the production was top-notch. My seat was at the very top of the balcony on the aisle. A perfect view of everything without being crowded in the center of a row. The staff was courteous and efficient scanning tickets to get us in and the ride to the fifth floor in the elevator wasn't unpleasant. There was a little bit of a wait for the elevator, but it was worth not having to climb the stairs. I would definitely return to see another production at this venue in the future.

This venue was originally constructed in the 1920s by the Shriners as a Mecca Temple. The architecture is described as Neo-Moorish. It has 3 stages, with the largest one seating 2,257. It is a unique and beautiful venue. We went 2x to see "Message in a Bottle", Sings songs interpreted in dance. For the first show we had 1st row balcony seating.The view was almost perfect, save for the guardrail bar which you have to look over if you are short like me. The rows behind are elevated so the bar does not get in the way. Also, people have to pass by you to get to their seats which can be a huge annoyance. The second time we sat on the left side balcony up a few rows and aisle seat and one next to it. The view was ok but sometimes it was hard to see from this angle when the dancers were too far back on the stage. Seats were reasonably priced at around $45. The seats were pretty comfortable, more comfortable than the Beacon or Carnegie experiences and there was decent legroom in balcony seats. The music was loud but not distorted although my seat vibrated. Restrooms are on each floor but sometimes a bit tricky to find, but they were clean and kept so. There are 5 floors and one can choose the stairs or elevator (which gets quite busy). Staff generally o.k. but yelled at people during the show not to take photos or videos till the end, and then were nowhere to be found when a couple a few rows back kept filming and taking flash photos while engaging in loud conversation. Annoying and distracting. The show was fantastic and the theater is gorgeous. I would consider coming back again--but will not choose the first balcony row.

If you are seeing a dance performance, get front row center of mezzanine or balcony. I like balcony because you can see the orchestra. National Ballet of Canada rocks! I don't care what city they are touring go and see them. Their orchestra is awesome. The staff of the venue were courteous and helpful. We did did not get anything from the bar during intermission so I can't vouch for their customer service.

Gorgeous theater. The ceiling is jaw dropping. The lights are amazing. The sounds are acoustical. Our visit for today is for a commencement exercise. I cannot imagine how much we will enjoy if we see a play or a show. The staff is very organized as they ran a smooth traffic flow. The legroom is fine with me because I have short legs. It's a long way though to be in the middle seats( remaining when we arrived). View from the balcony is not bad. Spotless venue. Love it.

And the great NYC is back! If you are a local here in NYC or you find yourself in this beautiful city, I'd highly recommend seeing a dance show at the fabulous New York City Center. I'd went to see the Flamenco Festival that runs for 3 days usually in April of every year. There is a dance company in Spain that brings its authentic dancers to perform here. It was my first time seeing this show and wow I was excited. I loved each and every moment of the play. People from every age were here which made the energy in this area auditorium very inspiring and motivational. I'd loved that! Honestly it doesn't matter where your seat is I promise you will have an incredibly gorgeous view of the stage. Omg! Get ready to dance in your seat and engaged with the dancers from a distance. And please don't forget to admire the beautiful ceilings; if architecture is your thing then I'd highly recommend doing this before you enter the auditorium. It's priceless! Overall the theater was well kept and the services was near perfection. I was very pleased with the performance of the Flamenco Festival; I'd loved to visit again next year! Enjoy and be safe!

City Center is beautiful. Was here for commencement. There were tons of seats but also tons of people here for graduation

I've been several times....and my issue is with "orchestra seating". If you're short or average...and someone sits in front of you, unless that person is 6 inches shorter than you, you'll be watching the back of their head. The incline between rows in the orchestra is just about non-existent. The best seats are in the front of the mezzanine.

Great Flamenco performance but couldn't enjoy it sitting miles away in the balcony. Needed a telescope. It was like watching a 18" TV at a distance. Being so far took away any possible emotional response to the wonderful performers. Orchestra seats 180$ and up. Flamenco for the wealthy.

Good venue for shows. Saw Flamenco show tonight. Comfortable seating. Quick efficient entering.

Fall for Dance festival is an amazing way to see several dance groups perform for only $25. My friend invited me to join her one night which had three groups. One from India, another from Scandinavia and finale with the Martha Graham group. Absolutely a wonderful treat to see all three.

New York City Center is another gem in NYC. What a Beautiful Theater! The staff, from the box office to the ushers, are always friendly and helpful. Professionalism at it's best! I've been to NY City Center a few times. On this ocassion, I saw A Bat Out of Hell. I had low expectations for this show going into the show. I was expecting a loose story with lots of cheeziness...and that is exactly what I got! What I didn't expect, was to have such a great time! The audience (& I) laughed so hard and cheered at the most cheeziest moments. We loved all that cheez...and so will you! Definitely see this show if you're a Meatloaf fan! Of course, my fave part was their rendition of Paradise by the Dashboard Light...I wished I could have hit "replay" during this moment. Haha I do have a question:. In the song "I would do anything for you, but I wont do "that" "....what exactly is "that"?? In the play, they seemed to imply that "that" meant cheating but that totally doesn't make sense. Inquiring minds want to know! Go see this show...lots of fun...and CHEEZZZZ! :) Note: The only issue with this theater is, if you're sitting in rear orchestra, the overhang from the Mezz section will block part of your view. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Update: Ha! I'm answering my own question: Per Wikipedia: Perceived ambiguity of "that": Meat Loaf says that the question, "What is 'that'?" is one of the most popular questions he is asked. Each verse mentions two things that the man would do for love, followed by one thing that he will not do. The title phrase repetition reasserts that he "won't do that." Each mention of "that" is a reference to the particular promise that he made earlier in the same verse. The four things he says he will never do are: "forget the way you feel right now" "forgive myself if we don't go all the way tonight" "do it better than I do it with you" "stop dreaming of you every night of my life" At the song's conclusion, the woman predicts two things that he will do: "You'll see that it's time to move on", and "You'll be screwing around." To both of these, the male emphatically responds, "I won't do that!" Mystery Solved! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I%27d_Do_Anything_for_Love_(But_I_Won%27t_Do_That)

I purchased 2 $200 tickets to a performance of "Once Upon a Mattress" to take my daughter to see it. But the day before, my daughter tested positive for Covid so we couldn't go. I called to try to exchange them for tickets to a future performance. They refused to exchange them. Even after I spoke to a supervisor. They said I could donate the tickets. This is outrageous. Shame on them! Every other major arts company in NY allows exchanges. Especially under those circumstances. I told them I'd rather eat the $400 than give a cent to a company that is so unfriendly to its patrons and has such terrible customer service. I will never purchase another ticket there again as long as I live.

Blown away by the staff's helpfulness. I wish I could remember all of their names, but from the staff in ticketing to the seating manager and everyone in the auditorium, everyone was so helpful making sure I was comfortable. Earlier in the week I had knee surgery, was on crutches, couldn't bend my leg and therefore was not able to fit in the seat I had purchased. The team offered me several different options, and ultimately actually removed seats so that a comfortable chair and stool could be used. Thank you so much!! You guys were great.

Love love love New York City Center. They always have wonderful performances going on and cool exhibits to check out while you're there. Currently there's a Keith Haring one. Merch can be hit or miss though. If you really care about it but can't deal with the lines, I recommend buying online ahead of time. Shipping is crazy expensive though. I thought they'd have a more exciting design for Into the Woods but it was pretty much just the design below on the cover of the program. I saw they had a magnet, window card, shirt and mug for sale. The staff was amazing at moving the massive crowd into the theater for Into the Woods. They were probably the most efficient staff I've seen as I've slowly resumed my in-person theater life. Very good at communicating and helping people get into the appropriate line to check vaccination status. Staff inside made sure masks were on above the nose. Can't wait for the next show I see here.

Beautiful performance space hosting a grand ceiling, great acoustics, and an ample stage. I have to recommend the center Orchestra seats (particularly row E) for your ultimate viewing pleasure. These seats are also convenient to the ladies room on the main floor. The space is immaculate and specifically "dressed" for every show. The staff is friendly, yet effective, and available to assist at every turn. Ticket pickup, seating process and membership information are all a breeze. There is a concerted effort to avoid disruption including giving ample warning prior to the end of intermission. There are two concession areas for shows with intermissions, a gift stand, elevators for those who don't prefer stairs and even booster seats for those who require it. Definitely an excellent venue.

good performances. affordable pricing. easy location in midtown. I like the Encore seriees, Fall for Dance, Flamenco

Beautiful venue! The ceiling is dazzling! The seats were comfy! The line for the bathroom was ridiculous! The bathrooms are all gender friendly, so that was nice to see. But put in some more toilets!

I've attended numerous dance classes in the studios over the years, but this year I saw a few performances in this space and the were both spectacular. The staff is cordial, personable and professional and the seating allows the viewer the full theater experience with a little touch of black box intimacy due the the angle of the seating. I've never sat in the 3rd tier but the view from the 2nd (partial view, from the floor plan) was really good. The only thing that may be a downside is the prices and quality of the refreshments. I always make it a point to try the specialty alcoholic bev for the specific show and constantly underwhelmed, with overly sweet, slightly sour, watery flavored, premixed drinks. This one was $20 for a single (half filled), $33 for a double (full cup). Only saving grace is the cup is reusable and very nice for the holiday season. Next time, I will simply have wine. Despite this issue, I'm sure I will be back. This 2019 season for DTH and AAADT was great!

Opening night what an experience! We had rockstar orchestra seating. They currently have a Keith Haring piece on display that is amazing. The performances were very well done in Fall for Dance. STREB EXTREME ACTION takes pure endurance and a bit of whimsy. In A.I.M by Kyle Abraham one dancer looked like a flame gliding and moving across the stage and The Verdon Fosse Legacy was so well done the theater erupted when the dancers came onto the stage. Welcome back. We were happy to be there and look forward to what's next.

You could literally buy a ticket for any one of their Encores shows - any at all - and know you're in for a treat. Not only will you get a first-rate cast of Broadway luminaries singing little-hears scores - you'll also get the major bragging rights of having caught one of these uber-limited engagements that folks are usually talking about long after the fact. Oh, and did I mention the utterly gorgeous trappings? Don't worry if you're high up. It just gives you all the better view of your stunning and lovingly restored surroundings - and you'll be able to hear the glorious happenings onstage no matter what.

Gorgeous theater! The ceilings and the lighting throughout is beautiful. I don't know what the leg room is like in the Orchestra, but if you have particularly long legs you may want to sit in the Balcony regardless for a truly comfortable experience. I'm not a skinny mini and the seats are plenty roomy. Keeps your mind off your body and fully immersed in the show. I saw the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and it was beautiful. This season was a little different than the last. The first act was Gustavo Ramirez Sansano's "Victoria" instead of the standard "Revelations", much to the dismay of the elderly patrons. I LOVED IT! I particularly loved the music "Rewriting Beethoven's Seventh Symphony". Written by award-winning composer Michael Gordon, it was an avant-garde, seamlessly morphing piece that relentlessly drove the dancers throughout the mesmerizing first act. The second was "Members Don't Get Weary". It was much more traditional so I'm sure the old biddies loved it, but honestly it was the more forgettable of the three for me. The third act, "Stack-Up" choreographed by Talley Beatty, KILLED IT DEAD. I almost got up out of my seat to dance when the disco music started ahead of the dancers taking the stage. What a finale! I didn't want it to end! If this is the future of Alvin Ailey then it's in wonderful hands. The restrooms and coat check are on the mezzanine and is just as beautiful as the rest of the interior. Oh, and if you sit in the first row of the balcony, they are serious about you not putting anything on the ledge. They will let you know before you get seated and they will yell at you if you somehow forget everything you were told by the first intermission. So don't forget. I definitely want to come back to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at City Center they next time they are in town. It was an excellent night of dance for all ages.

400th Yelp Review (: City Center is yet another NYC gem for arts entertainment. There are different performance spaces located at this venue that differ drastically. I recently attended a play at Stage One, a lower level theater that lacks bells & whistles but instead provides an incredibly intimate theater experience. There is literally not a bad seat in the house, and I enjoyed it immensely. The main stage is the performance hall with pizzazz, elegant and opulent decor and an overall larger size perfect for dance and musical theater. Each seat has a clear view, although some of the upper seating is too steep in my opinion. Take the N,R,Q or W to 57th Street and 7th. City Center is just a few blocks from Carnegie Hall. If you're searching for a theater experience outside of the ultra-busy theater district, this may be your place.

I'm so surprised that I never came here during the 8 years I've been living in NYC... This place was beautiful! The restrooms were pretty clean and I loved that. The staff members were pretty nice and they helped us to our seats. Only problem that I had was that I really couldn't see from my seat (Right Mezzanine) but it's okay. I just couldn't really see the stuff on the right side of the stage. The show (Jean-Christophe Maillot's Cinderella) was beautiful and was pretty entertaining. I'd definitely come back to this place to see more shows.

My wife and I saw "Bat Outta Hell" here on Saturday.. One of the best shows I've ever seen! If you're a fan of Meatloaf and you don't see this, you are truly missing out! It's a MUST SEE!!! I can't recommend this show enough!!

Just saw Parade here and had to write a review. First, the staff and ushers are so amazing! They are so patient and kind to all patrons- including the bathroom attendant- who was also the sweetest. Also there's not a bad seat in the house because the floor inclines. I forgot how beautiful the venue was. And appreciate making us still mask : )

This...theater...is...enormous. I was dying to see Assassins (pun unintentional) but was forced to get the nosebleed seats in the balcony. The amount of space you have between rows is a LOT. A lot more than other theaters. But it is just soooo biiiiiggg that I wouldn't ever sit up there again. Yes the theater is beautiful, but I may have enjoyed it more had I not been sitting in another continent. On the bright side, I burned a lot of calories going up the steps to said balcony level because I didn't want to wait for the elevator...

We went to see Brigadoon and absolutely loved it. I have never seen such a huge theatre. Surprisingly, the elevators going up to nose bleed territory where I was sitting we're not overcrowded and ran pretty quickly. The theatre is gorgeous and the acoustics are great. The show was beyond amazing. Phenomenal dancing and singing!!! The ushers were pleasant and friendly. I definitely would come see a show here again!

Multiple comfortable theaters. We saw a show in a downstairs theatre. There was an elevator for people who couldn't manage the wide stairs. The restrooms were clean. The seats were comfortable with a steep rise between rows, providing a clear view of the stage.

Absolutely love love this place. I came here with friends to see a dance production during the NyC APAP 2020 in January. The theater spaces are beautiful clean and really fosters creativity.

Coming to this venue was my primary motivator for making a return visit to the Big Apple this past spring. I have been wanting to see something of the much-lauded Encores! concert series that plays exclusively at the City Center, and there was a revival I dare not miss. First of all, it was Sondheim. An obscurity and an infamous bomb back in 1964, "Anyone Can Whistle" has developed a cult following in the intervening years, and listening to the music, I can understand why. Sublime stuff. Translating the show into a concert format actually enhanced the performance since the book remains stubbornly problematic. Frankly, a lot of it was too surreal for me to grasp fully, but offsetting the flaws was a trio of Broadway's leading lights at their peak - Donna Murphy, Sutton Foster and my fave Raul Esparza. The score was superbly delivered by these three. The acoustics of this old cavernous theater are quite good, but the view from the mezzanine is poor as the rows of seat don't rise high enough to avoid seeing the back of the head of the 6'4" guy in front of you. Still, given the stellar program of events offered here, including the Alvin Ailey dance company, a ticket to a City Center performance is a must for a true Manhattan-only moment. Besides, it was Sondheim for Pete's sake. And as he wrote in the title tune of the show..."What's hard is simple... What's natural comes hard... Maybe you could show me... How to let go, lower my guard, learn to be free... Maybe if you whistle, whistle for me." That had absolutely nothing to do with this review, but I just love his lyrics, don't you?

Love this theatre! Seats are comfortable and roomy! Saw a few productions here and always very pleased! We had a ticket mess up at one of the shows but the manager was courteous and patient and managed to find us a seat! She was very helpful, sorry I didn't get her name to thank her..she made a stressful situation calm and easy. FYI Swan Lake was incredible! Amazing talent!! Bravo

This is a beautiful theater. We saw Evita. I was a little concerned about our seats. We were fairly far back in the orchestra section, but had a good view. Staff were professional and helpful. This is a solid venue.

Beautiful moorish revival theater in the heart of the Broadway theater district. I just saw "God bless you Mr. Rosewater". Which oddly is a musical adaption of the eponymous book by Kurt Vonnegut. The adaption into a musical was fairly absurd and I am sure the author would have smiled at that. Otherwise, the theater is magnificent and should be an attraction in its own right. Highly recommend.

Recently renovated and absolutely gorgeous. I hadn't been to the theater in several years and last week I attended the annual Fall for Dance Festival and I was surprised at how the theater sparkles after the new updates. They restored the mosaic like walls and the arabesque ceiling and improved the audience's sightlines. We were seated in the balcony and when my grandma was first seated she grumbled, "should've brought binoculars." I'm thinking, great. What was I thinking? To my surprise, we could see everything incredibly well. City Center does a wonderful job promoting different forms of art and the breadth of works brings audience members back, time and time again.

I always enjoy coming here to see Alvin Ailey. It had been a long tome since I've been here but it was just as enjoyable as always. The Theater staff was great. The seats are comfy and the place is clean. Seeing Revelations performed brings back such god memories. If you haven't seen this performance, put it on your list!

It had been a few years since the last time we were at CC. The restoration that was done is fabulous. The theater needed it badly. Alvin Ailey Co. is like a new Co. it was exhilarating and wonderful to see these dancers, well schooled and trained. The program was made of : Episodes- powerful, strong; Minus 16- at first, I wasn't sure that I would like the piece. It turns out at the end with the audience participation. Very funny! Revelations! a signature piece. It was a very good feeling to be back at this theater. 12/23/12.

Wonderful theatre with two stages. A larger upstairs stage and the lower basement stage that has a more intimate feel to it. Saw Ripcord in the lower flower theatre. Stadium seating with a small stage that can be seen by all in the audience. Perfect for plays as you get a feel for being in the scenes. Acoustics are a bit rusty as voices didn't project but you still got a good feel from the theatre. It's a bit confusing on ground level though if you have never been here as you would think there is only one theatre here but the ticket window and stairs to the 2nd lower theatre is on the left side of the entrance doors with a stairs going down. As i made this mistake by going into the main area for the upper floor theatre. Centrally located in midtown.

Attended the Patrice O'Neal Comedy Benefit. The ushers in the lobby were polite and helpful. However in the balcony section (row J on the right side), that usher ran the section like a prison warden... Phones/cameras were not allowed during the show, so if you took yours out for any reason, you had a flash light shined in your eyes. She even did this from a distance, hence shining her flashlight into a crowd, rather than up close to address the offender(s). She wasn't a pleasant and quite rude and accusatory. Took away from a fun night in my opinion. Overall I like the layout of the venue and vantage point. Just poor luck of the draw regarding the usher assigned to our section. Good: -Great vantage point from our upper balcony level seating -Staff performing security did so expeditiously -Staff in the lobby were able to direct us easily to our seats -Leg room in the balcony section was larger than I thought (Sat in Row J), I did not have to do too much for folks passing by. Bad: -Balcony seating above consists of very long rows, if you are seated near either aisle ends you may get annoyed very quickly. If you are seated in the middle, great for you, but it is a long shuffle to get there. -One usher in the balcony section (around Row J) would shine a flashlight into a crowd if she saw cell phone in the audience, very distracting when you're trying to focus on the comic's jokes.

Went to see Moses in Egypt it was incredible. .. The set designs were out of this world and hightech changing video designs were quite a treat for the eyes. I like the fact that you can dress casually smart and not being in full evening attire, like you would do at the Met. Venue is as always a visual knockout and what a pleasure to watch performances there, when you're in a mood for a sophisticated dinner and opera date night.

I have had the good fortune of experiencing both an excellent off-Broadway play, "Of Good Stock," (now in previews) in one of the two smaller, orchestra-seating-only stages and a dynamic performance by the New Chamber Ballet, seamlessly blending contemporary and classical elements and accompanied by virtuoso pianist Melody Fader (http://www.melodyfader.com/) in the studio spaces at leading nonprofit off-Broadway company Manhattan Theater Club's historic New York City Center complex. The City Center, Manhattan's first performing arts center, accorded landmark status in the mid-1970s, was tastefully and meticulously renovated in 2011--the Center's first major renovation since its construction in the 1920s--a project which added a contemporary aesthetic, opened up space, improved sight-lines in the theaters, and upgraded the facilities, while preserving and restoring the building's historic Moorish revival interior and exterior architectural elements. Post-renovation, the City Center is my favorite place in which to experience theater. Its location in the mid 50s, just far away enough from the madding Broadway crowd, combined with its grand space, which is quite larger than most off-Broadway spaces in the East and West Villages, affords the best of both worlds. *Disclaimer: My tickets to both the play and the ballet were comped (not by Yelp; through my own connections to a performer and a theater critic), so I cannot speak to the value of the experiences in relation to their full ticket prices. However, for those on a budget, MTC does offer an excellent "$30 under 30 (y/o)" deal (http://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/season-tickets/30-under-30/). Back in the day when I still qualified for this, I was able to procure a front row, center seat to a two-time Tony-nominated play written by a Pulitzer Prize winner and directed by a Tony Award winner in MTC's Samuel J. Friedman theater (home to MTC's Broadway productions). Those patrons of the arts more interested in dance than theater should be pleased to learn that tickets to the New Chamber Ballet performances in the studio spaces at City Center are quite reasonable.

There is an open atrium which I walk through from 55th Street to 56th Street without any hassles. There is no air conditioner in this open atrium which at times is stifling hot. Since I have not attend any concerts or performing art events, I have no comment.

Absolutely beauuuuuuuuutiful architecture!! This theater is very ~steep~, but that's great because when you're on the balcony in the back row, you can still see everything. Works out great for those of us on the shorter side who don't have to worry about some giant man sitting in front of us. The staff are all friendly/helpful, only draw back is the fact that if you're on the balcony you have to walk up these ugly slightly creepy stairs to get there.

Beautiful theatre!! The tiling on the ceilings and surrounding the stage are beautiful, and so are the light fixtures. The staff is friendly and helped us find our seats quickly. The seats are comfortable with a good amount of leg room. We were in the first level of the balcony and didn't feel like it was too steep at all. We had a great view of the stage and the rest of the theatre. We were here for Fall for Dance and had a great time! (I would totally recommend this dance festival--tickets are super affordable and it allows you to see different genres of dance each night!) We got wine and pretzels during intermission. The pretzels were obviously overpriced, but the wine actually was only like $7! It wasn't the best, but the glasses were large! The only issue was that the line for drinks was so long that he hardly had time to drink our wine before the show started again. It would be helpful if they opened up two refreshment windows for alcoholic beverages. They did have a second window open but it was only for soda, water, juice, etc. The stairwells are large and we were able to move quickly to get to our seats and also back out onto the street once the show was over.