Shaw Festival Theatre

I visited the Shaw Festival Theatre over Labor Day during the Shaw Festival and had a lovely experience. We saw Sweet Chariot, think «(Hey) Big Spender» if you’re trying to think of the well known song from the musical. And while I might be a huge fan of the musical itself, the choreography, set and performance was fabulous. The Theater itself is conveniently located down Queen Street, walking distance to shopping, restaurants, hotels and historical sites. If you’re driving, they have parking at the theater. In addition to the fantastic performance, the actual theater was quite luxurious: large outdoor patio area if you’re looking to catch some rays at intermission, comfortable chairs and large bathrooms. In addition, they have some of the best vendors I’ve ever seen at a performing arts theater: a coffee bar/​shop with pastries, sandwiches and a full coffee menu. They also have a full bar offering cocktails, wine and beer in addition to sodas and finger snacks. If you have a sweet tooth, Il Gelato Di Carlotta has a «pop-​up» cooler with ice cream sandwiches and bars.
It’s a truly lovely theater with some great pieces inside, including the geometric chandelier and a small gift shop area. I also love their use of video projection, which I’ve never seen used to the extent that Shaw Festival Theatre implements this technology so visually effortless. Projecting the cast on the curtain pre-​show and truly making the experience that much more visually stimulating. Really, my only qualm is that the ushers were a little short and unfriendly, please add some smiles and kindness to your routine if you’re going to be interacting with people regularly. It’s not bad enough to forego a show here, but something to be aware of.

I came to the Shaw Festival yesterday and was really impressed. The staff were amazing and they all brought their A-​Game. They were all smiling, helpful and pleasant. I would have to say they were more friendly and helpful than the staff at the Mirvish Theatres in Toronto.
I saw the play Sweet Charity and it was really good. The dancing was great and I really liked how much the set changed. They were really good at making the set change from a dressing room, to a subway, a church, a dance studio and much more. Allover the experience was wonderful and I would definitely go back to the Shaw Festival to see more plays.

I went here last night for the first time as an adult, and the discount tickets for customers under age 30 truly drew me in. My fiancé and I saw the Philadelphia Story, and it was a fantastic performance! It was a bit of a slower night in attendance since we went on a Thursday, but I truly hope this gets all the attention it deserves. Highly recommended to experience at least one play during the season.

We came and saw Cabaret… loved the over the top production! Clean theatre, great seats, fun snacks… perfect

This is my second time to the Shaw and yet again my expectations are always met and exceeded by the staff, the company and facilities.
I’m here with an educational theatre tour with college students and the lengths they go to here to make Theatre accessible and pertinent are extraordinary: from behind the scenes tours to workshops with the actors to the shows – top notch.

We saw Lady Windermere’s Fan, it was absolutely fantastic, really well done.
Only complaint: we got the first row seats in the balcony, do not book these seats, there is an annoying railing in front of you that cuts across the stage if you lean back. I spent most of the play leaning forward so that wouldn’t bother me as much. Really bad design. If you want to sit in the balcony, I’d advise getting the second row.

We saw Guys and Dolls here last weekend. It didn’t really live up to our expectations, but who can really match up to the talents of Frank Sinatra or the hotness of young Marlon Brando? There were some really memorable parts and my step-​dad who had never seen the movie version really enjoyed it.
Like Laura mentioned in the previous post, there’s a fantastic deal for those who are under 30 and should really take advantage of it.
We felt the theatre was a bit chilly as well so it is a good idea to bring a cardigan or a jacket. You can always take it off if it gets too hot! The chairs were comfortable, but unfortunately my sister’s view was a bit obstructed from the man sitting in front of her. It would have been better if the seats were on a bit more of an incline.
During intermission, we went to the bathroom and although the line was long, it moved very quickly.
The courtyard was very nice in the afternoon. Lots of sunshine, but there were also a lot of huge bees flying around.
All in all, a great theatre.

The rendition of My Fair Lady that we saw last week was absolutely fantastic! Singing, Acting, Dancing, Lighting, Music, Sets: all were spectacular.
The theater itself is gorgeous with all of the wood paneling. Not a huge place but certainly doesn’t feel small by any account. I’ll disagree with the person that said «bring a sweater.» We were in the balcony and were fairly warm for the majority of the production. Certainly not uncomfortable, just warm.
I also appreciated that the seats had high backs. I’m very tall and it was nice to be able to lean my head back into the seat cushion.
i certainly hope to return to the Shaw Festival Theater for a performance in the future.

We came here this weekend to see My Fair Lady (which was an excellent musical and you’ll love it if you are a fan of the movie. $ 30 for under 30). The theatre itself was small, but also means that there is seating without obstruction for almost anywhere. Well air conditioned, so bring a sweater.
Another comfort was the high backed chairs for you to lean your head on.
During intermission, you can get more than the usual coffe/​tea/​wine/​ice cream — there is a small café, and it was nice to be able to buy a dessert that wasn’t impossible to finish in ten minutes. You can also pre-​order your snacks.
A small courtyard outside, also was a nice change in scenery. All they need to add are some lights, but maybe it’s to keep the bugs away.
Bathrooms were ample, and the ladies line up moved quickly. There is also a smaller bathroom at the back, and upstairs that I don’t think a lot of people know about. There you go.
Free parking after 6pm on the streets in Niagara-​On-​the-​Lake