Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts

I won tickets to see Patti LaBelle & Lyfe Jennings thru a radio station! The concert was to be held here and I’m already well acquainted with this venue. Of all the venues I have to say this is my favorite one, due to the seating. Parking is what it is, that’s downtown for ya. I believe that there isn’t a bad seat anywhere. Sure it would be great to be down in the pit area but I’d prefer to sit in the 2^nd Orchestra in the center, that way you can see the entire stage at eye level. This night we sat in the 2^nd Orchestra to the right. Still good seats.
The concert was awesome and the acoustics were phenomenal. You can help but to stand up and dancing while you’re singing along with the artist. I haven’t taken advantage of the concessions yet, simply because I’ve eaten before the event or I will afterwards. My friend and enjoyed ourselves very much.

This place is always nice. The drinks are pretty expensive… The seats are comfy. The ushers are nice enough but don’t want to let you in if you are late… so what if you have to go to the bathroom? Well. Hold it…
Good selection of shows, great acoustics, prices are ok for the average consumer, watch for groupons, they are out there.

We are pretty lucky to have this awesome theater downtown to watch some of the best productions that have rolled into our little city of Jacksonville. I’ve seen Les Miserable, The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, The Nut Cracker, many Off Broadway shows and musicals. I absolutely love the The Times Union Center!
I’ve been watching shows here close to 20 years and love dressing up & having a night out. One of the best values I found was becoming a season subscriber to the FSCJ Artists series (highly recommend) where you can buy package deals for the upcoming season plus you get extra perks such a priority seating.
The majority of the live shows, Broadway musicals and plays that come to Jacksonville are performed at the Moran Theater side as well as concerts performed by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in the Jacoby Hall at the Times-​Union Center for the Performing Arts. I’ve seen many shows here and have never been disappointed.
The concession areas are located right outside of the main theater and offer both alcoholic and non-​alcoholic beverages and some light snacks. We usually anticipate that the lines will be long especially during intermission and the drinks are about average price for similar events, so I would suggest having dinner prior to the show and enjoying a few cocktails before you go into the theater.
The actual theater is spacious and every seat in the house has been great so far for me. The bathroom situation is more than accommodating for the large groups and never too much wait time. It is a pleasure to see live shows here and the staff usually does a terrific job keeping everything running pretty smoothly. Highly recommend! :)

It took them forever to figure out the VIP ticket I purchased 5 months prior to the event. It was truly last minute. The show we went to was Rodney Carrington and it was great. Front row stage left. Immediately after he walked off stage a brawl broke out.
It took security a sold minute and a half to show up. This was in the pit, «Where the orchestra plays «. These people were like animals. Women get beat like men and the other way around. After about 4 minutes JSO finally showed. Guess they waited to see is anyone was armed.
Way to go all involved. Rodney Carrington was awesome, I guess that’s something.

I am very fortunate to live 5 minutes away from this venue. I’ve seen countless shows here by myself, with friends and with my children since they were toddlers to the teens they are now. I never fully appreciated the acoustics until this last quiet show with Garrison Keillor. The previous week I saw Book of Mormon and heard every word (mid theater) which is to be expected from a Broadway production. I was in the same section when Mr. Keillor, author and radio personality, had an a cappella sing along which is completely unlike the boom of Broadway. His voice quietly filled the air but what surprised me most is when the collective voices of the audience blended together in the most harmonious way. The song gently reverberated through the hall until it became like the choirs of heavenly hosts singing Hallelujah. At first I though I was having an auditory hallucination and listened even more closely as I joined my inadequate voice to the chorus, but there it was, the echo of angels. At that moment I realized (and am now completely awed) by the acoustic genius of this place.
The only reason it’s not 5 stars, is because I think the interior could use a refresh. Although the view to the river is spectacular, the bar areas are lackluster for the prices they demand. Also, I had an extremely unpleasant run in last month with an usher who acted more like a prison guard to a maximum security prison for the criminally insane. (To be fair, most of the ushers are helpful and smilingly polite).
Overall, I’m thrilled that Jacksonville has a performing arts center in the heart of the city. When people complain to me that there’s «nothing to do downtown» I’m proud to remind them that instead of a consumer wasteland of strip malls, we have the TUCPA which might empty your wallet the same way shopping does but the experience leaves you with so much more than clutter and clothing.
4.5 twinkling stars.

First time at this theater, and so far not impressed by their customer service. Drinks are sold but cannot be brought into the theater. Why steal money from patrons when they have to throw away their drinks at the door? A sign needs to be put at the bar, and not by word of mouth at the theater entrance. Very disingenuous business practices.

Saw Ringo Starr this past weekend and have to say that the show was great. The theater was clean and staff was extremely helpful in finding our seats. My only complaint is with the bar. Bought an expensive soda and it was flat! Lines were to ridiculous to go back and get it replaced. The bathrooms were also very clean and plenty of standing space when waiting to go into the theater. There were also lots of signs for paid parking but free parking was kind o hard to come by. Also def worth to get there early for any event. Overall, I wouldn’t mind coming back for another show.

When I saw Jack White was going to be in town, I waited for the pre-​sale at my computer like a hawk, to snag a pair of tickets with a quickness.
I know I’ve been here before, but it had been years ago, so it was nice to get reacquainted with the Moran.
We Ubered it downtown, had no problems at Will Call, and entered without issues. The line for the adult beverages was long downstairs, so we just jetted up a flight and within minutes, had a Jon Boat in hand. Plenty of restroom stalls, nice roomy lobby.
The acoustics were absolutely amazing! Jack just killed it, and there was not a moment in the show that didn’t take advantage of that sound carrying out to the crowd like a tidal wave. It was loud enough to awaken my inner rock goddess, and to drown out any show talkers during the performance.
Loved my experience here, and wouldn’t hesitate to head back.

What a POORLY MANAGED VENUE! I have never been to a concert that every single person that worked there had no clue what was happening.
I had purchased VIP tickets to see Emmylou Harris.(7/26/14) When I asked where do I go to recive my VIP package, not one person knew. When I asked a manager, her response was «I never know whats going on here! «Very rude person. I waited over an hour after the show to recieve what I paid for but instead was treated rudely & was offered no help at all.
As everything was closing up, I was again told, «you have the VIP package, I have no clue what you are supposed to get. I dont know what to tell you!»
So I was screwed over. Out almost $ 400 becuse of thier stupidity! I will NEVER return to this venu again!
Did I mention the opening act and batenders were a complete joke as well? Bartender charged my card twice for 1 drink! Now I have to dispute that as well!

Attended Carmen here last night. Wonderful performance by the cast and orchestra. Small group of attendee s and excellent seating. A pre concert wine bar and introduction to the director was a very nice addition. He shared with us the history of the troup; how he selects for the various roles and what their travel agenda is for the remainder of the year Also for those new to opera there is a translation board above the stage that allows for understanding of the main thene of the play if one is not familiar with itm

I’ve been to the TU Center more times than I can possibly count (for the record, the best show I’ve seen here was Warhorse, amazing!) and it never disappoints! The line for the ladies room gets crazy but that is to be expected. A top notch venue and it seems like the Visiting Artists Series is more impressive every year!

Went to see the Blue Man Group at the Moran last night and it was a blast! The acoustics, lighting and sound in this theater are awesome. The only complaint is that the seats are a little cramped together, this was a problem for me because I’m a big guy and I enjoy my space. thank goodness the person directly to my right didn’t show up other wise it would have been pretty tight, especially if that person was a large man or woman. I was hesitant to purchase drinks and snacks due to a review I read here stating that they weren’t allowed in the theater but that rule seems to have been lifted as I was able to take my candied almonds and Coca-​Cola in with me. Maybe it just depends on the type of show. The theater is larger than I expected and was pretty packed. I really enjoyed my self and wouldn’t hesitate coming to see more shows here in the future.

First time I went here was last night and it was to see the AMAZING Anthony Bourdain.
I can’t say too much about the venue being I haven’t really spent too much time there much less was I there to look at the place.
What I can say was it wasn’t hard to drive to, parking was reasonable and the seats were very comfortable (this is a very important factor in venues).
Plus they use Groupon so I could see my man without breaking my bank.
So yea, kudos!

I really enjoyed the Tony Bourdain appearance last night. He was witty, a smart ass and genuinely doesn’t like Paula Deen. He talked about many subject from making a tv show and what it takes to being a dad. I really would not have thought that his favorite and most adored chef would have been Mario Batali but the man is good I most admit. I Thought for sure it would have been Eric Ripert the famed chef of Le Bernardin in NYC. It is a very nice restaurant also and I have eaten there. One thing I can say is the man is smart when it comes to traveling the world and how not to deal with politics on the road. It was a great show and I can’t wait for more of his shows. It pretty much is the only time I tone into CNN. Oh, I did get to ask him a question to. It was about the Pig Pickin in Louisiana. I just love his wit and his shows

What a great theatre!!!

I’ve attended a grand total of two shows at the Moran Theater during my tenure in Jacksonville. The first was when Jeff Dunham came to town about five years ago and the second was just this week when I was lucky enough to attend the opening night of «Rock of Ages.»
I really like this venue. I’ve never had to sit in the balcony, but even if you are in the back section, you still have a good view of the stage. As I am rather short, around 5’5″, I’m always worried about going to a theater (be it here or the movies) and being stuck looking around the head of the person in front of me. No issue with that here and I don’t believe there is a bad seat in the house (at least on the main floor). The sound and acoustics are perfect. Even as far back as we were, it was like we were sitting directly in front of the stage.
The tickets, especially for the Artist Series, are very pricey, but that is to be expected with Broadway style shows. The prices for drinks and snacks are high as well. I had a long day and hadn’t had a chance to grab something to eat before the show. I grabbed a pack of cinnamon and sugar roasted pecans, which were delectable, but cost $ 5! I mean, you’re already making plenty of money off tickets, why the need to charge so much for refreshments?

I was spoiled living in my last city which has the most theaters outside of NYC so I had pretty high expectations when we came in here. The theater itself is nice and comfortable to sit during a long show. My only complaint is that you can’t bring your drink into the theater — HUH?

There are two different auditoriums. One is Jacoby Hall, the symphony auditorium which features the giant organ, and the Moran Theater, a stage for dances and plays.
I attended 2 shows with my son at the Jacoby Hall. One with his class (we got awesome front row seats!), and one outside of his school. Our seats were much farther that time. We sat a third of the seating area towards the back. It was a bit far for our viewing. It would have been nice to bring binoculars.
For the second event, there was an Instrument Zoo before the performance — which they sometimes do for shows geared to children. The Instrument Zoo is a nice touch, because the kids can play on all the strings and percussion instruments. Obviously woodwinds and brass wouldn’t be sanitary to test out, lol. My son was playing the violin, viola, cello, bass, xylophone, glockenspiel, and various other percussion instruments.
In the Moran Theater, my son and I went to watch the NYC Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. We had cheap tickets, so we were seated at the top part of the balcony. (We were probably the only people that bought tickets in that section. Haha.) However, they let you sit anywhere if there are free seats. Despite being a distance from the stage, we could hear clearly as if they were right in front of us. The stage wasn’t too small, and my son still enjoyed the show, though we far enough so that we couldn’t really see the performers’ faces as clearly.
After the show, we took a photo in front of their Christmas Tree and went outside to see the beautiful view of the St Johns River.
If you’re looking to see a Broadway production in Jacksonville, this is one of the venues where they perform. The other two are The Florida Theatre and the FSCJ Wilson Center at South Campus.
It’s a bit pricey (isn’t fine culture usually pricey?), so sign up for their email mailing lists, to get information on discounts and free tickets.

The Times Union Center for the Performing Arts is Jacksonville’s premier theater. It has many performances throughout the year, ranging from Broadway Musicals, Comedians, Musicians, Bands, Dance productions of all kinds, Magicians… you name it, it has probably come to the TU Center.
This is also the home for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra which plays throughout the year in the Jacoby Hall, a theater specifically designed for the symphony. It is beautiful and the acoustics are astounding. The Moran Theater is the largest of all the theaters [seats about 3000] in the TU Center [there are three total] and is where most of the musical acts and Broadway plays are performed. The Terry Theater [seats about 600] has its own entrance to the side of the building and is the smallest of the theaters. Off-​Broadway shows and smaller productions are usually seen here.
The building itself is really beautiful, right on the St. Johns River with floor to cieling windows along the entire back wall that look out on the amazing view.
This is a great place to take part in the many wonderful culutural experiences that come through [or are stationed] here in Jacksonville.

I’ve seen many productions at the Times-​Union Center & performed in many myself when I was a young ballerina. Of course my performances were of the age when it was the Civic Auditorium and it wasn’t the beautiful center it is today.
Most recently I saw Pink Martini perform with JSO in Jacoby Hall. Great show, great acoustics, beautiful space. Jacksonville may not have much, but we should feel blessed to have such a great symphony and the fabulous Fabio Machetti leading it all.