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Hillbarn Theatre
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Performing Arts, Music Venues [Edit]
1285 E Hillsdale BlvdFoster City, CA 94404
(650) 349-6411
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 11 am - 2 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
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$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
16 reviews for Hillbarn Theatre
16 reviews in English
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Review from Michael N.
Emeryville, CA
Updated - 9/27/2011
Ok, I know I did one not too long ago on Drowsy Chaperone but I had to post a review of the recent City of Angels run that just completed. Guys, I don't consider myself a huge theatre buff, but this is seriously the best community theatre I've ever seen. I hate even referring this place as a small, community theatre because this production was every bit as good as those $150 per seat shows I've seen on the west coast and throughout the country.
The tickets here are only $32 and when I think of the disappointing West Side Story production I saw at the Orpheum a bit ago ($125), I can't help but wonder what even more amazing things could be possible here on a bigger budget.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/14/2011
We went out last night to see a rendition of the Drowsy Chaperone. It was really, really well done… Read more »
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Review from Kelley B.
Foster City, CA
8/8/2011
I am SO glad that Foster City has this little gem. Hillbarn Theater is supposedly one of the oldest small theater in the bay area. It's an intimate setting with a small stage area and stadium seating that probably fits 100-200 people (don't quote me on that, though; I'm bad with estimates). The productions are [almost] always fabulous, from the scripts they choose to the acting and singing.
In addition to being one of the only mediums for entertainment in Foster City, Hillbarn also provides acting classes to people of all ages. In fact, when I was a kid I went to an acting camp here, had a blast and learned a lot. I love that it supports and brings the arts to the community - thanks, Hillbarn! -
Review from Ravena F.
10/16/2010
I've mentioned this before, but I'll say it again:
I don't like musicals.
Yup, smiley, sunshiny, happy-go-lucky me, despises musicals.
And yet . . .
Hillbarn Theatre is yet another community theater that is pecking away at my cold, hard stubbornness on this topic. Their recent production of Chicago was downright entertaining! They do a fantastic job of hiring very strong leads, and, while the supporting cast/choreography is perhaps not quite as polished, the leads are strong enough to carry the show.
Intermission is typical of community theater: candybars, wine, beer, water. They have a nice outdoor patio on which you may get some fresh air, but unfortunately you can't bring alcohol out there. (What, alcoholics don't deserve fresh air too??)
Seating inside is well-tiered so that it seems that everyone gets a great seat. The lighting is fair, though my particular seat (mid-center, 5th row) was opposite a very piercing light that resulted in a few uncomfortable moments during the show.
Overall: well-produced, great seating and professional-grade leads at a very low price for a night's entertainment.
But I still don't like musicals. Harrumph!! -
Review from Max R.
San Bruno, CA
6/15/2011
The Hillbarn Theatre is a wonderful place.
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Review from Leslie S.
San Mateo, CA
7/27/2011
I haven't been to a show here but I'm rating their summer camp program. It's a solid 4.5 stars. My daughter did a one week theater camp and had a great time. In the one week they learned their lines, made costumes, made a "set", learned songs and dances. The final show was really cute, a little short but given the time frame, they did a lot.
The class was larger than I thought it would be, but they had a lot of teachers (two main teachers and at least 5 or 6 college/highschool students). the class seemed like a combo of kids who were there because they were shy and their parents wanted them to do this to open up/express themselves. And kids who like to perform. My daughter is a combo of both. The shy kids were really hard to hear, so while I'm sure they had a fun week, I'm not sure it helped them find their inner theater. There were kids belting songs like no tomorrow and it was awesome.
My daughter had a fun time and looks forward to returning next summer. -
Review from Lance H.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2008 6 Check-ins Here
This is a review of the theater itself, not of any particular productions. I've been a season ticket holder for five years and have performed in four productions there as well.
Although the theatre company has been around since 1941, the building itself is only 30 years or so old--still, it's the oldest public building in Foster City. At one time there actually were a hill and a barn, but not in FC.
Parking is free and there is a large outdoor area that is great to escape to during intermission.The lobby has been recently repainted and the corridor leading to the house is lined with a list of every show Hillbarn has ever produced.
The house proper is what gives the theater its signature intimacy. There are only 175 seats and none are more than forty feet from the stage. In fact people in the front row have their feet on the stage. While performing in "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" I had to look at an implied (non-existent) mirror on the edge of the stage with my face about four feet from the audience. Every night folks would move their head to the right or left to avoid being in my sight line; it made keeping a straight face difficult sometimes. Which was tough because I had just delivered a terminal cancer diagnosis.
The sets are consistently excellent; the two Technical Directors do real magic. Because the stage is not of a standard size, everything is custom made for each show. Contrast this with, say, Broadway By The Bay, who just read a rental catalog and order sets for delivery.
Backstage is excellent. There are good dressing rooms and an excellent Green Room for performers to hang in while not on stage.
In my opinion the dramas are consistently excellent, matching any off-broadway theatre in The City. The musicals are rapidly approaching this standard and with a resident Musical Director to give consistency, when live bands are used, they are pretty darn good.
It's worth a trip from SF, but peninsula residents owe it to themselves to check it out. -
Review from Goodbers G.
Mountain View, CA
10/6/2007
I'm addicted to theater; I'm also averse to traveling great distances to get my fix. Hillbarn is cozy and quaint and conveniently just around the corner. Quality is not bad for community theater. And the stage is so small, you are sure to get a good seat even if you get the half-off tickets through Goldstar Events.
I saw Man of La Mancha there in September. Impressive leads but it's no Broadway by the Bay (San Mateo Performing Arts Center). Still, I'll be back for more. -
Review from Shannon M.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2010
This is a true gem of a theater. Some of the best productions on the Peninsula are done at Hillbarn Theatre. I saw "Oklahoma" which was just marvelous with some amazing performances. The Laurey and Judd were superb. I then caught "Steel Magnolias" which was so true to life that I felt i was in Louisiana!
It's a beautiful, intimate 170 seat theater with no bad seats. The night I went to "Steel Magnolias," they had free cosmetic make overs from Benefit Cosmetics (cause magnolias takes place in a beauty salon). Awesome! There is lots of free parking and the ticket prices are some of the lowest in the Bay Area.
As a local theater goer, I've been to many theatre in the area such as the over rated and bad Broadway By the Bay and the enjoyable Bus Barn among others. Hillbarn Theatre is one of the best in the bay. -
Review from Winnie C.
San Mateo, CA
2/8/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Inexpensive ticket prices, local intimate feel of theatre, friendly helpful staff, free parking, high quality productions of shows ...
Community theatre with a professional feel
All good reasons why I keep coming back here.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Munazzar T.
Foster City, CA
3/22/2011
Fun Fun Place! Very nice staff and good quality plays. Great family entertainment!
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Review from Tiffany W.
Fresno, CA
12/9/2010
I came here for the 1st time, to see "A Wonderful Life." I give it 4* for performance.The sound was pretty good and so was the performance. The auditorium is small, but this makes viewing very good from anywhere in the auditorum. Seats uncomfortable (old) as one person pointed out but i think the performance makes up for that. Free parking. Always nice.
Haven't gone to theatres around so can't really compare to others. I've only watched a few shows in SF and those shows cost substantially more and some of the theatres in SF aren't in that great of shape so not bad.So for the price we pay here, I'm totally not complaining. Will be returning to watch future shows. -
Review from Kathleen B.
Portland, OR
11/9/2006
Foster City creeps me out in a Truman-show sort of way, and this community theater is definitely located in the thick of the city's indistinguishable business park/condo complexes. Outside it doesn't look like much, but the interior is actually very cool. I guess the theater has been open for 66 seasons, I don't know if that is the same as years or what, but anyway it has been around for a while. The ceiling is high and domed, with criss-crossing wooden rafters. Steep stadium-style seating ensures that everyone has a good view. I wasn't a huge fan of the show we just saw, Inherit the Wind, but I would consider going back to the theater. If I'm not too creeped out by the surrounding false waterways and identical buildings.
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Review from Adena D.
Redwood City, CA
2/19/2007
Extremely high quality productions for "community theater." I say this both as a performer and audience member. I've reviewed theater professionally as well, so while I'm admittedly biased, I do think that the quality of a Hillbarn show is not to be underrated. I'm constantly impressed by the work done at the theater company. Of course not every show deserves equal praise, but overall the productions tend to get a lot of talent and feature strong direction and design. They do six shows per year - typically three musicals and three straight plays (a mix of drama and comedies) so there really is something for everyone. They offer good subscription packages if you want to see every show on the menu.
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Elaine S.
San Mateo, CA
9/29/2009
I recently attended the show Oaklahoma and absolutely LOVED it! The cast was superb! I thought they belonged on Broadway. I am going to purchase season tickets! We are so lucky to have such a professional playhouse in our community. They deserve our financial support and applause.
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Review from Naomi K.
1/25/2010
Oh local theatre. Definitely caters to its audience - suburban families or retirees. I was impressed with the content pushing a few conservative borders, and the hand earphones for the geriatric. Preview night was just as impressive, though the intro was a little wordy thanking all the sponsors. Size is very decent (bigger then I expected) with stadium grading, so no one is blocking the view. I'll definitely be back to see other local productions.
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Review from Steven H.
Foster City, CA
5/11/2008
Aida is playing from May 8th to June 8th and is Fantastic
I really think this production in Foster City rivals anything I have seen in the San Francisco or in any of the Bay area Theaters and is not to be missed.
I saw the Elton John's version of Aida on 5/10 and it is a fantastic production. All of the singing , dancing and acting was first rate. The director, Tony Tomie and the choreographer, Joe Duffy, did an excellent job. Alexa Ortega will be someone we will be seeing on the stage in the Bay Area and beyond. Adam Barry was extraordinary. Jennni Daw-Crisp was marvelous. I think we will also be seeing Shawn Miller and Ron Lopez in future Bay Area productions
It is a small local theater, but this is the best production they have had all season.
