Hilberry Gateway

Ushers were well mannered and very polite, as were the ladies at the ticket counter. The theatre itself seemed to be in very fine order - neat and clean. As per most theatres, the seats were small as a MF, so it would be nice to have more elbow room. Particularly because...

OTHER PEOPLE. I sat next to a dumpy, sloven mess of a woman, who wouldn't stop incessantly cracking her knuckles throughout the entire production. Needless to say, it ruined the entire experience for me.

Beyond that, the production was great (my date and I saw Cabaret) and creative. I'll DEF be back, but if I sit next to another sub-human like I did last time I will most certainly be voicing my disdain, rather than biting my tongue and allowing them to ruin a nice night out.

We attended the matinee performance of Murder on the Orient Express on February 3, 2024, at the new Wayne State University - Hillberry Theater in Detroit.
The facility was modern and access was extremely easy. The seating was very comfortable and there was good spacing between seat rows so you did not feel like you were packed in tightly like so many older theaters.
We have attended many productions over a 20 + year period and I have to say this was one of the best productions I have attended in a long time including professional-level off-Broadway. The changes in the set on stage were very innovative. The artistic approach the director used put a unique spin on the story and the actors truly provided the audience with an exceptional performance.
I will be looking forward to attending many more productions at this venue.
Well done by all.

Newly built facility that is comfortable with spacious seating. Wonderful production by the students both actors and musicians. Parking for $5 immediately across the street in addition to metered street parking. And you can't beat the prices $20; less for seniors, students and season ticket holders. 2 pm show! This is a winner for anyone who enjoys the theater

Great theatre. Lots of fun. I love seeing the students perform. A great bang for your buck!

This has been our favorite venue for plays for 12 years. There isn't a bad seat in the house and the price can't be best $22.00 per person . The story
Started in the 60s when the first African American family is moving into an all white neighborhood. Move ahead to 2009 when the same area has really diversified. How attitudes changed. Actors were very believable . Emotional play to say the least. Real eye opener for us who lived in both eras.

Located on Warren Avenue on the Wayne State University campus the Hilberry Theater is one of the nation's best rotating theaters. In other words, Wayne State grad students take classes in the morning, prepare for productions during the day, and perform plays in the evenings for the local crowd.

Through a rigorous audition process the Hilberry Theater hires their actors, ensuring that only the best are gracing the stage and working backstage. And it shows. I've attended several plays here and have left entertained every time.

The Hilberry provides theater goers with the best of the best, fantastic actors, gorgeous sets, and wonderful costuming, all combined to make a fabulous time at the theater. The current schedule and more information can be found on the theaters website.

I've been to shows at the Bonstelle before, but never the Hilberry. I was quite surprised when I saw how small the interior of the theatre is... and even more surprised when I realized how "cozy" the seats are.

Getting past that - I was quite happy with our experience. The set was beautifully done, and the acting was pretty decent for the most part.

If you are a fan of the theatre- but don't always want to shell out the bucks and put on the fancy clothes to see a professional show- I would strongly suggest supporting your local university's theatre program. Who knows- you may be watching some performers that you'll be paying the big bucks to see in a few years.

I have been to several plays here, including Biloxi Blues, an adaptation of The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, and most recently One Flew Over the Cuckoo's nest. All of them have been thoroughly enjoyable and the ticket prices have been great.

The set, lighting & costume design for everything has been highly admirable given what is undoubtedly a tight production budget. To be quite frank, the acting has been a bit spotty in places, but then again these are students. I'm not a qualified critic, but some characters have had a community theater feel to them -- just sayin'.

My kids love theater, but not every play is kid-friendly - I wish Hilberry gave parents some more info on age appropriateness since there is no rating system like there is for movies. Some are obvious, most aren't to me (or your average uncultured-but-interested engineer). They might capture a broader matinee audience - maybe that's just not their thing.

It is right off the Warren/Forrest exit on the Lodge Expressway - Parking is close and fair priced, right across the street. Wayne State cops patrol constantly in high-visibility, and I have always felt safe.

Give Hilberry Theatre a try - you will be glad you did.

A high energy, fun filled performance, with a cast that knew their lines well and could focus on adding the extra touches that keep you entertained during the premier of "Twelfth Night" at Wayne State University's Hilberry Theatre. Delightful!