Civic Center Music Hall

Hands down the best venue in the city for an indoor concert. If you like the arts, you will love the OKC ballet and the symphony.
From Diana Krall to Il Volo, local national and international performers enlighten the stage.
Across the street from the OKC museum of art, The Civic Center is the place in town to escape from the quotidianity and let the music, artists and the performers tell their story.

What’s a metropolis without a civic center?
The stars are for the space itself, which is beautiful and, more pertinently for this balcony addict ($ 30 for a ballet/​symphony/​musical, $ 120 for a season… it’s balcony or bust!), acoustically sound. I like taking the stairs to the balcony (2 floors short of the roof, upon which, one can only hope, is a fiddler), and from those heights survey the atrium, where all the smiling well-​heeled Okies milling about (this is an especially pretty sight during winter, where the whole place is decked out in fairy lights) make for the perfect pre-​performance apéritif.
The view from the Free & Reduced lunch section (see picture) is pretty great (get too close to the ledge, and your view of the proscenium may be cut off, but nothing usually happens there… perhaps a pit orchestra, but nothing meant to be seen). As previously suggested, sound carries intact all the way to nosebleed town.
I have seen 1 musical here, 6 ballets, and more orchestra performances than I can count. All of them, as I will never tire of saying proudly, from the balcony. Below is what I learned:
1. Ours is not an experimental ballet company. The Tschaikovsky classics (and their Balanchine choreographies) are (rightly so?) the bread and butter for the corps.
2. For the ballet, check if the philharmonic will be accompanying the dance. IMHO, this is tantamount to getting two performances for the price of one.
3. Check the smaller pieces the ballet company might be performing alongside the headliner. Their provenance might disclose an origin in, say, the American Dance Theater, which means you are going to see first rate choreography (a recent instance: the breathtaking Without Words piece tucked between a negligible Tulsa choreography and a brashly awful Scheherazade).
4. Every philharmonic performance has a smaller piece or 2 revolving around a big canonical centerpiece. Listen in advance to the music, figure out which pieces you like, and time your stay so that you’re not sitting through tripe. (I learned this the hard way when the completist in me sat through the whole of Peter Boyer’s excruciating «The Dream of America»… better to have left on the high of the last note of Dvorak’s New World Symphony.)
5. The philharmonic’s brass section is perhaps its strongest (with a particularly delightful French Horn), so immerse yourself in the music before going, identify the yummy brass parts, and marvel at how tightly the section pulls it off on the night. Also, if a man named Joel Levine is listening, can we give the section some Mahler to play with, please?
6. I have never been to any of the Pops performances, and secretly am sad that they exist. Maybe if we rally as a city and buy out every symphony performance, they won’t need to put those on anymore?
7. Any nationally famous musical that finds its way to Oklahoma will be good, so buy tickets early (preferably, in the balcony section) and go.

The Civic Center is the perfect venue to see a show, performance, ballet, etc.
I love the modern and classy feel of the space. It’s a great place to dress-​up (not like anybody needs an excuse to look snazzy.) ;)
I’ve highly enjoyed every performance that I’ve attended. (The Nutcracker, Scheherazade, and The Book of Mormon musical)
My only complaint is that the rows are too close together which makes anybody over six foot tall feel cramped and uncomfortable. (I’m 6’4 thus, it was a quite tight squeeze.) Not sure anything can be done about it at the moment. Just being honest.
Now you should invite your friends or family, select a performance that you’re interested in seeing, dress-​up and enjoy the show! Maybe even find a new restaurant on Unilocal to dine at before or after! :)

Every time I attend a concert or show — I reminisce about all the pleasant memories I’ve created here. What a great place to take the whole family. Last night, we were fortunate to see Sheena Easton sing many ‘spy’ songs from James Bond and other shows across the years. She was backed by the amazing OKC Philharmonic.
I adore how thoughtful and engaging maestro David Andrew Rogers was when addressing the crowd and interacting with the talent on stage. It took everything up an extra notch as far as the level of enjoyment.
As far as last night’s visit the highlight of show was how my kid’s face lit up when they finally performed the multiple James Bond theme songs. Worth every penny to see his smile.

I’ve been to a few shows here. The volunteers are usually friendly and eager to show you where your seats are. The drinks are overpriced, but hey, where are they not? The performances I’ve seen are always fantastic (Beauty and the Beast, Once, etc.), though I assume that may vary. The seats are teeny and not the comfiest, but I wasn’t expecting recliners. There’s not an ATM in sight in the building, yet they require cash for most drink or merch purchases [annoyed face], fyi.
However, my only main issue is the bustling volunteers that freak out about you talking selfies on your phone before the show even starts. Tripping over the dang steps to whisper-​shout «NO PHOTOS!» at me. Girl, I paid $ 70 for this ticket and did my hair and I just wanna selfie with my babe for a sec, okay? I’m not even pointing my camera at the stage! Why are you peeking over my shoulder anyways, nosey?
Humph. Anyway.
The building is lovely. The shows are well done. The drinks are yummy. Just… volunteers, chill. I’ll selfie with you, too, if you’re just feeling left out.

Civic Center Music Hall is a jewel in Oklahoma City. The space is beautiful and relaxing with excellent views throughout. Acoustic quality can vary to some extent, for example, on one occasion we had difficultly hearing the dialogue when seat in a level four balcony. The staff are always incredibly friendly and go out their way to make you feel welcome. They host world class talent. Parking and access to the Music Hall is easy and convenient.

This is a solid venue to see a show. Obviously not on par with the likes of civic centers in bigger cities, but definitely a good option in OKC.
It has had some updates to it inside and a brand new park completed in front not long ago. It is nice inside and comfortable. Plenty of options for a snack, drink, or some coffee for before or during a show.
Visit the coffee shop at break for some pie or coffee.

We went to a beautiful wedding in the Meinders Hall of Mirrors last night, and everything was exceptional. The staff was courteous, and they transitioned the room seamlessly in a very short amount of time from ceremony space to reception hall. The bartenders were quick and efficient. Overall, a great time was had by all!

This is a great venue for watching ballets, shows, symphonies, etc. The staff members are some of the most helpful and nicest people you will meet. They give you personalized attention to help you find your way around and are always courteous and professional.
You may have to deal with some parking issues but if you get there early enough you shouldn’t have an issue with it. Just remember to bring cash for parking if you end up using a paid lot. From most spaces it is a short walk to the entrance.
The bar has provided great service the two times I’ve been. For about 9 bucks I got a double Pendleton’s on the rocks. Not bad in my opinion. They also had specialty drinks made for the events. For Romeo and Juliet, they had drinks named after each character that were not terribly priced. (I forgot what all went in them).
Go to their website and look for any upcoming shows and get tickets. It is a fun place to go to with friends, on a date, or with family. I saw everyone from couples to grandpa/​granddaughter outings.
Dress up a little too. You probably won’t fit in wearing a t-​shirt and jeans if you are a guy. It is a music hall after all.

Everything about this place is wonderful, except for the seating. I’ve only sat in the Mezzanine, so I can’t speak to the seating elsewhere. In the Mezzanine you are absolutely sandwiched in with everyone else around you. I’m not claustrophobic, but it started getting to me after awhile. There’s almost no leg room either.
The two shows I’ve seen here were both amazing, and it’s a gorgeous venue. I just wish there was more elbow room.

I am happy to have this be my 450^th review. Being it was a superb experience is even better. As an early Christmas gift my boyfriend took me here to see the last performance of The Nutcracker and it was absolutely amazing.
The Civic Center Music Hall was very understated on the outside but remarkably beautiful and well appointed on the inside. Once the doors opened the lovely smell of the holidays swept through the air. A huge tree was the focal point as you entered. Friendly staff and volunteers were happily awaiting guests and lots of happy children smiling for photos with Santa. It was just lovely.
We moved up the stairs to our seats and found our way very fast. Staff again was wonderful and very helpful. Our seats were amazing. A perfect view. It wasn’t a full house but it was pretty packed in our section. Everyone happily awaiting the show to start.
Seating after the show starts is a huge no-​no in San Francisco (as are jeans or dresses so short you could see them only in a club. Really… some people need to learn how to dress to these events!) and I was pretty sure that here it would be as well but a few people were seated and the usher was shining the flashlights in the rows which was a bit offsetting. Regardless I was very excited to see the show so I just brushed it off.
The performance was to die for. I cannot express how beautiful it was. I will just say this, they really outdid theirselves. The stage set was perfection. The performers all on point. Costumes were lovely. In fact the only downside was the screaming baby in the second act. I don’t know why people choose to bring children of that age to a show like that. I get it, it’s the holidays but a 3mo child is not going to be able to enjoy it as someone who is say 5 or 6 and it can be very upsetting when something like that happens. I’m pretty sure every single person there heard that baby. Many turned and mocked the parents. A bit awkward. Nonetheless the show was perfect in every way and I plan on going to the next production in February.
5 stars all the way!

I had the pleasure of taking my father to The Nutcracker. This was my first time seeing the show and visiting the venue. We were able to find free parking on one of the side streets nearby (free after 6pm).
The place was extremely festive for the winter holidays and had beautiful decorations. They even had a photo opportunity with Santa for children. There were plenty of staffed bars and concessions that you could take in to the performance area. Too bad I’m pregnant lol.
We had upper orchestra seats and quickly found them thanks to the tentative ushers. The show began on time and I was so happy with our seats as everything was in perfect view.
This was an amazing experience at a venue with its own bit of history. Can’t wait to come back!

When asked what I wanted for my birthday this year, I somehow came up with the brilliant idea of asking to be taken to the OKC ballet’s, The Nutcracker. This was only the second time I’ve ever seen The Nutcracker, and this year’s production was all new. I’m so glad I had a stroke of genius and that I had the chance to witness this fantastic show.
I could write a review about how magical the ballet was, but instead I will just talk about how much I love seeing performances of any kind in this building. There is such a wonderful, fun, polished, and nostalgic aesthetic that the Civic Center brings. I love the historic look and feel. I love the bar and how you can bring cocktails into the show with you. I love the comfortable seating and the beautiful stage. This is a great place and a gem of Oklahoma City.

I’ve held off on reviewing the Civic Center for a long time because I wasn’t sure what I should write.
But I don’t need to know what to write. I love it. Anything else I have to add is fluff.
The first time I went was… many years ago, when ‘Wicked’ was doing their tour thing, I guess… I wasn’t particularly a fan of my seats that time (it felt incredibly cramped) but I enjoyed the atmosphere, and the show was fantastic. Return visits in recent years have been significantly better though. I guess there were some renovations that took place?
Anyway. Go see a show. Or Two. Or Three.
‘The Book of Mormon’ is coming soon. I am pretty excited about that one. ‘Once’ is also going to be here in a few months.
Go. Go now. Or don’t go and let the bacteria on your body be the only culture that you have.
P. S. Parking options are varied, but most of the street parking spots adjacent to the Civic Center are free after 6 p.m. If you have the time, park your car in those spots a little bit before or after 6 p.m. (wait too long and the spots are gone). Then you usually have an hour or two to kill before the show starts. Get something to eat at a nearby restaurant. Free parking, and dinner before the show sounds like a nice way to start the night. Or pay for parking if you’re not cheap like me.

My husband and I had a wonderful time at Cinderella. He said the Civic Center has a calming effect on him. The air in there is so fresh.
The lines to the bathroom are usually busy during the breaks but they move fast because there are plenty of stalls.
You can always find free parking on the street.

Beautiful venue. Love the historic, stately exterior and the modern, remodeled interior. We enjoyed the ballet from comfortable seats, although the rows behind us looked awfully close together and cramped. Perhaps best to stick with the A rows if you’re tall.
Great aesthetics, good acoustics, great lighting, good view of stage from all aspects!
The highlight of the evening for me were the wonderful civic center volunteers. Friendly and top notch!

I have been going to the Civic Center for years. I went as a chikd to all the ballets with my mother, I even got to preform on their stage when I was with my dance company! I love how renovated it is, the seating is comfortable, big stage, and who doesn’t like a cash bar? Kahlua and cream to sip on while you’re watching the ballet? I think so!
The parking distance isn’t bad either. All in all I love the civic center, just recently my husband and I saw Carmen the ballet! The ballet was fantastic!

One of the true treasures of Downtown, the Civic Center, and now the newly minted Centennial Park represent the best this pretty little city has to offer. After years of urban renewal where we didn’t pay much attention to historic preservation, the Civic Center took a different tack. In desperate need of renovation (and bringing the technical specifications up-​to-​date), they took the more expensive route and maintained the historic building, while performing an otherwise complete renovation. From seating to lighting, acoustics, sound systems, no detail was overlooked.
The result is spectacular. Almost every seat affords both an amazing view and fantastic sound, and while it is technically state-​of-​the-​art, the historic nature and feel of the building helps reinforce the importance of the artistic and cultural endeavors happening here. Going to see something like the Nutcracker in a throughly modern hall would just not have the same impact on me as the idea that generations of Oklahoma City residents think of this when they think of theatre and music.
Home to The Phil, Oklahoma City Ballet, City Rep Theatre, OKC Theatre Company, Canterbury Choral Society, Celebrity Attractions and the beloved Lyric Theatre, there’s something for everyone, from the adorable toddlers I saw at the Nutcracker to the most culturally literate Ivy League intellectuals.

The only negative thing to say is that there appears to be inadequate parking for the venue. Maybe there is more parking somewhere hidden close by. If so, it’s hidden.
The positive: Everything Else!
What a very nice place. This is a modern old style music hall. We were up in the «cheap seats» where the view was extremely nice. We had a clear view of the orchestra, with very good sound quality.
The coffee shop had good coffee, cookies, muffins and VERY GOOD CARROT CAKE. Even though the seating is tight, it’s quiet, even when every seat is filled.
The bar was staff by friendly people. I asked for a Jack & Coke, and I swear the bar tender only splashed a drop of soda in that cup. Strong!
If you want a good night out, this may be the place for you and yours.

The Civic Center Music Hall has a lot going for it; a lovely exterior, spacious lobby and aisles, and the interior itself is a nice mix of contemporary and understated design. Acoustics are excellent, the staff are extremely friendly, and the seating is designed to provide very good views from almost any seat. Major venues like this exercise a quasi-​monopoly on a city, so there’s less pressure to do everything right, so it’s especially nice to see them doing things right at the music hall.
Now it’s time to upgrade the Freede Little Theatre, the annex theater inside the building, with the next round of funding. Unfortunately, it does still need some help.