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City Lights Theater Company
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Tue-Fri. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
41 reviews for City Lights Theater Company
This is a GREAT little theater. The staff is friendly, the venue is small so you get to be really close to the actors which is just so exciting. It gets warm in the theater (since it's small) so I'd recommend wearing short sleeves. No need to dress up and get stuffy, it's really casual. They let you eat in your seat. Snacks and drinks are cheap. Also, there's cheap parking right across the street. Don't get stuck walking too far in that neighborhood, just go ahead and pay the 3 bucks for parking.
I saw TOMMY and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot there. Last Days is playing right now - it was incredible. No, really INCREDIBLE. Steven Adly Guirgis as got to be one of the best American writers alive, the script is an absolute knockout. It is at once deeply moving, thoughtful and absurdly funny. Casting was almost perfect. A few standouts were Vera Sloan (who plays the mother of Judas, Henrietta Iscariot), Isaac Benelli (Judas), Alika Spencer and John Romano (who, respectively, play Judas's defense and prosecuting attornies), and Jake Van Tuyl (the bumbling bailiff who's simply funny through-and-through).
Great theater, Great show.
City Lights isn't about the glamorous performance and showcase of a grandiose theater. It's about the actors and the stories they tell with a quirky sense of humor. Usually, it's entertaining with novel twists on the classics. The main drawback is the location, size and ambiance of the theater. Moreover, the lack of ventilation or air conditioning can deter one's ability to enjoy the performance. Therefore, dress comfortably and light with an open mind that enables you to appreciate the experience relative to community theaters.
The staff is friendly and quaint. Parking is available, but limited on the street. It's located near some good eats around San Jose state University.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/22/2008
This little gem of a theater is bound to warm you up during the cold winter holidays and make you… Read more »
Ah the magic of the theater. I used to be a tech (i.e. sound eng.) for the theater in High School but haven't really been to a stage performance much since I graduated. City Lights Theater is the epitome of local theater and has brought back all the old fond memories!
I've seen two performances here so far, Stop Kiss and First Person Shooter, both very original screen plays and beautifully acted. You can tell the people performing here really enjoy what they're doing and put a lot of passion into it.
The theater is small enough that there isn't a bad seat in the house. I've sat in both front and center and in the last row of the right wing (arguably the "worst" seat) and both times I felt like I was part of the show.
If you want to see a Broadway show performed by "professional" actors where you have to sit in the nose bleed seats, go to San Francisco. If you want to see an original show performed by passionate actors in a small intimate atmosphere, go to City Lights.
As a side note and funny story: As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I used to work as a tech in my High School theater. After seeing Stop Kiss with my friends John P., Terre P. and Tracy O. we went to Teske's Germania Restaurant & Beer Garden to finish the night off with a beer and some jager shots. When we got there, the person working behind the bar was none other than someone I had worked in tech with in High School and hadn't seen since I graduated.
So I have had a change of heart and decided I really should give this theater a chance seeing as how I haven't actually been inside of it and perhaps was a little too judgemental after my night running around the city to give a valid opinion of the venue. However, the will call window definitely needs an attendant there longer than the night I tried to attend.
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9/21/2009
For starters, this review is of the location/theater facility ONLY.
I was set to see the Last Days… Read more »
Once again, the City Lights organization puts together a knock out. I was with a small group of friends and we enjoyed the rock opera Tommy with music written by The Who, directed by Kit Wilder. City Lights had a rock band playing and a good sized cast to fullfill the needs of tormenters and worshipers.
This is a wonderful performance but in comparrison to the last three I've seen here this one had some challenges that made me have to rate it a four instead of five stars. The singing parts are difficult to follow at times due to the audio balance. The singer you are supposed to be hearing, you may not hear. For me, not so bad as I know the Tommy story, but for the people who asked me "So what is Tommy?" I figured they'd be missing some parts. I know I did.
For the parts I missed, there were some standout rolls I'd like to shout out. 1: Young Tommy, Nicholas Sancen. He sang, he acted, and he was Tommy. 2: Old Tommy:, Isaac Benelli Yes, he is a sensation and a new vibration. Great voice, very lively on stage and a real treat to watch. 3: Captain Walker, Michael Rhone: Great voice. 4: The acid queen, Raegena Raymond: a total freak as she was supposed to be. I loved watching her whole segment. 5: Mrs. Walker, Molly Thornton: you could see the torment and joy on her face. Wonderful voice and an expressive personality. 6: Cousin Kevin, Jason Arias: A true thug portrayed enjoyably. But only because he had no one to play with today, now that the parents have all gone away. Props to the dancers and their choreography which was done by one of my City Lights Favs Amanda Folena who also was assistant director.
There were some fairly major alterations to the story line to help it fit to a live stage venue. I am not a complete WHO maniac but changes can upset me. These did not. Kit Wilder did this and also The Three Musketeers and with both, he exercised surgical precision in his alteration of the story. Just as much as needed. Smooth out rough edges. I'm amazed he can do this without upsetting the balance of the story one iota.
About the theater. As I've said before, parking across the street is easiest. Drinks are affordable. This place can get hot during spring and summer months so bring a fan. Everybody is friendly and it is a cozy theater with the players right in front of you. Twice I had to make sure my legs were not obstructing actors and actresses.
About Tommy. Released in 1969 I believe it to be the last amazing story out of the 60s. The album was written mostly by Pete Townshend. In 1998 it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for "historical, artistic and significant" (from Wikipedia)
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5/30/2009
What a story!
Diana Son, the playwright of "Stop Kiss" which is playing until June 14th 2009, has… Read more »
I don't know if I am supposed to be reviewing the location or the company...so here is my experience of it all. I have a disclaimer: my full enjoyment was hindered to my choice to go to a 3 hour religious play after a 17 hour work day. What I will praise is the talent of these actors...they are so! A few mistakes with the lines but mostly seamless. I saw 'The Last Days of Judius Iscariot and it was 3 hours long and stuffy in the theater...so not comfortable. The people working though were fun and friendly. The director's intro, 'turn off your cell phone' speech was the most exciting I had seen in a while. I was sad to see all this work done and then not many attend. I got to go free thanks to yelp but I'm not sure who the other audience members found out. So...I would recommend other things done by this company, but Iscariot...prepare to be over infused with religion...for 3 hours!
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***This is regarding Stop Kiss***
Ok, I REALLY want to take away 1/2 of a star for the temperature during the first half of the play. It was way too hot in there. I thought I was the only one until I saw half of the theater fanning themselves. It seemed to cool down a bit in the second half.
But that is my only complaint and I will have to do some serious booty kicking if I hear that is why you don't get off your couch and go see a play here.
I really don't feel I can write any kind of review after reading John P's. I want to write a review of his review because his review was awesome. And if you know us, you know I am not just saying that because he is my Hubby!
Stop Kiss was great. It was just like First Person Shooter, in that you feel the emotions of the play. The actors were GREAT at getting "confused" across to you. You could really feel their confusion and conflict. And of course, it had the perfect amount of humor sprinkled in.
At intermission someone in line for the bathroom asked, "Am I the only one crying? Oh c'mon! I CAN'T be the only one. When she . . . ." See, that is what it is like . . . .
I am going to refer you to John P's review so you can get a more detail gist. His review is great. No need for me to continue to go on and on.
Oh, I know, I can add something that may be helpful to the Chardonnay drinkers. I ordered the Charter Oaks (I think it is called) because I really like it and Kevin N. order the Zinattos (??? Something like that). WOW. That was REALLY sweet for a chardonnay. And $2 more. It was good, but not what you expect from a chardonnay. So if you don't like your chard to be sweet, order the Oaks one.
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3/21/2009
The ONLY bad seat is on your couch. GET OFF IT! Go to San Jose's City Lights Theater!
All of the… Read more »
Small theater tucked away downtown that I almost couldn't find, but it's there. We arrived a few minutes late and the staff was cool about it and let us find our own seats.
We were lucky recipients of Yelp tickets for The Who's "Tommy". I am not a big fan of The Who but my boyfriend is; scored some major points for taking him. He was really happy because they did a great job with the music and the vibe of the album. The acting and singing were good--too bad the individual microphones didn't do them justice at times.
Despite the poor air circulation, I would go to another show there. Check them out--they have some cool stuff lined up.
I hate TV. And movies. Well, not really, but it seems like people are so used to getting filmed storytelling that the pastime of going to the theater has fallen away. I'm not entirely innocent as well; I haven't been to the theater since I was in High School and it never occurred to me, until last night, what I have been missing.
Yelp was gracious enough to provide tickets (I would spend all day and night holed up in my studio with no physical interaction with anyone at all without them, it seems). My friend and I parked closer to downtown rather than near the theater to get dinner together, which worked out rather well since the walk to and from the theater wasn't that bad (it's only a few blocks from the main downtown area).
The play, Stop Kiss, is very intriguing - sad, hopeful, romantic, and happy at different parts of the play. The actors, a very small cast, played their parts convincingly and well.
The theater -was- hot and I was disappointed, upon getting my glass of white wine, that it wasn't chilled. People in the audience were fanning themselves with their programs, slightly distracting when trying to see the play.
I've made a promise to myself to see more plays here, and other local theater companies in the Bay Area. Get off the couch and off the TV, and support theater!
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Very cute local theatre, worth a visit if you like supporting the arts and theatrical performances.
Gotta agree with Terre P. about the temperature in there. Very stagnant, no air flow at all and it was warm. Many patrons were fanning themselves with the Play Bills. Not cool... literally.
However, not complaining too much because the show was free, courtesy of Yelp and City Lights. Brought my co-worker/buddy with me and we both agreed it was a cute production (Stop Kiss), but the ending was a little abrupt and just felt like it was missing something. No fault of the actresses/actors, but if I had my way, I would have flipped the ending around and switched the last two scenes. I don't want to ruin it for people that are planning on seeing it, so for those that went to that production, then I hope you know what I am referring to.
So, me and the co-worker were a little shocked and caught off guard about the abrupt ending, and were a little sweaty from the warmth in the theatre. I did feel good about supporting local artists, but would recommend dressing in layers so you can strip down to adjust with the temperature. On the up note, every seat seemed to be good in there.
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I've had season tickets at The Stage and at The Rep in SJ for 10 years and I would like to say that although I've had many a great theater experience at both venues, I haven't had as moving of an experience as I had this past Saturday at City Lights. "The Last Day's of Judas Iscariot" is a very well written play and the team at City Lights did it justice. The great work by the actors and the balance of the casual atmosphere of the theater made this performance truly enjoyable. I've been to other plays at City Lights, where the results were not as favorable, but I think this time they've got it right! I'm looking forward to their release of Dead Man Walking.
Though I got a little stuffy in this small private theater, they show some very queer friendly plays...recently I scored 3 free tickets via Yelp! and saw "Stop Kiss" a play about two women and the growth of an unforeseen relationship. A year or two ago we got to see "Angels in America".
The stage and seating is small and intimate which makes a very enjoyable experience compared to larger theaters (I'm a sucker for small productions).
To be honest, the vibe here is so much more San Francisco rather than San Jose.
Later this season they will be showing Rent...haha I'll be there! And for $15 for students I willing to spend that extra 5 for something a little more "raw" than a movie down the street.
There is private parking for the theater across the street for $5 if you're not lucky enough to get on the street.
Other than that, I'll be coming back again!
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This is a very nice little theater to come and see a play. I love the performing arts and don't have high expectations when I see a local place like this putting on a show on a smaller scale becasue they usually have small budgets to work with. These groups need the support of the community to keep the theater going and I"m sure I'll be going more in the future. The performace we saw was "Tommy". When I was in high school, "Tommy" was a big hit at the box office and it was THE movie to see. The cast did a fine job and the live band was wonderful. Although I know they are small budget, it would have been nice to see some embellishment on the pinball machine and some big platform shoes and flambouyant clothes to bring out the character (played by Elton John in the film) of the pin-ball champ that Tommy defeated.
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So an update on my Cliffhanger...
We head over at 3:30 pm in our Bikes on a sunny downtown day, ready and happy to watch the second half since it was offered by the Stage Manager from Wednesday. We bike in and proceed to park our bikes on the light post. A bunch of actors were hanging around outside on the benches since Intermission was about to begin.
actor: "You can't park your bikes there"
friend: "why not?"
actor: "private property"
me: "oh we're here to watch the show"
actor: "it's already intermission"
me: "yes, I know, we're here to watch the 2nd half"
actor: "the show is completely sold out"
friend: "we have arrangements and 2 seats saved"
actor: "all the seats are filled..."
We park our bikes, and felt a bit - I can't come up with the words.. It wasn't exactly peeved. I mean, yea the show was sold out and they had no idea of the arrangements we made but it did put me off a bit. We get inside and spoke to the acting stage manager. She received our message about saving 2 seats and without problems, seated us at the top deck with 2 folding chairs. Needless to say, it was no problem at all!
Right before intermission ended some actors were walking around the top part of the stage. The man who played the Duke approached us and apologized for abruptness. Apology accepted.
Anyway. The show was fantastic. I'm glad I caught the 2nd half. But the little blunder pre-2nd half did tip me off a bit. But again... it was a misunderstanding.
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4/16/2009
I got 2 free tickets to watch The Three Musketeers thanks to Connie C.
Such a great little theatre.… Read more »
Thanks to the lovely Connie C., a potentially quiet evening with the hubby out of town turned into a fun night out on the town for yours truly and two fellow Yelpers (plus one of their significant others).
We attended the Preview Night performance of The Three Musketeers at City Lights Theater Company. The acting was fantastic! The script was well-done and highly entertaining. I also enjoyed the smaller space that brought the entire experience up close. The cast also used all four sides of the theater at certain times, creating audio-visual interest all around the audience.
Although I find the building and venue a bit shabby and old, this non-profit organization manages to produce six plays per year here. If all their productions are of the caliber we saw last night, then they truly do accomplish their mission of creating "innovative, engaging, and accessible theatre that brings audiences and artists together in an intimate, vital, and inspiring experience."
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About a third of the way thru the latest City Lights Theatre production, "First Shooter," it finally started to come alive and ring true for me. To be honest, thru the first part of the play, which laid out the horrific and bloody premise of the story, it was not ringing very true for me.
Because, everything in the first part, the school yard massacre by two high school kids possibly inspired and possibly even instructed by a violently imaged bang-bang shoot'em-up computer video game developed mainly by a gore-obsessed programmer-geek, struck me as a little gimmicky, the characters a little too freakish to identify with .. and the verisimilitude of the opening scenes struck me as being just a little beyond my means of judging. I mean.. heck.. I've never been in the middle of a school-yard massacre.. or even in the offices of a computer video game company for that matter so how the heck do *I* know how people act in those situations?
The play really came alive for me in the less freakish but more disturbing aftermath of the tragedy.. after that video game programmer has a chance at more reflection.. let's his human side show.. and realizes with horror his own personal and possibly subconsciously racist revenge-motivated, culpability in the shooting tragedy.
At that point, his personal conscience tells him he should acknowledge his culpability and attempt to do right with the parents of the victims. But his corporate obligations, his allegiance to the video-gaming institution and network that he is part of, require that he suppress his personal conscience.. and for the good of the company and those employed by it, go into conventional corporate mode.. adversarial mode.. spin game mode.. shift-blame-to-the-victim mode.. chutzpah mode.. subtle race-bait mode.. be anything but human mode.. be anything but contrite.. be anything but vulnerable mode.. be anything but honest mode.. speak disingenuously mode..
And in doing so he victimizes one of the victim's family even farther..
Ah! the acts of dubious morality we are called upon to commit, every now and then, in the name of doing our jobs.. in the name of *saving* our jobs.. In the name of protecting our peers.. in the name of playing our part in the institutions that *we* are a part of... Sometimes we take slightly crooked paths.. sometimes we take really crooked paths... Sometimes we take moral shortcuts that devastate other people's lives.
The Republican Presidential candidate previously known for his "straight-talk.." who was forced in the end by his party's need to turn out the wing-nut vote to keep from being *completely* swept away to resort to spouting barely concealed race-baiting lines took that path..
Ambitious young DA's who shipped inarticulate innocent hispanic kids off to prison on trumped up criminal charges and knowingly suppressed exonerating evidence to advance their careers .. took this path..
Other workmates in that same office who know of other miscarriages of justice but who are keeping their mouths shut because their comfortable relationships with their law school peers is more important than releasing some poor innocent but dumb schnook in prison for a crime he did not commit a few years early.. they've also taken that path..
The DA's office is a nest of snakes.. Obviously I'm going off on a tangent.. but that's what thought-provoking social drama allows you to do..
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11/22/2008
Gee.. I don't think I knew this theater company existed in San Jose until the company and Yelp… Read more »
I saw Tommy Saturday night. Loved it!! They ROCKED the house! Cast was fab! Musicans were fab! Overall a great night of live theatre. I highly recommend it!!
I never knew about this place till I came her last Friday night. To see the production of Rapunzel.
It is a very cozy and small theater. There is no bad sit in this house. The have a small parking lot but I found parking on the street.
The production was great. It was funny, entertaining, and great voices. The second act was all Holiday songs and it bring all the warm feelings of the season.
It was great at the end to met the cast and they did an wonderful job. Overall a great production and cozy place to go for an evening of great entertainment.
It was nice to see Noelle, Michael, Vicky, Cindi, Vu, Vivi, Eli, and the all the other Yelpers.
Vu- Thanks for fixing my phone.
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i checked out city lights as part of a yelp elite event. we watched a preview showing of the who's _tommy_, the musical. i was very happy to do something (or at least _attend_ something) artistic in san josé. i like to say that san josé has "culture" in the sense that it has art and music, etc. i'm proud to have grown up in san josé. it is _not_ just some suburb of san francisco or anything like that. it has a personality of its own, a decent one.
well, city lights theatre is a pretty modest venue. it doesn't have the newest facility or the most luxurious amenities, etc. it's kind of an old building but not like a vintage, antique building; just uhm... old. the seats are pretty worn in and kind of look second.hand. however, why should that matter? used things have personality, right?
well, i feel the performance that night was maybe missing some props and some costuming. furthermore, the audio/video team seemed to have some technical difficulties: the sound board person seemed to fade in people's microphones too late after they started singing. during the main character's big finale line, the camera person could not shut off the camera and instead kept projecting images of the main co.stars chest on the overhead t.v. screens. i almost busted out laughing and felt bad because i was sitting front and center, right in front of the lead actor. so... the preview performance had a few minor problems to iron out. however, i totally felt that the actors had energetic talent. they were very gifted and could convey emotions very well. as many of the performers looked very young, i figure many are trying to launch their stage performing careers here. that's cool.
so yeah, i'm really glad that san josé has city lights theatre. i think it's a great place to see some musical theatre. it's something fun to do in downtown san josé besides clubbing.
The World According to Noelle
~Allergic Girl's Guide to Life~
Issue Update
I've actually watched a total of 3 plays at the CLTC
1. A Few Good Men
2. Hair
3. RAPUNZEL or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow & Holiday Musical Revue
The cast for Rapunzel
Jake Van Tuyl (Mr. Barker, Rapunzel's Father)
Jimmy Robertson (Paul Mitchell, Hairy-tale Lawyer)
Michael Johnson (Piano Player)
Sarah Giner (Rapunzel)
Isaac Benelli (Prince Harry Sauve)
Melissa Markwart Deveaux (Pantena Prell, the witch)
Danelle Medeiros (Goldilocks Garnier)
Samantha Bartholomew (Mrs. Barker, Rapunzel's Mother)
As I've stated in previous reviews there is no horrible seat in this theater. Its a cozy theater. The plays I've seen here have been excellent. Tonight's show was a musical that was delightful and entertaining. Jimmy Robertson who played Paul Mitchell, Hairy-tale Lawyer was amazing- his energy, enthusiasm, great singing and acting had me laughing almost to the point of tears! Jimmy Robertson's solo in the holiday portion was beautiful which then led into Sarah Giner's holiday solo which was beautifully sung. Overall, the cast did a great job. Kudos to the writers Marian Partee and Eric Hoit and director Amanda Folena. The combination of the writing, directing and acting made for a wonderful theater experience.
I normally catch a few shows a year most- at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts (I last saw Beauty and the Beast) and Repertory Theatre (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde). Had it not been for Yelp I would have not known about the City Lights Theater because its a much smaller theater. Its truly one of my great finds on Yelp =) Tonight was a good turnout of Yelpers. Thanks, to our SV Community Manager Connie C. for highlighting this wonderful local theater.
Noelle's Notes
A great choice for local theater!
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7/31/2008
The World According to Noelle
~Allergic Girl's Guide to Life~
Issue Update
I just want you close
Where… Read more »
True the venue is intimate, around 100 seats so all seats are good. Went to a 7pm showing of Rapunzel, Hair today, gone tomorrow and holiday musical review.
The first part of the musical was the play, more on the slapstick side, around 45 minutes, then a 15 minute break then vaudvilly/showtunes. It was fun and entertaining, some singers were stronger then others but it was still fun. One of my fave songs was when they played their pianos in Carol of the Bells in their second act, too funny.
Fast foodie type eateries around 2.5 blocks away on San Carlos. Pizza my heart, http://www.yelp.com/bi... Mc D, a cheesecake place, a boba drink place...etc..
Two restrooms, free coffee and tea and wine and snacks you can buy. Street parking, there is a lot to park around a block away.
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City Lights is a great little local theater that's welcoming and has a cozy lay-out. Last night, my friends and I saw Hair, courtesy of Yelp and City Lights generosity - thank-you!! Though it was over 2 hours long, it was a fun upbeat musical that kept the night alive. The theater didn't have the best acoustics but the seating was all up close and personal and the set and room allowed for a lot of interaction between the performers and audience.
I would definitely recommend this theater and it's productions to others.
See ya there!
:)
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What a gem of a playhouse in downtown San Jose! The theater is so intimate that any seat in the house makes you feel like you're sitting in the front row. We arrived a few minutes after the show began, but were escorted to first row seats on the left side. Although we didn't have center view, it was still incredible.
We were invited to see "A Few Good Men" and the caliber of the actors was supreme! I could've sworn Tom Cruise was actually playing the part of Lt. Daniel Kaffee. All of the actors were out in the lobby for a meet and greet after the show, which made the show that much more personal.
The production ends on June 15th. So if you can handle the truth, make your way out there!
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I'm definitely a fan of City Lights, seen a few shows there in the past although I missed Stop Kiss intentionally (couldn't get over that I already knew one of the leads personally and that the other was her real life girlfriend...). It does it kind of stuffy and hot but taking the intermission break outside and dressing for the warmth of the theatre definitely helps. Overall a really great way to support the arts.
A friend and I went to the see the play Rapunzel on November 21. The feel of the theater was nice. The entrance to the theater is very inviting. It just happpened that the night of the play there was another event going on at the high school so parking was at a premium.
The concept of the play was interesting. The actors were good, but I suppose the nature of the production did not suit me or my guest. I would recommend going to the theater again but, perhaps not this play. Not every production is for everyone. What was cool is having another opportunity to hang out with fellow yelpers.
What an awesome venue and cast! We attended the preview night of "The Three Musketeers" and enjoyed everything about the evening (Thanks Connie & Yelp!). The cast was impressive, the script was clever and funny and the costumes and staging were excellent. The venue is small and intimate and allows you to be up close to the actors. The staff was all very friendly and helpful. They sell wine and snacks in the lobby which they allow you to bring into the seating area to enjoy during the performance. I will definitely be back for additional shows at this wonderful theater company.
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City Lights Theater Company is a small theater. It reminds me of this one stage at Ohlone College in Fremont.
It has a bigger center stage & 2 side stages. Get a center stage seat since it's General seating so no assigned seats. If you sit on the sides the view won't be so good.
The don't really sell food, maybe some peanuts. They do sell soda, water, & wine.
There's one unisex bathroom on the Left-side of the entrance. Another bathroom in the backstage area on the Left.
Theater is next to Emile's Restaurant. Street parking is available on First St.
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Because of Connie C., I was able to find this little theater hidden away in Downtown San Jose. Who would of known of this theater without yelp? I sure didn't! I am always amazed at the places I discover and pass by like ten million times in the car but just never took the initiative in exploring it.
I came here to watch the Three Musketeers! This was my first intimate theater production that I went to. It was definitely different and good! The venue is small, with limited seatings. The place was sold out both times I have gone there. (reminder: come half hour early to a theatre production.. I didn't the first time and I couldn't go watch it! Thank goodness to the more than understanding staff members for giving me tickets for the next week's show to accommodate me! THANK YOU!) It's amazing how they use the whole theater as part of their play and not just the stage in front of the audience. Props such as ropes, balconies, and surrounding stairs, hallways were used throughout the whole play by all the actors/actresses. It made the audience engaged, looking around everywhere to see where they will be coming out next! The play itself had alot of action and very steamy scenes!! *sizzle*
You are very up close to the stage and play set.. The actors/actresses actually interact with the audience, making us seem like we are in the play also.. That was fun! You get to meet them at the end of the play outside the doors to the theatre!
For intermission, they served wine and few cookies and candy selection.. They would of gotten a definite 5 star if they had more of a selection in intermission snacks.. I was so hungry and the play was like 3 hours..
Private Parking Lot is available across the theatre! A price of $5 from what I can recall.
Thanks Connie! Loved The Three Musketeers! The theater looks run down outside. When I picked up the tix I thought yikes! What a dump! Totally changed my mind a few minutes later. The play was amazing. It's a very small venue and the place was packed that night. I mean you can see the actors up close and you can reach out and touch them if you want to or dream of getting kicked out of the building.
The Three Musketeers was so funny and gut wrenching at some point. anyone in love would appreciate the fact that Love is fickle.
This place also makes sure that everyone is comfortable. They moved a sit around for an older couple who can not see from the back and moved them upfront in the first row where we were sitting. People of all ages were present that night. I saw about 4-5 kids. Sits were confortable.
The theater could add more munchies-but they recover with that shortcoming by allowing you to bring your own food in! What a cool idea. It was a three hour deal that felt like an hour. BTW parking is the only problem in this area. They provide very limited amount of parking and street parking is also primo! On line City Lights says they open one hour early for tix but they don't. They open half an hour before. Good choice Connie!
5 stars
i drove past this theater so many times but never felt an interest in seeing any type of play. i've seen too many during high school.
tonight, i've had the chance to see Rapunzel courtesy of Yelp. the theater is small and very quaint. i was greeted at the door and invited inside away from the cold air. inside, coffee and hot tea were served.
the theater is small with a stage right in the center. seating rows were very close to the stage. any seat is a good seat, because anywhere you sit, you'll still see the stage upclose.
performers are very personal. during the play, they'll sometimes be right next to you (if you sit on the side or in the front). after the play, performers even line up outside for meet and greet. audience get to thank them and praise them personally.
i know i'll definitely come back again for other performances.
parking is very easy to find since there aren't that many business around that area. they sell candy bars, other snacks, drinks, water and even wine there. what??? no beer?!
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This is a great little theater, very casual and comfortable, not to mention one of the best values for live theater in the South Bay/Peninsula these days. It's nice that, if you buy snacks/drinks in the lobby, you can take them into the theater with you. The staff is friendly and enthusiastic. Give it a try!
City Lights Theater does it again! First Person Shooter is one of the most riveting plays I've seen in quite a while. The cast rocks! And the audience is invited to play Halo before the show starts... too cool. This is a must-see play that deals with the issue of how the gaming industry may or may not influence violence in teenagers. The script is tight and fast paced and the actors worked wonderfully with the material. I went on a talk-back night and it was fun to participate in a question/answer session with the actors and director after the show. PLEASE, go and support this treasure of a theatre in San Jose. It is SO worth the time and money.
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Yes, I have performed here so take my review for what it's worth. However, as a theater lover- or anything live, really- I can honestly say that this space is awesome. It's the perfect mid-range theater- not a huge impersonal 800-seat venue, but not a small too-intimate black box theater either. It's around 150 seats with a thrust stage, and just right.
It's a standalone building with a large movie-theater-like marquee out front displaying the current show info. Inside, there is a small lobby displaying photos and posters from past productions. To the right there is a small concession stand that sells snacks like cookies and chips and drinks like wine, beer and sodas during intermission (all the seats have individual cup holders).
They made great use of the space to really give the effect of a full blown professional theater, without the impersonal effect. High ceilings with great lighting. A decent size stage with beautiful sets. Seating on all three sides of the stage.
If you haven't already, come see a show here- you're in for a good time.
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This theatre experience finally makes me understand why people love theatre. I am now addicted and plan on going to the rest of the shows in their season. The Acting was amazing!!!!!!
I had been to all the hits growing up (phantom of the opera, etc.) and I have even been to broadway. I had always felt disconnected from this art form. Until Now.
I just saw Angels in America at this small inviting theatre and it was the most proffesional, moving performance I have ever seen.
The acting is the best I have seen (including film).
What a wondeful experience. We arrived on a saturday night at the door and were able to get in right away.
My bf and I were blown away - it was great. We are definitely going back.
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Went w/ 5 friends last nite to see "First Person Shooter" w/ the talk-back afterwards. Great experience!!! The play is riveting and topical. Well directed, written and, of course, acted. I found myself on the edge of my seat. The action is fast-paced and emotional. This is more than entertainment; this is a thought-provoking and moving theatre experience. At a time when personal and corporate responsibility is such a hot topic, this play steps in and looks at it from every angle.
The space itself is nice. I do love the intimate feel of the theater, and all the seats were good seats for both viewing and for sitting - pretty darn plush for your tush. :-)
However, I don't think the space is meant to be used for musicals like the production of Hair that I saw tonight. (Thanks, Connie, for the tix!) Granted, we were sitting in seats stage left, but one would think that you wouldn't put on a production unless it can be enjoyed by the entirety of the audience rather than those sitting directly in front of the stage. I can see how this stage would be amazing for anything BUT musicals; the accoustics in the theater do not lend themselves to support musicals. (Of course, it could also be that the actors themselves couldn't sing, but that can't be it as most of them performed amazing solos throughout the performance.) My friends and I talked about it afterwards and came to the agreement that none of us heard/understood more than 10% of the parts that were sung. (And obviously, most of a musical is sung...) Thus, we left the theater not really understanding what went on in Hair. Totally clueless. :-P
BTW, for those of you going to see the show, they don't advertise the following anywhere but I think you should know since it might be good to know-
A) There is a scene where everyone is buck naked, and
B) There is strobe lighting involved, so if you're susceptible to that and it may cause you death, don't go.
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City Lights is a wonderful little (100 seat) venue downtown. We discovered it about a year ago when a friend recommended we see a particular play & we've been hooked ever since. I love the intimate experience of being so close you could reach out & touch the actors. Seating is comfy & you can take your drink into the theater with you. Wine, beer & other beverages are sold in the lobby.
City Lights does 6 shows per season. This past season we enjoyed the poignant "Visiting Mr. Green", a nicely done version of "Proof" & best of all was the finale of the season, "Jesus Christ Superstar". Amazingly enough, they pulled it off in their small venue & it was the best production of JCS that I've ever seen!
I love supporting local theater.
Another plus? Reasonable ticket prices!
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Went to watch a play here. The seating was comfy and had to sit roughly 300 people. I saw a good play here but they didn't feature the amenities like food and drinks that Impact Theatre in Berkeley had. I had to give it 2 stars b/c it's a good experience for anyone who hasn't gone to see a play live.
Edit: I guess they did have food available, but it wasn't anything memborable. The seating I've been informed is 108 people but I could of sworn it was larger. Thanks Lisa P. for the info.
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I just saw CLTC's production of Hair last night. The theatre was intimate and the entire space was utilized with action all around. The synopsis of this show doesn't do it justice. It was fabulous, amazing and literally one of the best shows I've ever seen. The last number was so moving and powerful that it brought chills to my skin and tears to my eyes.
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ALthought the seating is very low and hard for tall people. The theater was a great intimate place. We saw the full monty and very much liked this lil place. They could have made their drinks and snacks more noticiable and offered more but. The bathrooms were limited and one was broken. We were offered the staff bathroom and both were not very clean. BUt i really enjoyed the performance and the energy of this lil place. ... I'd go again.
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