Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

The theatre is very modern and lovely. I’ve been here several times, usually for under 30 tickets which allow you to buy seats in the upper rings and automatically upgrade your seats on the day of if there are ones available in the orchestra.
That being said, I was worried our regular ring 4 seats for the nutcracker would make it difficult to see the show. I was pleasantly surprised that I could see the stage very well (we did sit first row in the middle), plus it was nice to see the orchestra and choir from above. The seats are heavily tiered so no matter where you sit I’m sure the view isn’t as obstructed compared to other theatres I’ve been to in Toronto. I agree that the concession stands are on the pricey side, but that’s to be expected at any venue in the city.

Had a lovely evening viewing the national ballets performance of Romeo and Juliet, a beautiful and modern venue with many levels of balcony seating. The acoustics are excellent and good views of the stage from pretty much everywhere, I’d suggest sitting a little higher up so you have a bit of a view of the orchestra during start ups. The piece of snacks here will run you minimum five dollars per item, not bad for an event centre.

Four seasons is a very lovely centre. It’s always very clean and I love an intermission treat is hagandaz ice cream bars. Only things is if you want to get a coffee or drink there really isn’t time to finish it do it feels kinda rushed. So eat and drink up fast! All the drinks are overpriced like for any half time venue. One of the things I like about it the most is how there really isn’t a bad seat and your view for shows is great wherever you are. I like being more near the top since then you can see the orchestra play during your show. They always do lovely music and the sets are gma great design! It’s a little pricey for something to do on the regular, but if your into opera/​ballet it’s worth it for seasons ticket holders (or so I’m told) my fave show of all time here is still beauty and the beast– no competition!

A delightful place. The acoustics are not bad. It’s no Massey Hall but it is pretty I worked there last night for our parking was $ 32. The facilities are good but not great. But the parking is just completely out of line. Companies ask me to do on-​site I will not ever again set my foot in the four seasons opera house. I was parked just four hours $ 32

What a grade centre! Came here the other night to watch an opera. I took advantage of the under 30 tickets so got the ‘nosebleed’ seats; in spite of this fact, I had a great view of the stage and the Italian to English translations. Conveniently located, you’re surrounded by a number of restaurants so you can really go all out with a night out. Also, you’re within steps of the subway so no need to worry about parking around here. The décor of the FSCFTPA is beautiful — as it’s brand new, you see a mélange of both modern and classic designs for an opera house.
Can’t wait to return.
Good for: entertainment, opera

This fairly nice, modern venue is the home of the Canadian Opera Company as well as hosts many performances of the ballet.
The sight lines vary from absolutely excellent on the floor and the mezzanine, to pretty atrocious up in the 5^th ring. This is, by the way, where they like to seat people who are here for Opera under 30… in the very top rows of the 5^th ring. From here, you can’t see anything that’s taking place further back in the auditorium. The acoustics are quite good throughout the entire theater.
They have the standard (and quite expensive) refreshment stands. Restrooms are a bit crowded, but I think women fare better here than the symphony.
The CoC itself is actually quite good. Much stronger than the TSO. I’ve quite enjoyed almost every performance. They do command a much more expensive ticket, though, so keep that in mind.

I love everything about this place! I have visited this place so many times to watch the performances of the National Ballet and I have had a wonderful time every single time.
The venue is a good size and most of the seats provide a decent view of the stage — although I find as you get closer to the ring 5 and around the fronts of the balcony — the height can get daunting for those, who get nervous about heights or if you have little ones — I would say spring for the pricier seats in the lower rings, as the railings aren’t as high.
If you are late — they have screens broadcasting the action on stage — so you don’t have to worry about missing anything.
I do try and get there early to take it in. The large bar on the ground floor is great, but if you find the line up too much — you can go the higher floors to grab a drink or you can pre order for the intermissions.
Overall — one of my favourite places to catch a show.
Bonus points that Osgoode station is directly connected to the theatre — so I don’t have to brave the cold if I do not want to.

This theatre is everything I don’t like in a theater, very modern. Thats not a bad thing, its just not my preference. I love the older theatres with history, however still amazing and beautiful. I have seen several shows here over the years and strangely enough for plays, I found the acoustics to be lacking. Not sure why. It wouldn’t be my first choice of venues but I still like it very much.

this place is gorgeous, modern and huge! Went here for the nutcracker ballet on christmas eve and it was amazing. This place is definitely a good host for shows

Attending a 7:30pm Opera is one of the great many things one can do in Toronto. We saw two last week by the COC — Verdi’s Masked Ball and Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte. Rush tickets that go on sale that day of starting at 11:00am are very reasonable.
The Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts is a stunning space to enjoy an Opera. Airy, spacious, modern and welcoming. Sat in Ring 5 and Ring 3 both offering different vantage points. The music soared throughout. Service at every point of contact was extraordinary. Friendly, helpful and funny.
Arrived 2 minutes late to one performance with about 15 other people in our section and everyone was good at keeping us informed about a 10 minute late seating. Our usher in particular made light of it by saying «I’m really looking forward to getting everyone to their seats, don’t worry we are in this together.» A standout attitude under such pressure.
Arriving late (TTC went down) to an Opera is not recommended. The just of the story actually happens in the first 10 minutes! If this happens to you I recommend you read the playbook to quickly catch up:)
If you are in Toronto, the Opera is a must-​try. Cultural, classy and funny. It’s Canadian.
If you drive, park at Nathan Philips Square for $ 6.00. It’s a quick 5 minute walk to the Centre.

I’ve been to the Four Seasons Centre many times as I am milking the Opera Under 30 discounts and the time is ticking. There are 2 tiers of tickets for Opera Under 30 — $ 19 for seats in the designated areas which are usually higher up and not the best view. For $ 30 they will assign you the best seats in the house on the day-​of the performance. My advice? Pay the extra $ 11. It’s worth it. Keeping in mind you’re already saving like $ 100+ to begin with.
The building itself is modern; mostly wood and glass; what I would call clean-​cut. The layout is functional and allows for a lot of natural lighting (not that that matters as most shows are in the evening).
Was back last night to catch the CoC’s production of Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte. They seem to have gotten better with managing lineups during intermission when everyone flocks to the bar for a coffee so that they can stay awake for the second act. Announcers also come on the PA and tell patrons to head upstairs to the bar as well which is usually less busy than the main level. They brew Starbucks Coffee which is always awesome because anything but can be a hit and miss and I’m very particular about my coffee. It’s nice to see that local vendors like the Cheese Shoppe have made it into the mix of offerings. Prices, as usual are relatively inflated but don’t leave you feeling particularly raped. A diet coke and Häagen-​Dazs ice cream bar rang in at $ 9. Steep, but it’s part of the experience.
Performances always begin on time and my tip for you is to use the washroom before heading in because if you go during intermission, there WILL be a lineup.
The theatre itself has so-​so acoustics and like all theatres, beware of the seats with obstructed views (some balcony seats where you have to lean over to see the stage). I’ve only ever had that happen to me once. The seats aren’t the most comfortable, thinly padded and you will find yourself shifting your bum around quite a bit if the performance exceeds 3 hours (last night’s performance was 3.5 hours) and I started feeling uncomfortable towards the end.
Parking is available attached to the building but will ring in at around $ 22 whenever there’s a performance — better to pay that than to miss the show!

This is the first time that I have been here and it was to see the Nutracker! The performance was good, but of course, I forgot that there’s not words, just the sound of feet :) Anyway, the venue itself is pretty nice. In the lobby, there is a long bar with high tables to chat with your friends while waiting. I like that the put the gift shop off in the corner. The seating was comfortable and you could see everything from any seat (you’d hope so, right?).

Went here today to watch a performance of The Nutcracker. The customer service at all points was great! We parked in their parking lot (not going to mention the ridiculous price… but anyways due to the snowstorm I parked there), but they had an attendant at the elevators guiding people. All staff were very friendly. The venue itself was amazing. We sat in Ring 5 (the very back) and I was worried we wouldn’t be able to see/​hear the performance, however they way it is built allows for all rings (tiers) to have a great view. First class venue!

a beautiful venue
We visit four times a a year for the ballet and have never been disappointed

The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is perhaps one of Toronto’s few respectable buildings that also caters to a respectable purpose; WOMEN DANCING IN LEOTARDS!
The most conspicuous venue in Toronto for the arts, as long as we are all agreed that the ROM is not exactly within the realm of art, but closer to the idea of preservation. Also, the ROM is conspicuous in all the wrong ways.
Where performing arts mix relatively well with capitalism, as it is clearly hinted with the unmistakably contemporary minimalistic design, and less subtly flaunted with whatever sponsoring brand of automotive company displaying their flagship vehicle at the South West corner. Usually a Jaguar.
The entire West side of the building from floor to ceiling is separated from the streets only by panes of windows, thus proudly showing off the interior-​which I must admit is rather an ingenious marketing ploy-​and offers a stunning unique perspective onto University Avenue.
The main level gives home to the gift shop, the bar, information, and the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre, a little space with stair step like seating offering free performances weekly. NOTE: This amphitheatre is at all times filled from top to bottom with women. The only time & place where women can be seen congregation in such large groups are either at a hack author’s book signing, or a wine tasting.
The main hall (R Freaser Elliott Hall) boasts absolutely one of the most lacking seating arrangements I have EVER seen. From the stage, the seating area resembles a huge pile of shelves found in a super complicated refrigerator.
The doesn’t seem to be a VIP area. There are a few boxes, but they offer the chairs identical found in a public school!
There are not enough elevators to serve a full house, and the seating are too damn small!
This has nothing to do with the productions, as they are of course after-​all, the main attraction. My initial visit was to watch Alice in Wonderland the ballet. My dear friend Terevia had something come up, so she offered her pair of tickets to me, and I ended up taking Jocelyn. The show was so damn spectacular, I actually didn’t end up cursing under my lip over the utterly shabby seating which felt like watching an army of ants from the moon.
I don’t know whether the orchestra is in-​house or from elsewhere, but they were just great! The quality of sound was just good enough, although I would imagine it being quite amazing from a more expensive ticket.
This place is home to the COC, and so where almost all operas in Toronto is offered. The ballets are productions in conjuncture with the National Ballet School or Canada. Not all dancers belong to the company, but they all have some kind of contract when performing out of here.
After the show or on special occasions, you can head to the Henry N. R. Jackman Lounge-​or the bar for short-​and have yourself a conspicuous drink; overlooking the old Osgoode Hall, and the homeless people who dwell around the fencing.
Architecturally, it is esthetically pleasing. It does not scream pretentiousness, which is more than can be said for most of Toronto contemporary designs. Hell, I can even say it’s nice! I like the building. Perhaps it suffers from being too humble where humility should not be found (the stage & seating).
The location amazing, as long as we’re not factoring in car parks.
The staffs here are all relatively professional and reasonably trained to accommodate patrons and their expensive purses.
There is not yet much history associated with this building, but the main area could really use a touch of bourgeois!
This place is very much from the outside, and parts inside; sexy.
To the higher calling of muscular thighs, and overly pushed up b. b…baritones!

This venue is all class. We came to see the musical «Next To Normal». We snagged a special deal on tickets and only paid $ 25 for seats in Ring 3, front row, which provided a perfect view of the seats and no heads in front of us blocking the view.
The seating is very comfortable and there’s plenty of leg room, unlike its older counterparts like Princess of Wales and Canon Theatre.
We like the direct entrance from the subway which came in really handy as it was down pouring as we arrived at the theatre.
Only blemish of the night, the box office girl screeched at me for being in the wrong line to pick up tickets. Wasn’t a big deal for move to the other line but she was pretty much foaming at the mouth and pointing like a mad woman. Thank god there was a piece of plexi glass separating us. IMO, the front of house and box office staff is the first point of contact for most customers so there really isn’t any excuse for rudeness.
I would definitely like to see another performance here in the future, but will try to get my tickets sent to me ahead of time so I can avoid the box office.

I have just discovered this venue for ballet and am impressed every single time. I went to see the North American première of Alice in the Wonderland, but this review is based on FYI’s rather than reviews of the shows.
If you want to make an event of seeing a ballet (or show) at the Four Seasons, you can always go to Nota Bene (5 minute walk) for pre-​dinner that starts at 5pm (just in time for the 7:30 show). For $ 55, you get a set meal with a glass of champagne! When making reservations at the restaurant, inform them that you have a show at the Four Seasons.
Or, if you don’t feel like dinner, not a problem, there other things you can do before hand:
1. If you have time, there is a «talk series» an hour earlier before the show that you can sit down and listen too
2. You can purchase drinks and food — CASH ONLY! I made the mistake one time of ordering everything and anything, and busted out my credit card… only to be informed Cash Only… wamp
3. During the intermission (usually 25 minutes), you can come out and have drinks and snacks. I suggest you to pre-​order these items BEFORE the show so that when its intermission, you don’t have to stand in long lines to order drinks. Before the show, they give you a ticket with your ordered items and the bar staff will tell you where to pick up the drinks. Now, I have only ordered and picked up on the main level, but other floors should have this service
4. Bathrooms are downstairs
5. When it is time to go in, a bell will ring — just beware that when you have middle seats (like moi), you might suffer the wrath of evil stares as you try and get past them to your seats. Some people will get up but some will stay seated and stare at you and say you should have arrived earlier (I think for those people I stepped on their white bags… oops)
6. Osgoode Subway Station right at the entrance of the venue so if you don’t feel like finding parking, try the rocket
7. Dress Code is actually whatever you feel like. The ballet for me means being dressed up, but I have seen guests wearing jeans, shorts, tight pants *shudder*…
Enjoy!

wuzz up in hurr last nite — marked in the ladies bathroom +_​0 (blame it on the free unlimited wine)
AMAZING.
Friendly Tips:
–Dress like you’re going to the royal wedding — channelling Blair Waldorf.
–DO NOT be late.
–Don’t bother pre drinking and/​or eating
-(females) prepare for suites trying to pick you up WHILE he grabs a drink for his wife — True story.
-(males) girls here come to dress up. Think tight dresses, 6 inch stilettos, wine glasses (i, e loosy goosey). Fair warning, 90% of them are pretentious bitches.
— If you aren’t holding anything Prada priced be prepared to be stared at, at times pointed at, gawked at or even asked if you are lost. Act crazy, it freaks them the f&*k out. They’ll leave you alone.
–BRING A CAMERA
–talk to strangers (I do this already, but I urge everyone to do this. I met the loveliest girls. Albeit, one was drunk and wanted to take me home. Nonetheless, still lovely. You could never go wrong with making some new facebook friends, right?) 0₀
The place is absolutely gorgeous. If you do come late, you will not get your original seat. You will be led to where seating is available, closest to the door. This sucks, irregularly shaped-​huge-​hairy-​donkey gonads.
The show last night was Alice in Wonderland — fantastic. I cannot express enough how beautiful it was. Plus, Ti’s my 2n’d favourite. A few times «Alice» was a tad late on her notes. I doubt anyone noticed. Other than yours truly. Why? Because I’m a self proclaimed and proud control freak.
There’s 5 floors. Each one with a bathroom on EVERY corner (bonus points).
The walls are complete glass. They Windex the crapola out of it. so much so that you think you’re going to fall out onto the street. This place is top notch. With a table (see pic) They provided mini sandwiches, tiny mouse sized cupcakes, raspberry scones, curler sesame salty sticks, red & white wine AND vodka drinks (oh, disaster)
I would absolutely love to come here again. If you love the arts, I really recommend coming out for at least one of the shows. The whole place gets decorated correlating the theme of the show. With all the free stuff, fun photo ops and happy mingling you will have a blast!
THEN — Just when you are about to go home and try to recollect as much as humanly possible for your Unilocal post, the door people hand you a goody bag WAAAAAAAAHH??? FOR MEEE??? YOU REALLY SHOULD NT HAVE! can I have one more? :p (if you ask nicely, they’ll give you 2)
Cool Cool beans. Left here at 4am. Wide eyed & eyeliner in perf condition. I call this a success.
xoxox
M.

I’ve been meaning to check out this centre since it opened but never had the chance to. I finally came here for one of their Free Concert Series In the Robert Bradshaw Amphitheatre. Most of the shows are from 12 to 1pm with some starting at 5:30pm. I arrived at 11:15am and there was already a short line up since doors open at 11:30am. I came for the Vocal Series: 110 Years of Singing on Record lectured by Stephen R. Clarke. It was pretty neat hearing old records being played on a horn machine from 1904 and comparing the same songs recorded in different time periods.
The amphitheatre bright as it is surrounded by windows facing University & Queen with classy wooden bleacher-​like seating. It’s casual and unpretentious.
Educational and interesting — this is a fantastic way to experience a bit of the COC.
*100^th review!* Yeah, yeah!

TIP #1: Don’t be LATE…
I heard the 2 minute warning DING DONG when I attended the entrance, so we ran over to Door D on the ground floor. The attendant said we still had time but not enough time for a trip to the washroom.
He gave me 2 options:
Option 1: Go to washroom and miss first 15 minutes of the show.
Option 2: Wait 1 hr 30 min until intermission.
I sat in my seat very patiently and unmoved and it was worth it. I was in the Orchestra Section Row D Seats ²⁵⁄₂₆ which is face-​to-​face to the Ladies in Bikinis and Men with Six Packs. BTW, this was Miss Saigon not a Strip Club. Plenty of legroom at this row for some reason.
Basically 4 rows behind the Orchestra directly centered we heard everything loud but NOT clear as either the voice/​songs were either sung too quickly or the audio reverb too much. At some points, I just gave up trying to listen to every word and just try to get the GIST of the Scene & Musical.
The Engineer, Chris, John sounded clear. Kim was sometimes harder to pinpoint exact words. When it was group or couples synchronized ballads, it was like your mind had 10 people talking at once. I just focused on one person and IGNORED the rest.
Our seating position meant that we couldn’t see the Orchestra hidden underneath and secondly couldn’t see the play unless it was inbetween the HEADS of the 3 rows before us.
TIP #2: If there are empty seats, try asking a staff if you can trade for another spot nearby if you have TOWERING big men/​women in front of you blocking your view.
The Centre itself is Ikea-​ish but I hope it is because it is eco-​friendly building however it is aesthetically pleasing with the soft lighting and spot lighting placed at the right places that bounce off either the WHITE walls or the transparent glass barriers.
The helicopter scene really gave a good test to the BASS of the sound system and it was very good almost like IMAX3D good. This coming from a guy that hasn’t watched theatre in years. The ENGINEER rocks!
When it came to intermission, washroom line-​up was typical of your Movie Theatre scale however I think that the men’s washroom didn’t have the right FLOW to it.
After your washroom, you wash your hands but then have to go backwards for the paper napkins and then walk past the sinks again before out the door. Movie Theatres have the RIGHT idea where you do Washroom, Sinks, Paper, Door sequence which helps. Maybe the feng shui guy gave them some other advice.
I took a photo of the Coat Check & Miscellaneous pricing for you convenience but during intermission no attendant was there so I couldn’t get my OBUS FORME. :(