As this week's reader points out, a show isn't always the most important part of an arts-going experience.
I'm new in town and recently went to my first show at Spreckels Theatre. I was surprised at how high and how tight the balcony seats are there. It was uncomfortable enough that I'm not sure I'd go back. It made me wonder, where are your favorite places to see plays and/or concerts? - Simone E.
Congratulation on surviving the Spreckels balcony, Simone! It's so high that I've genuinely been afraid small children might fall to their deaths during a song-and-dance number. (I've also mapped out a very detailed earthquake exit strategy, but that's for another time.)
Spreckels is such a beautiful, historic theater though, I wouldn't count it out. If possible, buy seats on the main floor, or in one of those fancy boxes. If that's not in your budget, you may want to try another one of my favorites, Jacobs Music Center at Copley Symphony Hall. It has a similar feeling of splendor but you feel much more stable up in that balcony.
Other venues on the top of my list are:
The Old Globe's Lowell Davies Festival Theatre (aka the outdoor one). Maybe it's the productions they put on, or the beauty of being outside in the middle of Balboa Park, but that place really does feel magical.
The Concert Hall at California Center for the Arts Escondido is always a sure bet thanks to great acoustics and a theater that feels both intimate and grand at the same time.
I can't explain why, but I really love The Lyceum at Horton Plaza. It's not particularly beautiful (especially since it's currently being renovated), and you can forget about having any cell phone reception, but there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house.
As far as music venues, of course there's the Belly Up because it's intimate and everything sounds great in there. (If you're short, like I am, make sure to get there early so you can find a spot in the front.)
But the venue that will forever be in my heart as the best place in San Diego is The Casbah. It's a tiny club that for decades has been the heart of San Diego's local music scene. It's not comfortable, you definitely can't always see the small stage, but it has an energy like no other.
How does a film festival work? What are good concerts for kids? Send me your events-related questions and they'll be answered each Thursday.
