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Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts
201 SW 5th AveFort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 462-0222
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
22 reviews for Broward Center for the Performing Arts
22 reviews in English
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Review from Mimi M.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Awesome staff of volunteers. I took my aunts to see Jersey Boys here and I was very impressed with the Center.
A few notes:
- The Valet parking was $20, but so worth it.
- At intermission they had a great selection of treats but the Cappuccino was awesome!
- If you are going with elderly, handicap or people who cant climb the stairs, you must not buy the upper Balcony tickets. I felt horrible for my aunt who couldnt make it up the last flight of steps, however I rushed to the box office and explained my ordeal and they accommodated her in the lower balcony for only $13 bucks extra. -
Review from Edenia F.
Miami, FL
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I loooovvvveeee coming here to watch shows. Location is perfect easy to find and near restaurants and bars. The parking is perfect no need to valet , there is a parking garage across the street with a covered walkway connected to the theater so on a rainy day no worries about your hair getting freezy . Pick up window for the tickets is a breeze , line always moves fast.
I came here to watch Les Mis, ballets, and off Broadway shows, and always had a great experience. We always eat at a near by restaurant called tarpon bend which is within walking distance. On my own ...... (Les mis music in the background )
I would love to see Wicked here can't wait till Broadway across America brings it here again (I dreamed a dream .....) lol -
Review from Mr H.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
10/15/2011
Awesome facility with so much going on for Ft Lauderdale.
The staff is 100'% attentive & volunteer ushers all know what they're doing
So far after my brief review I've seen a few shows at BCFPA's which is more than the Au Ren theater, Amaturo and New River Room. Each venue is so differant that I'd never believe I'm in one complex but it's all managed well.
By far the best seats are mid orchestra or lower balcony.
Parking as others have said is convenient though the garage staff (OK only those who take money) could take a lesson from the house staff & volunteers on courtesy
Come to the Sunday Jazz buffet & tour the complex, you'll be amazed -
Review from Megan M.
6/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been so Broward Center several times ever since I was a kid. We used to go on field trips in my drama program at school and I've gone a few times as an adult to take in some shows.
Pros:
-Friendly staff
-Great views no matter where your seats are
-Good location with lots of restaurants nearby
-Reasonable ticket prices for the most part (Most shows are between $30-70)
-Great bar and snacks at really great prices (the other night I got bottled water, a huge pretzel, and a bar of Godiva for around $10. That's cheaper than a movie theatre...by a lot)
-Convenient parking nearby (lots of public lots and garages ranging from $5-15)
-Variety of shows (They have big musicals, operas, concerts, shows for families and kids. The lineup here is always great)
Cons:
-Valet is expensive ($20, BUT with so much parking nearby, it should not be this pricey. I was expecting $10-15. Also, this is Ft. Lauderdale, not Miami...just sayin)
-The seats are really uncomfortable (By the time the end of the first act comes around, I'm always wiggling in my seat)
-Not enough bathrooms (The line for the ladies room during intermission is ridiculous) -
Review from Franz K.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
What a nice venue to watch a musical.
I got 2 comp tickets from Yelp to watch "Hair" the musical and I was very impressed (the musical was amazing). I haven't been to a live performance like that since I was in middle school and the experience was well worth it.
The chairs were comfy, a little tight, but comfy. I honestly think there isn't a bad seat in the house, anywhere you sit is a solid view.
The bottled drinks were $4.00, nothing you wouldn't see from a movie theater. Parking was $12 for garage and $20 for valet . . . also nothing extreme, especially since this is downtown near Las Olas.
The only con I would say are the bathrooms, as they only have one stall and 2 urinals, so you can imagine the line during intermissions (though the process was smooth).
The audience was great and so were the performers and I look forward to watching another production at this place in the future and I am glad Yelp was here to give me the opportunity to see a wonderful production at a beautiful facilitiy. My pops, who is the one who originally wanted to see this production was also very happy with the venue, and he isn't the easiest guy to please.
I fully recommend the Broward Center for Performing Arts as a solid place to watch any musical productions that come to town. -
Review from Nicole T.
4/3/2011
I recently saw the musical Wicked at this venue and had a great time! The location is convenient and easy to navigate, and parking was only $6 in the connecting garage to the theater.
The inside was spacious and the layout of the inside of the theater is very accomodating. There seem to be no bad seats. I sat in the upper orchestra and had a nice view of the stage and performers.
Another perk is that if you go online to their website they have some of the "better seats" at discounted promo prices. Got a nice discount on the matinee! -
Review from Brenda P.
4/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have seen many different shows here from Elmo to Fosse to (recently) Wicked!
We usually valet park but there is plenty of parking in the garage as well. It is really nice inside. Ushers are very attentive and pleasant. The lines for drinks get a little long and the reason I usually skip buying anything at intermission. That and after making the other long line at the Women's bathroom it's time to get back to my seat!
The theater is not huge so most seats have a good view. Location is great. You can walk right down the street and find endless places for after theater dining or drive several minutes to Las Olas.
Very nice venue. -
Review from Susan C.
1/15/2012
My husband and I just got back from seeing Jersey Boys and had such a great time! I've been coming to the Broward Center for meetings and events for my job for awhile now, but this is my first official show since moving to South Florida over 2 years ago. As a New York transpant, I've been to a lot of Broadway shows and this show is right up there with them. The entire experience was great! Our wait time at the Will Call line was very short and all of the ushers were friendly and helpful. We had a great view of the stage from the Mezzanine and the sound quality was top notch. We got the same Playbills and saw the same merchandise for sale as you would in NYC, and I was impressed by all of the food and drink offerings. In fact, I don't remember being able to buy a turkey sandwich and a hot pretzel at the theater before! I'm not sure why other people are complaining about the Women's bathroom line. I only had to wait 5 minutes during intermission and was out before my husband was. Definitely go see a show at the Broward Center if you can, and be sure to look for discount codes. We saw this show half price by taking advantage of a code we got through Travelzoo!
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Review from Mary M.
Hollywood, FL
4/20/2011
By far my favorite place to see ballets and musicals in the whole tri-county area. I bring my family every year to watch the Nutcracker and we've never been disappointed in the least. The drinks are good, the venue is spacious and beautiful. I've also seen Phantom here third row center, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
Going to see Wicked here this week. Can't wait! -
Review from Bryan O.
Pompano Beach, FL
8/8/2009
Very nice theater for shows. Just got back from a riveting performance of Dora the Explorer Live! Granted, it was a kids show, but the place has great acoustics and is very comfortable, plus there are no bad seats. I've seen a few non-children's shows over the years and they've all been impressive and enjoyable.
Only downsides to this place are that the parking is $12, but it's right across the street; and that all of the staff are knocking on heaven's door, with most octogenarians, but still nice.
Big plus is that 2nd Street is right there for going out before and/or after the event so you can really make an evening of it. -
Review from Michelle C.
Miami, FL
4/28/2009
I like the Broward Performing Arts center better than the Carnival Center (Arscht Center).
Mostly because of the food choices. There is hot, good smelling food here. Hot dogs and hamburgers. I guess I'm just not all that fancy.
Also, HUGE PLUS--- you can pre-order your intermission drinks. Everybody wins here. They sell more drinks, less waiting in line, your drink is ready and you have more time to enjoy it instead of having to throw it back.
Parking is easy.
Riverwalk is close.
Why not 5 stars?
The building is a bit dated.
The sound was a bit crappy when I saw Phantom of the Opera (though fine at other things I've seen... dunno)
Mostly cause' it's in Broward... that is one hell of a drive for me.Listed in: Artsy Fartsy, Damn Tourists
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Review from Charlie F.
Raleigh, NC
7/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
I attended the Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant here. What a great facility! Well staffed with helpful, professional people.
The theatre for the the pageant was beautiful, ample size, and an excellent venue for this production.
I know the people of Broward County are proud to have such a high quality facility. -
Review from Kristen R.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
8/6/2010
Surprisingly easy to get to, and parking was convenient with a nearby garage. This was my absolute theater go-to place until the Adrienne Arsht Center opened... now I go to both! This theater, on the inside at least, might just edge out AAC in terms of aesthetics. It's simply GORGEOUS.
*Musicals watched here: *Oklahoma!, The Phantom of the Opera -
Review from Monika K.
Updated - 6/13/2011 1 photo
Was lucky enough to see the musical "hair" here last night thanks to Yelp Miami, awesome seats! the show was fantastic, so much energy and laughs and fun, loved the constant interactions with the audience. feel lucky to have such a great venue in such a beautiful part of the city.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/21/2010
Have been here for a variety of shows recently...from a live led zepplin orchestra concert to… Read more »
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Review from Linda N.
Hialeah, FL
4/24/2011
I absolutely love this place. I've been here for two ballets and they were magnificent. We first watched a Neighborhood Ballroom in the third row and it was amazing, funny and just wonderful. The theater is beautiful, plenty of parking and I can't wait until I watch the next show here. Great for a date night since there are so many restaurants in the area and so many nice places to walk.
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Review from D D.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
4/15/2011
Just saw Wicked here, it was a Wonderful show! Chandra Lee Schwartz was incredible, I see awards in her future. Jackie Burns was fantastic, what a voice these 2 women have! A fantastic time. A little pricey but you get what you pay for.
Also saw Cirque on Broadway and that was wonderful as well.
Plenty of parking across the street but its $12
The theater itself is nice but gets cramped when there's a busy show..
The sound system is nice, can hear the show easily.
Yes the staff are older but I think it's cute.
Cons:
- Nowhere to sit when you buy food in the theater. You have to eat standing up while holding your plate and drink, difficult to do especially when wearing nice clothes.
- Bathrooms are small and the lines are long when its intermission.
I suggest you eat before going as the nearby restaurants fill up fast when there's a show. -
Review from Paul W.
4/5/2009 1 photo
I've seen operas and a few other performances at both the Broward Center and the Arscht Center in Miami. When comparing the two facilities, I think each has some advantages over the other. Personally I find that the performance hall at Arsht has a warmer feel to it, it's classier and more updated looking than the space at Broward. On the other hand, where Arscht is a bit more narrow and the performance hall is deeper, Broward is a little wider and not as deep, so those in the balcony levels are closer to the stage. Where I think Broward is clearly superior is when it comes to parking and the surrounding amenities and night life. The Broward Center has a parking garage adjacent to it with a few crosswalks leading to the performance center, as well as a skybridge between the upper decks of the parking facility and the hall. As far as nearby amenities, "Riverwalk" is only a few steps from the entrance. There you'll find plenty of restaurants, a few decent bars and even a club if that's your thing. There are also a few lively streets within walking distance where you'll find other dining options. This makes it easy and convenient to make a night of it; You can drive in early, get a good parking space, have dinner or a few drinks, catch a performance, then if you choose to you can stop somewhere for a night cap while the traffic clears.
As far as the parking garage, they charge a flat $12 fee to park when there are events here. It does seem to clear out reasonably quickly after a performance; I was parked on the top level of the garage and it only took me about 20 minutes to exit. While there were no police in the area to direct traffic, everything flowed very well from the garage up Broward Blvd. to the I-95.
My only critical comments about my experience here at Broward would be that 1) The interior of the performance hall itself could use a bit of updating. It is nice, but not as elegant or as modern looking as some other facilities in the area 2) The signage which guides you to your seating could be better. We tried to follow the posted signs, but ended up asking an usher where we needed to go. 3) I was here to see FGO's presentation of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro". With opera, everything is strictly acoustic from the orchestra and the singers; There is no sound system, no microphones and no speakers. Therefore, since you're listening to a more quiet performance, you really do notice every small noise around you. Broward could stand to lube up the seats a bit as they tend to creak fairly loudly when people move around or shift their weight, which tends to happen a lot during a 3 hour performance with 1 intermission.
UPDATE - I saw "Phantom of the Opera" here in early 2010 and the parking garage was a bit disorganized; they weren't counting vehicles as they entered and were simply accepting $ and allowing them in. As a result, 5 minutes before the performance there were about 2 dozen more cars in the garage than they had spaces to accommodate. Also, the ushers shouldn't allow a steady stream of people to continuously enter the performance hall once an act has begun. Maybe hold them in 1 larger group and quickly seat all of them at less critical times in the performance. Several times our views were blocked by people entering late as they stood there deciding where to sit. -
Review from Wajima A.
Miami, FL
4/23/2011
This is my second time coming to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, last year I made my way to the Theater to catch the Color of Purple and even though we were pretty late, they still went out of their way to let us in, and walk us to our seats. I parked in the garage and found that it was inexpensive, and even though we were late, I didn't have a hard time finding a spot either. This year, we made it back to the Center for WICKED, and although I'm not surprised that I didn't find parking in the garage because of the beautiful musical taking place, it was really unexpected that they only charged me $20.00 to valet my car and park it right in front of the entrance. I love the theater!
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Review from jen r.
3/22/2010
im a huge arts/theater fan.. so even if it means driving all the way to broward to see the show i wanna see, i will do it!!
ive even done it on a weeknight, which is a real mission.
just went to broward performing arts center to see "in the heights" which was absolutely fabulous!! my top 3 plays of all time for sure, such a great lively play with great music and dancing and a touching story about the american dream.
but this isnt about the play.
the theater is nice, always a full house every time ive been which creates a huge problem in the bathrooms with long lines that create crowding in the hallways. and the bathrooms are small and outdated.
the seats are comfortable and the view from lower balcony or upper orchestra are still good.
and the will call is very organized.
the crowd here is so different that in the miami theaters. lots of old people, i mean i think they come on bus loads from their nursing homes. its insane. so if you dont like being stuck walking behind really slow old ppl or sitting next to ppl that talk really loud bc their hearing aide isnt working or if you dont like the smell of old ppl cologne/perfume this may not be the theater for you.
they offer valet for 20 or you can park in the garage across the street (in has a covered bridge that connects) for 12. or maybe you are lucky and score a metered spot closer to river front.
there are plenty of dining options for before or after right down the street!! -
Review from Gianna R.
11/22/2008
I went here last night for the first time to see the Musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.. Ya I know im a dork.. But it was really cute.. The staff was very friendly the bartenders made good drinks but they didn't really have anything top shelf there best vodka was Absolut witch I contribute to this awefull headache I have today... But all and all it was a good experience the place was also very clean and nice.. I think the views are good from pretty much all the seats but I am not for sure cause we had very good seats we weren't in the nose bleed cheapo seats... Expensive to park the car like 12 bucks for 2hrs but whatever I didn't pay lol..
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Review from Andrea F.
1/17/2010
Came here again to see the Phantom of the Opera, a matinee showing. I was impressed with all the employees who were helpful and friendly. The bar had a pretty good selection of cocktails, wine, and beer for fairly steep prices. Also there was a turkey carving station selling fresh carved sandwiches, they looked really good! Parking in the garage across the street was easy and convenient. We sat in the balcony and could still see and hear pretty well leading me to conclude there isn't a bad seat in the house. We really enjoyed the show and look forward to seeing what else will be on the calendar in 2010!
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Review from Amy Jo A.
Miami, FL
Updated - 3/13/2011
attended yet another performance by the miami city ballet last night. seats still not full..sat night..come on people...show some interest in our south florida culture..many patrons were older..most everyone gets dressed up and its fun.. program III was really great and a nice break from classic ballet. remember..an hour before performance you can sit and have an intimate talk with edward villella...what a treat.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/14/2010
this is the place to attend for events if you live in the lauderdale area. easy to get to, easy… Read more »
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