Detroit Opera House
Detroit Opera House
4.5
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The old Grand Circus Theater was transformed into this opera house.
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4.5
220 reviews
Excellent
148
Very good
51
Average
17
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Sean H
Chicago, IL33 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
I visited the Detroit Opera House on February 8 to see Beetlejuice: The Musical! And let me tell you, it was an amazing experience. From start to finish the show is a wild ride with tons of humor, great music and crazy special effects. It was one of the most fun Broadway shows I’ve ever seen and one I would thoroughly recommend as a gateway to seeing musical theatre for the first time or if you just want a fun night out on the town.
The opera house itself is a gorgeous venue, albeit a touch cramped especially in the lobby area; the concessions/merch line was definitely a bit claustrophobic at times though understandable with a sold out crowd in attendance. Trying to find out seats was a bit of a struggle as well, as the staff while extremely nice couldn’t quite help us figure out where to go at first so it took a minute or two to try and find where to sit. Thankfully mom and I made it to our seats and had a wonderful time.
The view from the lower balcony was excellent, the angle I had meant I could see the entire stage save for a small area of upper stage left. I will say one thing I disliked was that during pre-show and intermission one of the scenic light beams shined right up into my eyes repeatedly and it got irritating rather quickly. I think if I saw the show again I would try to get seats on the main floor. I will also say trying to exit the theater after the show ended was a bit crazy with thousands leaving at once.
I would definitely come back for another show here though for sure.
The opera house itself is a gorgeous venue, albeit a touch cramped especially in the lobby area; the concessions/merch line was definitely a bit claustrophobic at times though understandable with a sold out crowd in attendance. Trying to find out seats was a bit of a struggle as well, as the staff while extremely nice couldn’t quite help us figure out where to go at first so it took a minute or two to try and find where to sit. Thankfully mom and I made it to our seats and had a wonderful time.
The view from the lower balcony was excellent, the angle I had meant I could see the entire stage save for a small area of upper stage left. I will say one thing I disliked was that during pre-show and intermission one of the scenic light beams shined right up into my eyes repeatedly and it got irritating rather quickly. I think if I saw the show again I would try to get seats on the main floor. I will also say trying to exit the theater after the show ended was a bit crazy with thousands leaving at once.
I would definitely come back for another show here though for sure.
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
efromflint73
Harper Woods, MI297 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
It was my first time ever going to the Detroit Opera House . I have been to Stratford and Niagara on the Lake as well. I think The Detroit Opera House is a nice place. I took my wife to go see Wicked as an early birthday present. From row H forward, we could actually see their faces.
One thing I did not like wax during intermission, people are packed like sardines in the hallway. That was not enjoyable. Overall, a very solid place. I’ll go back again. I’d probably not go to the bathroom though.
One thing I did not like wax during intermission, people are packed like sardines in the hallway. That was not enjoyable. Overall, a very solid place. I’ll go back again. I’d probably not go to the bathroom though.
Written 1 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
snipesmorris
Evergreen, CO28 contributions
My wife and I recently flew from Baltimore to Detroit to see Tori Amos in concert at the Detroit Opera House. The venue was absolutely stunning. The sound was amazing. Given that it was a rock concert, the venue's gift shop was closed so that fans would focus on buying overpriced Tori Amos concert t-shirts. My wife and I, however, wanted to buy a christmas ornament of the venue as a keepsake. When we requested entrance into the gift shop, management was kind enough to let us in. I explained to the gentlemen that we collect ornaments of different places we go. He asked us if we collected anything else. When i said we liked to complete jigsaw puzzles of different places we've been, he handed us a 500-piece, beautiful puzzle of the venue. He then said, "no charge-- think of us." Now that was a classy move and one we really appreciated.
If you have any opportunity or excuse to see anything at the Detroit Opera House, you will not be disappointed in the venue or its employees.
If you have any opportunity or excuse to see anything at the Detroit Opera House, you will not be disappointed in the venue or its employees.
Written 11 August 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OliviaJ89
Detroit, MI1 contribution
Dec 2014 • Friends
I am (almost) always impressed by the productions hosted at the Detroit Opera House--whether they are dance productions, full-blown operas, or the Broadway musical fare. The ticket prices range from very fair (the 2014 opera/dance season tickets were extremely reasonable) to ridiculous ($150-$197 for the 2nd National Tour of Wicked--a scaled down version of a scaled down tour, yikes!!) and the staff has always been exceptionally friendly and helpful before the shows and during intermission. The venue is beautiful and its always a treat to arrive early and explore the restored building.
But....
The decision to sell movie theater-like concessions before shows/during intermission AND allow that food/drink to be brought into the theater is an absolutely terrible one. I realize that the Opera House needs to bring in money, I do. But the decision to allow that food into the theater hampers the enjoyment of the shows for many people, myself included. If I wanted to hear hundreds of people chomping loudly on popcorn or slurping on pop, I would pay $10 to see Into the Woods in theaters--not $100+ to see Wicked on stage. The second act of the show was particularly plagued by food noise, and even during the quietest of moments one could hear a symphony of crunching, slurping, and chewing.
If the Opera House wants to sell concessions, they should not allow them to be consumed in the theater. Encourage people in order receipts to come early if they want to a taste of the opera house's culinary treats rather than doom the audience to a glorified movie theater experience. Please!
But....
The decision to sell movie theater-like concessions before shows/during intermission AND allow that food/drink to be brought into the theater is an absolutely terrible one. I realize that the Opera House needs to bring in money, I do. But the decision to allow that food into the theater hampers the enjoyment of the shows for many people, myself included. If I wanted to hear hundreds of people chomping loudly on popcorn or slurping on pop, I would pay $10 to see Into the Woods in theaters--not $100+ to see Wicked on stage. The second act of the show was particularly plagued by food noise, and even during the quietest of moments one could hear a symphony of crunching, slurping, and chewing.
If the Opera House wants to sell concessions, they should not allow them to be consumed in the theater. Encourage people in order receipts to come early if they want to a taste of the opera house's culinary treats rather than doom the audience to a glorified movie theater experience. Please!
Written 27 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nanci J
Windsor, Canada54 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
Excellent sound through out, no bad seats. The box seats of course have the best seat in the house. Parking was very easy for $10 behind the Opera House in the parking garage. It is a safe neighbourhood. A real gem in downtown Detroit.
Written 25 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happiness20469
Warren, Michigan1 contribution
I just want to say that the Detroit Opera House is home to perhaps one of the greatest Opera companies in the United States. The Hall itself has some absolutely amazing acoustics. (I ve had the chance to sing onstage, they're wonderful).Secondly, the stage is enormous which is why they can invite major dance companies to perform e.g. The Bolshoi Ballet, The American Ballet Theatre, and The Kirov Ballet. (All to great acclaim).Thirdly, they employ such a fabulous orchestra and the singers that have perform there are legendary including Joan Sutherland, Lucianno Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli (North American premiere), Kathleen Battle, and Elizabeth Parcells, to name a few.The productions of the operas I ve seen, particularly Mozart and Verdi are always fantastic. The 2003 production of Verdi s Un Ballo in Maschera, (A Masked Ball) was absolutely phenomenal, as was the 2002 production of Mozart s Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), so great I saw it 5 times.They also have an amazing summer program called Learning at the Opera House. The Community Programs Department basically puts it all together. They have an amazing Opera Camp, recitals, lectures on upcoming operas and ballet performances, as well as blues, poetry, Jazz, and Motown lectures and events.The Detroit Opera House is a great place for anyone to enjoy his or herself. There is much more going on at the opera house than just opera. Check it out.
Written 7 January 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chad1640
Sterling Heights, MI317 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
The Detroit Opera House knows how to put on a fantastic show. My wife and I visited to see the Lion King, and it was great! Some of the upper hallways are difficult to navigate with crowds of people, but it wasn't a big deal. Overall, great place to see a show!
Written 21 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie B
Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States322 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
One of our favorite Sunday afternoon destinations is the elegant historic Detroit Opera House ... 90 minutes prior to the performance senior rush tickets are available. We saw an "Elektrifying" opera "Elektra" by Richard Strauss for $60 per person & sat in box seats, first row. The energetic informative pre-talk by Dr. Wallace Peace, a college professor greatly enhances the experience. There is free meter parking on Sunday plus being able to walk to dinner is fun ... just across the street, suggesting Small Plates or Angelina Bistro. Also there is the Cadillac Café within the opera house for brunch or dinner! Toi Toi Toi!!
Written 27 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah M
Watsonville, CA31 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
The Opera House of Detroit is a jewel of the city filled with the brilliant history of music in this city. It has always been one of Detroit's most shining example of cultural richness .
Written 16 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrstevelockhart
Detroit, MI24 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Make sure you arrive early to any event at the Opera House so you have time to tour the building - a magnificent piece of architecture
Written 3 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the purse policy? Any restrictions?
Written 29 January 2022
Where were your seats? And what is your review of those seats? Specifically for a musical. Too far to see well? Too close to get the whole picture?
Written 24 December 2018
We were in row R. We had a great view, it didn't seem too close at all. We saw Alladin, it was music and dancing.
Written 25 December 2018
I'm bringing my 86 year old grandmother to an upcoming performance. She is unable to walk the distance from parking to the Opera House. Is there valet parking available?
Written 13 December 2018
I don't think there is. There are quite a few steps there also.
Written 22 December 2018
Where do you recommend eating nearby? I have two teens attending with me. Thank you!
Written 15 August 2018
I guess it would depend on time of day you were planning on going. Rusted crow is great. Basically anywhere in Greektown although santorini is my favorite. For awesome brunch dime store is great. Hockeytown. Chelis.
Written 19 August 2018
Do they normally keep the Opera House warm or cold? Going tonight and debating on taking a sweater .
Written 14 August 2018
not enough if there is a sold out crowd. we paid $30 to park in their lot! that is crazy expensive especially after paying all that money for tickets. there are several parking garages and lots that you could walk to the opera house. but they were $30 too.
Written 8 January 2017
kbhb36
New York City, New York
I'm looking to buy tickets to The Nutcracker and we have 3 children. Will they be able see over the railing if we are in the front row of the Trustee Circle Level 4? What is the difference in the Levels ? Also the seats are almost on the end (all we can afford!) Is the view ok? Thanks!
Written 27 August 2016
How old are the children and his tall? Usually the view from the higher levels are good but it will depend on the ages and height of your children if they will be able to see over the rails or not.
Written 29 August 2016
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