- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Detroit Opera House
Rating Details »
Category: Performing Arts [Edit]
Neighborhood: Downtown Detroit1526 Broadway St
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-3500
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
11 reviews for Detroit Opera House
We just went to the DOH for the first time to see Phantom of the Opera. We opted for the cheapest seats since we had already seen Phantom in Toronto and wanted a different vantage point--and went by the Yelp recommendations that there is "not a bad seat in the house" and "don't let nosebleed seats discourage you." So we got seats in the center of the very last row of the entire theater!
If I could give you one tip? DO NOT GET THESE SEATS IF YOU ARE TALL AND/OR WANT ANY LEG ROOM WHATSOEVER. There is absolutely NO room and you are squeezed in like sardines. I am 5'10" and my knees were touching the seat in front of me. My hubby, at 6'2", was even more uncomfortable and could only fit his feet into the small space where the seats (in front of us) came together. Needless to say it felt like a longer performance than it really was.
That said, Phantom is always a good show...but had I not seen it before, I would have been very disappointed with the seats. You obviously couldn't see what anyone looked like and you missed some of the action that took place high up on the stage (it was blocked by curtains).
But the theater is beautiful, we had no problem with bathrooms (although we didn't try during intermission), and the workers were all VERY helpful. We had no problems getting seated or exiting with the hordes of people. We can't wait to go back...we'll just get better seats!
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
I was in Detroit this weekend for the Tori Amos concert and was truly impressed with the Detroit Opera House. From the outside it looks fairly modern, but one step inside and I was transported back in time! The beautiful, ornate ceilings and architecture blew me away. Wow. Absolutely gorgeous.
Our seats were on the main floor, row Z, seats 113 & 115, which were to the left of stage center. The sound and view were incredible. My only nitpick is that the soundboard (and all the lights that go with it) was in my immediate right peripheral, but that was only a tiny bit annoying, and really only noticeable at first. I guess next time, I would try to get seats slightly in front of the soundboard if possible, maybe row W. All the seats seemed to have an incredible view and ,amazingly enough for such an old theatre, tons of leg room.
Oh, and be warned about the drinks...these are the strongest theatre drinks I've encountered!! I was glad for public transportation after the "double" whiskey & coke I ordered, which actually turned out to be two and a half shots of whiskey with literally a "splash" of diet coke. I had to bribe the bartender with an extra tip for more coke. Definitely worth the money!
There is always something surprisingly good in Detroit where you'd least expect it. For some unknown reason, Detroit has one of the most consistent venues for great opera performances anywhere - a testament to it's tasteful, educated, and hard working volunteers and staff.
The building itself, while in need of some light restoration work, still retains some of the classic, bourgeois detailing and design of a bygone era when Detroit competed with cities like New York in the early twenties. Modern additions have helped expand seating and allowed for ample views from any seat in the house.
Two of three opera performances I will never forget took place in this very Opera House. The Detroit Opera has taught me to never under or over estimate a performance based on the bleak location of it's facility.
PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR A GREAT PERFORMANCE.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
As far as I am concerned, this is the best venue for theater in Detroit. There is no such thing as a bad seat, like some theaters (cough, cough Masonic Temple with seating behind a pole for the same price as front row). By far, the most beautifully decorated theater also.
Our only complaint is the lack of restrooms. I know that these are old buildings, but dang... a 20 min admission is hardly enough time to find the bathroom, let alone stand in line to use it. There was even a long line for the men's room. This small inconvenience does not even affect the 5 star rating.. the Detroit Opera House is my venue of choice!
A fun suggestion: park at the Greektown Casino (for free), enjoy a little time there before or after and ride the People Mover to get from point A to point B.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
I went to see RENT on Thursday the 19th of Feb. with my fiance. We had a wonderful time. Even though it was cold outside, parking was not too far and only $10. My fiance forgot one of the tickets and we were 2mins from being late. The lady behind the ticket counter gave us a quick voucher so we would not miss the show and we made it. It was a great time a wonderful show. The staff was great when we needed directions for the restroom or Beer! I will be back to the Detroit Opera House, probably to see "Carmen"
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (4)
I went to my first opera show here and it was fantastic. I did not know anything about opera, but I went with some family friends and I was blown away by the acoustics and the beauty of the building. I wish I'd returned to watch ballet performances here, but I never did.
Call me unclassy if you will, but the price of the grub was a little out of my league. I dropped a star, but I figured I'd keep it real.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
OK, there are already a couple reviews of MOT's ballet performances, so I'll put in a plug for their opera shows. MOT puts on 5 operas per season, and over the past few years I've seen a performance of just about every one of them. When I started attending, I wasn't an aficionado and certainly wasn't a hardcore fan or anything, but all the performances have been very good.
To my thinking, a good show involves both the opera being performed and the quality of the performance, and MOT generally scores well in both categories. The General Director programs operas that are either well-known or very accessible, so you will either recognize some of the music or be able to enjoy the melodies pretty easily even if you don't know anything about opera. In addition, the singers are generally good, and the rest of the production (sets, costumes, etc.) make for an overall entertaining experience.
My final thoughts I'm directing to the guys. I know you don't want to appear effeminate by attending opera, but consider this in practical terms: you'll score big points with your date/significant other. Use this to make up for past sins or to gain leverage when you and the dudes are going out for the night.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Wide variety of great shows. Beautiful venue. Doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the entire theatre. Don't let "nosebleed seats" discourage you.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
I've been to DOH a few times, a few times on my own, and a few with various classes I've taken.
The theater is beautiful and the seats comfortable. After going to places like the State Theater for so long, I'd forgotten what a REAL theater looks like. I think the last place I've been to a real theater in was in Toronto when they were still doing Phantom of the Opera.
Keep in mind, I don't follow theater closely, nor do I follow opera... well, at all. This is from that perspective.
But everything that happens at DOH isn't necessarily opera. They have a number of musical touring acts that come through here. I've never seen a show here because a lot of the artists that come here... aren't to my taste. But if they were, I couldn't think of a more beautiful place to see a show!
In January I saw the Divine Performing Arts here. They're like Cirque de Soliel, but the Chinese version. Colorful, Emphatic... moving.
I'll be paying attention to DOH for events like this... if I want to see a show, I'll go to a concert venue. This isn't a concert venue, it's where art happens!
The Opera House is a very beautiful venue that they have managed to keep up over time...the inside is amazing. Even if you get a "nose-bleed" seat, you still have a pretty good view of the performances. I am a total fan of dance, and believe the last show I saw here was Alvin Ailey. The sounds are pretty good throughout the building as well. Of course, if you want a snack, be prepared to spend some money. But I guess it is like that at most venues like this. On Friday's I believe they still have a jazz room off to the side for you to enjoy. The crowd is always nice and sophisticated. Because the Fox Theater and Fillmore are close by, parking is usually easy to find somewhere down Woodward, and of course you have to be willing to walk
Michigan Opera Theater moved to the landmark Broadway Capital Theater in 1996. A great place to see and listen to world class performers such as Pavarotti and Bocelli. MOT presents all the classics as well as new works. Each season also includes dance performances. Recently, I saw the Miami Ballet and thoroughly enjoyed their performance. It is a nice way to spend a special evening and it is one of the reasons Detroit has always had a reputation for great theater, music and art.