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Altarena Playhouse
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts [Edit]
1409 High StAlameda, CA 94501
(510) 523-1553
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
30 reviews for Altarena Playhouse
30 reviews in English
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Review from Sally R.
Castro Valley, CA
2/12/2012
We've been attending performances at the Altarena Playhouse in Alameda for several years. Just saw "Fences"... powerful, incredible performances. Great theatre; great performances - whether drama or musical.
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Review from Sebastian R.
San Leandro, CA
2/17/2012
Being an actor myself, Altarena Playhouse is a great place to perform. Though the dressing rooms are very small and you have to share the bathrooms with patrons, Altarena is like working with family. The theatre is small and intimate so playing to the audience is always a given. Also, I have seen several shows there the price of admission was worth it.
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Review from Kim R.
Alameda, CA
10/28/2011
I went yesterday to see "the Rocky Horror Show". All I can say is *WOW*! Very well done. Actors were spot on!
Terrific! -
Review from Deborah J.
Alameda, CA
1/21/2012
Fences is one of August Wilson's most profound works and was spectacularly brought to life by your talented cast. Does your first aid kit contain casts for all the legs that were broken? Great Show!!!
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Review from Bite M.
Hell, MI
11/1/2011
I watched The Rocky Horrow show here on Sunday. It was........interesting. Anyhow, even though I still don't understand the entire plot, the actors were fantastic and I enjoyed the performances. My ONLY gripe is that the venue is sooooo small. They should make people enjoy their coffee and cookies either in the theater or outside during intermission. There were way too many people standing around in the lobby, making it very difficult for others to walk through. Im actually interested in purchasing season tickets for 2012; it was that good of an experience for me.
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Review from Marina G.
Alameda, CA
2/19/2012
We just moved down the street from this Playhouse and luckily caught one of the last performances of Fences. It was an amazing play with really talented actors. The playhouse was so cute too and we loved how it felt like a really intimate performance. Next time though we will remember to bring cash as coffee and cookies served during intermission are on a donation basis. The only complaints are the people sitting in front of us who would NOT stop whispering through the entire show. Their rudeness didn't ruin our night though and we will for sure be back to see The Mousetrap!
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Review from Tiffany W.
Fresno, CA
Updated - 2/13/2012
Ok, I've stayed for one season and so far so good! One of the shows I found kinda dragged..but that was probably due to the story line...I'm looking forward for another season here! I'm going to see Fences this weekend before they close the show....
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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3/27/2011
Came here to watch "25th annual spelling bee". It was soooo hilarious!! I was laughing so hard i had… Read more »
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Review from Sebastian S.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2007
Great community theater with stellar productions. Just saw "Morning's At Seven", directed by Sue Trigg. Genius! I've seen many other plays and musicals here, and all were wonderfully cast and produced. Tickets are very reasonable, especially if you buy season tickets.
For the holidays, try to catch "The Man Who Saved Christmas", which plays November 30 - December 16, 2007. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
This is also a great forum for actors. Check out the website for auditions. Definitely not one of those community theaters that only cast their own clique! They feature actors from all around the Bay Area. -
Review from Linda B.
Oakland, CA
3/22/2008
This little community theatre has been around since the 1930's. And I don't know how they put on such quality productions. I saw Morning's At Seven a few months ago. I had seen the play before in a huge house in L.A., and this one was almost as good. Tonight I saw Chicago, and it was fabulous.
Only $20, cheaper if you subscribe. How do they do it?? -
Review from Caleb D.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2009
I'm in Gypsy here right now (runs through April 5th get your tickets now!!!)
I have to say it's a solid theatre that produces solid shows... I'm having an amazing time.
One star off because backstage is TINY.... and I get claustrophobic.. I sneak out front every chance I get. -
Review from Erich V.
Oakland, CA
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
A nice small theater with seating that surrounds the stage. If the actors want to talk to the audience they have to break the 2nd, 3rd and 4th wall.
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Review from Beatrice T.
Los Angeles, CA
4/4/2010
I must agree with those who rave about Man of La Mancha! Great storytelling.. great intimacy and interaction among the audience... and a very well directed show. These actors, though at times inconsistent with vocal strength, brought the story of Don Quixote to new levels and made me rush home to research the music, legend, and author further..
I may even say that this was the best community theatre production I have yet to see! -
Review from Phong D.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2010
A true hidden gem of Alameda. Caught a showing of Man of La Mancha. The actors interacted with the audience before the show which was great.
The stage was very well put together and transitions between scenes were well thought out. They kept it simple and believable. Good production value for a community theater. The audience is seated intimately close to the stage. Free Coffee / Hot Chocolate / Tea / Cookies that you can bring into the theater.
I would definitely come back for another show. SUPPORT LOCAL THEATER! -
Review from scott f.
Oakland, CA
4/4/2010
Just saw Man of La Mancha produced by Stewart Lyle with my family.
This was the final of 19 performances and it must have been the best because we were just floored by how good the actors and the production values were.
The cast interacted with the audience even before the show started. I believe this was the first time in the presentation of Man of La Mancha that a director ever tried this idea. It was very effective.
All the cast was great. Our favorites were LaMont Ridgell, Donna Turner and Lisa Price. The whole cast was top notch and we all agreed we felt like we were watching a show on Broadway. The acting was so strong that by the end of the performance there were many teary-eyed audience members. The show ended with the longest standing ovation that I can ever remember, and well deserved.
Congratulations to Stewart Lyle and his entire cast. -
Review from star v.
Alameda, CA
They now sell wine, $4 a glass. (R&B Cellars, it's good wine!)
You're allowed to bring it in with you when you see a play.
Also, they are going green. recycling bins & all.
A+ changes.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/6/2010
Terrific actors.
Great performances.
Friendly staff.
Great Seats.
Good First Date venue.
Free coffee.
… Read more »
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Review from Michael N.
Emeryville, CA
3/29/2010
So, my wife took me here to see Man of La Mancha this past Saturday. I was really tired and started to fall asleep, but was woken up by this production! The lead, Lamont Ridgell, was unbelievably fantastic. The tickets were $22 and I can't believe I saw this performance for so little.
Maybe it was an anomaly, but I can't wait to see another production there. -
Review from Vince S.
Berkeley, CA
3/21/2009
Ok...seriously GHETTO venue.
But to their credit, Gypsy was a pretty solid production tonight, and there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Plus, they basically gave out free cookies and drinks during intermission! (They ask for donations, since they're a non-profit).
It seems like they're hugely successful for a small community theatre, which is great. But don't expect anything like the Orpheum, or even Berkeley Rep! -
Review from Stacy D.
Berkeley, CA
1/25/2011 2 photos
Came here with some friends to see Of Mice and Men. Fantastic production! Get tickets to see if before it ends!
Pluses for the theater: The theater is small but intimate. You really get to be close to the performance. Free coffee/tea/water before the show and during intermission. Free cookies during intermission. What else can you ask for? =) -
Review from Susan B.
Alameda, CA
6/5/2011
The Altarena's Moonlight and Magnolias, directed by Stewart Lyle, is a must see. Beautifully delivered in the round, with a seasoned cast, beautifully costumed and cleverly staged. A special shout out to the lighting design that added so much to this production. I especially love the lit Gone with the Wind mural.
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Review from Laura J.
Castro Valley, CA
6/12/2011
Date night with my husband. My turn to pick. What to do? Found the Altarena Playhouse in the Chronicle's 96 hours of things to do in the Bay Area. Read the synopsis of Moonlight & Magnolias. Sounded intriguing. My favorite movie is Gone With the Wind. Husband, not so crazy about thee-a-tar. Took a chance and surprised him with tickets. What a FANTASTIC play! The "amateur" actors were EXCELLENT and definitely not amateurs. As my husband said, "how did [Tim Reynolds] remember all those lines!" Keith Jefferds as Ben Hecht - superb casting! John Hale's interpretation of Melanie - priceless! Donna Turner as the secretary - so much for so few lines! The playhouse is intimate, the stage is in the middle of the theater, where there really is no bad seat and you feel like you are right in the action. Hubby very pleased too. We will be back!
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Review from Donald W.
Oakland, CA
4/1/2011
The "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" which is currently playing at the Altarena play house is a must see. The cast is incredible and does the musical in the round which is a feat in and of itself. If you are looking for a night to get away from disaster reports and stories of Michelle Bachman's possible run for president, you couldn't spend your $22 any better way. It is a light hearted comic musical that is entertaining from start to finish. The diversity of the cast is amazing. Many play more than one roll in small vignettes within the play. I've seen it twice and I suggest you at least see it once. You will probably want to bring friends with you when you go the second time.
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Review from joi j.
Martinez, CA
1/26/2011
Great theater! Great talent! Great price! This theater seems to attract great talent, considering the fine plays I have seen here in the past.
Intimate comfortable theater setting--one of my favorites in the entire bay area--and just about to celebrate their 75th Anniversary! It's amazing how the cozy set-up actually makes us feel involved in the story since everything is so up close and personal.
And speaking of "personal", this theater has been lovingly tended by an amazing crew of passionate and dedicated staff, who make just about every interaction feel warm and personal--their love of this place and pride in what they do there are palpable--from the warm welcome received at the door, to their offerings of cookies and coffee by donation, to their steady recycling/greening efforts. A real community GEM!
BE ON THE LOOK-OUT for more great shows coming out of this special theater!!! We are so glad we discovered this place, especially to see great theater on this side of the bay! -
Review from Mani R.
San Leandro, CA
4/4/2009
This is a small venue but there is not a bad seat in the house. I just saw Gypsy and it was fantastic and the cast and crew were awesome. $20.00 for entertainment and free cookies and soda during intermission. You can't beat it.
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Review from James G.
Alameda, CA
3/29/2010
We've been going here for a few years and finally bought season tickets this year. We just saw the wonderful production of "Man of La Mancha" and they've really outdone themselves. "Bus Stop" was great too. Every time we leave I say "This was the best one yet!" And, for $22!
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Review from alamedabrian m.
Alameda, CA
1/31/2010
Fun place and high quality performances for a community theater. Always a good time.
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Review from angelo b.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2008
Bat Boy The Musical Kicks ass and is running NOW!!!
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Review from scott h.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2008
Bat Boy the Musical was good--maybe 7 out of 10.
Best thing: Alex Rodriguez was absolutely fantastic as the Bat Boy. The best on the stage by far.
Worst thing: The sound system in the Altarena Playhouse. Often hard to hear the actors. -
Review from Dennis R.
Alameda, CA
7/14/2010
Just saw Steel Magnolias. This show runs through August 8th, 2010. Outstanding cast in an intimate setting. This production does wonderful tribute to the original stage production of this funny and touching show. The cast takes the production to heart and consistently delivers a perfornace that touches your heart as well as your funnybone. I highly recommend Steel Magnolias as well as the ongoing support of this theatre that contributes so much to the community.
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Review from Miguel G.
Alameda, CA
3/10/2009
Had the wonderful opportunity to see Bat Boy: The Musical here. Great cast and show. It's a wonder how they could turn an old grocery store into a theatre.
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Review from Rafael P.
Alameda, CA
6/14/2010
This is a nice, intimate community theatre venue. Very small, reminiscent of small college theatre. The talent varies, but a lot of it is surprisingly good. I'm not going to review specific performances because that really is a different matter; if you're looking for a good local date that is a little off-center, this is it. Excellent air conditioning in the summer!
