Segerstrom Center for the Arts

A great performing arts center. Parking is reasonably priced at $ 10 and traffic is not hectic which it can be at L. A’s Music Center. Segerstrom Hall is a little dated but remains a great place to see the performing arts. It’s capacity is 3,000 seats.
The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall opened in 2006 and looks brand spanking new to this day. It seats about 2,000 people. I was fortunate enough to attend the Hector Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique and I was very impressed by the acoustics of this place. Looks like the reverberation chambers in the concert hall works very well. I would certainly return to attend other concerts.

Well, I found a bad seat, despite all the reviews here saying there isn’t one.
Polite staff listened to my complaint-​first an usher, then a rep on the phone the next business day. But no one offered me a suggestion or refund or even the difference in price for the seat I eventually moved to.
Add to that the famously so-​so acoustics, and I think a trip up to the Ahmanson or Pantages will be well worth it for next time.

My first time to the Sergestrom was two nights ago when I went to watch Newsies. Parking is a bit pricey. The ticket was on the high side but the seat I got was apparently one of the best seats in the house. The only problem was, at 5 feet, I sunk in my seat and with a super tall man in front of me, half the stage was covered. If I were a bit taller, it probably wouldn’t have been a problem. Next time I’ll bring a booster seat! LOL!
Anyways, great venue. Easy to find. The attendants were very courteous and helpful. I wish the intermission was longer though. With one restroom for the entire place, the lines to use the facilities were so long, by the time I was halfway to where I needed to be (a urinal), the chimes went off indicating the second act was about to commence! Either install another restroom or extend the intermission a bit!

I went here to watch Cinderella with my family. This show was better than I expected. It has a bit of adult humor. The show overall ran smooth and flawlessly. Show started on time and they allow you enough time to take a break during intermission.
There is only self parking in a parking structure and it cost $ 10. There are parking attendants that collect money and give you a parking pass.
The venue is pretty nice. When you walk in front doors, there is a backdrop where guests can take a photograph. The venue is not that large, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Make sure you grab a program it also list other shows, plays and events.
There are bars where you can purchase snacks and beverages on all level floors. They serve beer, wine, soft drinks and coffee.
The restrooms are well kept and there are mirrors along the walls, perfect for 360 angles.

I remember when I was a teenager and I attended shows with my parents. 30 years later, my parents are still in the same seats… just 2 now instead of 3. Sometimes I am lucky enough to get their tickets while they are off traveling the world, spending my inheritance… or just have other plans.
Recently I was able to see Motown and Cinderella. Both were amazing shows and made me wish every so often, there was still that third seat next to my parents. They are in the 3^rd row from the stage off to the left, so they are right there, in the middle of the show. So close, you could see the spit fly from the Princes mouth in Cinderella. Haha. Sorry, but seriously… it was an issue.
I have always had good luck parking, and getting in and out of the parking garage. Parking at the lot connected to the theater is $ 10. I am usually early so I get in no problem and get parking close to the walkway.
There are beverages and snacks available for sale before the shows, and during intermission — I have never purchased anything so I do not know how pricing runs.
This is a nice, clean venue and a fun family event, date night, or girls night out.

Had a great time seeing Cinderella. I’ve seen most of my musicals here and it has always been super fun. Try to get the orchestra seats. The seating up at top are good, but not great.

Segerstrom is a great performing arts center that offers a fantastic variety of entertainment for Orange County. However, the layout of the venue is a tad weird so depending on the show and where you sit, you might miss something in the performance. I’ve never had an issue, but my parents have seen The Lion King here and they said that some of the upper level overhands kept them from seeing the entire show. I can’t corroborate this with my own visits, but I am just mentioning it so you can consider that possibility when picking out seats.
Bathrooms seem to be a little limited. I always try to visit during intermission and end up always going back to my seat as I see both the men and women’s lines stretching on way too long. If you think you’re gonna have to go, maybe try going before the show starts. Or just hold it until after the show.

«I mean, …if I don’t have a personality of my own, so what? I’m an actress! I can put on as many personalities as I want!» —— Doris Finsecker
#fame
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Well alright!!! Look out Pantages!!!
There might just be a new sheriff by the name of «Segerstrom», in town!
Veering slightly off of the 5 and Bristol just affront South Coast Plaza, a mere stop light away on «Town Center Drive» sits this performing arts facility — conveying concert venues to the weary and theatrical entertainment to the aspiring within a downright charming locale.
Had the pleasure of attending and Alvin Ailey dance performance this past weekend and being no stranger to ‘the arts’, I was all the more taken aback to arrive to Segerstrom Center this past Sunday and walk in, to an absolutely stunning, if not downright entrancing setting.
From top to bottom this place is something straight out of Dubai.
#Burj-​Khalifa
Okay, so not quite…^, yet I can’t fathom there having been a «bad» seat in the house as the vantage points were all pretty darn good, if ya’ ask me. Having previously purchased tickets we were ushered to the «Upper Orchestra» (not to be confused with «Upper Balcony») and were quite impressed by our perspective, having not been on the floor.
To further it, customer service, we found to be exemplary as well. [There was actually an employee standing near a theater performance mural simply to take photos of guest (s) from THEIR mobile devices… for free!]
Affording wines, crafts and cocktails at fares that won’t break the bank, I’d actually have been willing to deduct a star for the concession stand (s) selling chips (nothing like paying just shy of a hundred bucks a person for seating, only to proceed in basking within the ambiance and have your vibe circumcised by crunchy Doritos or Lays) — thereon, that star would just as promptly been restored as the acoustics within this place, that likely vary depending upon one’s location… more than made up for this.
To further it, concession stands permit guest (s) to take advantage of a pre-​order system alleviating the unnecessary stress in trekking from one’s seat to the restroom then over to grab grub and finally, …back to one’s seat prior to the end of intermission and impromptu «fade to black».
* Ladies — as of ALL places, –YES-​, there’s a DEFINITE line for the restroom; no break there. However the interior concept of the «Men’s» lavatory compels me to hypothesize that the «Ladies’» is just as swank. Count your blessings, at least you’re able to do the pee pee dance in style.
While self parking, I’ve gathered to have been an option here — I chose to valet ($ 20.00) — no surprise there,… and found the vehicle «drop off» /​«retrieval» method here rather impressive. We pulled up with absolute ease and hours later, upon performance conclusion, …my car was retrieved and presented within minutes, …minus any formal delay (let alone scuffs and scratches).
* When driving out, I took notice of a NUMBER of folks having parked across the street at South Coast. GRRRRRR! Consider me schooled for next time. That $ 20.00 could’ve gone on Pinot!!!
The facility’s implementation of an actual system altogether has indisputably provoked me to consider driving a bit further out just to visit this place.
Nice job OC.

I recently came to see «The Book of Mormon» and it is so funny! I loved it! The music is very catchy and the actors are amazing! I found myself believing the guys were real Mormons and forgetting they are just actors. I think some hard core Mormons may be offended by this but remember this isn’t theology, this is just exaggerated satire musical comedy that pokes fun at some of the circumstances surrounding missionaries. They were also raining money for charity and offered pictures with two Jesus’. The café has some yummy churros for $ 3, great deal and small drinks for $ 4, not a great deal. The merchandise is expensive, which was to be expected. I just can’t wait to come back!!!

The 2016 Unilocal 500, Review #054:
«Book Of Mormon» was the reason I attended the theater on this night. Even if you don’t like plays or music, come out and see something, you might be pleasantly surprised… and this place has some amazing architecture.
This time I was visiting Segerstrom Hall.
Valet was $ 20.
Price for what I would call a medium soda was $ 4
A bag of kettle chips was $ 3
View from the upper most balcony — front row was fine.
If your show is sold out, like mine was, I would recommend hanging around a good bit… 20 minutes … then head out with hardly a wait time.

We went thursday for Book of Mormon. Good seats. I has a hard time hearing some of the play. I felt like it needed to be turned up. At the end, someone’s Mike went out so. we could only hear his voice. Boooo and it was so Friken HOT In there I was nauseous! !
Other then that, it was a Friken Hilario. We laughed so hard! The secret innuendos and the subliminal messages were hysterical explanation point you have to listen carefully and play close attention as I was laughing so hard I miss some of the words! Definitely a great time! park at South coast and walk over, save $ 10 – 15.

Great place to see a performance, and I love the variety and quality of shows that they have here.
I’ve been here to see Wicked and the American Ballet Theater’s performance of the Nutcracker. Given the popularity of both of these shows, I was surprised that I was able to find discounted tickets on Goldstar, which worked out really well. Ordered online, picked up tickets at willcall, and got great seats for much less than face value.
The outside of the building is stunning. Although there is no grand foyer when you enter like some other performing arts centers, the inside is well kept.
I was originally going to knock a star for parking until I remembered how much worse parking is at most other places like basically every venue in LA. Also in the future I may just heed the advice of others and park at the mall.

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located across from South Coast Plaza (SCP). It is home to Segerstrom Hall (brown building) and Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (white building). Both performance venues are beautiful and well-​lit in the evening.
I’ve been to several theaters and venues to watch musicals, concerts, and other shows. It was my first time coming out to Segerstrom Hall and I was impressed.
Tickets and Seating
I purchased two tickets on a Thursday evening to see «Wicked» the following night. And, even though I couldn’t get two adjacent seats at the front, I was still able to book seats in the Orchestra section. Choosing seats and completing the transaction through their online ticketing system was effortless.
Parking
I had read that there was a parking structure but, for some reason, it was closed off. No biggie. I decided to valet ($ 20) instead of walking from SCP in heels. The valet attendants at drop off and pick up were both efficient and courteous.
Venue
As our tickets were scanned at the entrance, we were directed to our sections. They had a staircase and elevators to get up and down different levels. The interior was carpeted so it felt comfortable walking around the venue.
Amenities /​Facility
While we waited for the theater doors to open, we browsed the venue for amenities:
* Restrooms
* Merch Table
* Photo Opp room
* Snack and Drink Bar
* Seating in the hall
The facility was clean and spacious.
Staff /​Ushers
The employees (ticket scanners, merch and bar staff, theater ushers, and photo opp lady) were all very friendly and helpful.
Acoustics /​Seats
The acoustics were great and the sound system was crisp. It was easy to hear the performers on stage. Seats were comfortable and it was easy getting in and out of rows. I just wish the Orchestra area was more inclined because the tall man’s head in front of me blocked parts of the stage. Luckily, it was my second time seeing «Wicked». For the most part, anywhere you sit is a good seat.
Overall, Segerstrom Hall is a beautiful venue to watch a show. I would love to come back here to see another performance.

PARKING: Free parking on Anton over where the old Macaroni Grill used to be. Pass TGIFriday’s going east on Anton and then turn in and there will be a parking ticket arm dealy. Push the button for the ticket and continue into the parking lot. By the time you get out of your event all the parking arms will be up and you don’t need to pay. Also, you’re not stuck in a parking structure forever waiting to get out.
I love Segerstrom because it’s close to where I live, parking is obviously free, there’s a TGIFriday’s walking distance from there and the shows are great. Beats going to the Pantages, sitting in traffic, driving circles around to find parking or paying $ 25 to park in L.A. Just saw Wicked for the first time and was thoroughly relaxed, impressed and happy. I sat in loge this time and recommend bringing binnoculars if you really want to see the actors faces, but the acoustics were great and the set was awesome so I still got the same feeling as if I were sitting in the orchestra.

This is a pretty cool venue to watch a show. I’m a fan of this. I really like that you can purchase your intermission beverages prior to the show and have it waiting for you. I’m not sure why more people don’t take advantage of this. I’m surprised baseball stadiums haven’t thought of this. Could you imagine purchasing a couple of rounds of drinks that would be ready for you at, say, the seventh inning or something? Although, there was sort of an honor system.
The one negative I did have on the place is the parking. Not only is it bad, you’re dealing with a lot of South County jerks who believe it’s their birthright to use their SUV to cut you off.
The coolest thing, though. Is that you have to take a tricky left out of the structure on to Alton to get on the 405. Not many people know this. So the d-​bag who cut me off went straight through Alton and I guarantee you he got lost. Mostly because he’s a bad person.
I feel like I’ve strayed from my previous point. But I’ll go back here to see another play in the near future. Ah, I have a small child. I’ll be back in the future. Let’s leave it at that.
Oh, and see Wicked. I thought it was going to be a play about some Boston jerks, but it was actually based on the Wizard of Oz.

Segestrom offers a variety of halls and great performances!
I have been to the 3,000-seat Segestrom Hall to watch 42^nd Street, Motown, If and Then, and most recently, Wicked, and have enjoyed each production. The cast and staging are Broadway quality. The sound, I feel, could be better. Even on the orchestra seats I found it low sometimes.
Orchestra seats, though pricey, are totally worth it! Go to the box office to purchase the tickets and you can avoid the service fee. I have used Goldstar to buy balcony seats and even rear orchestra seats and they were both way too far as the stage is not that big and the upper level seats’ incline is very steep.
I have also been at the 500-​seat Samueli theater in the back to watch Ada/​Ava and it was phenomenal. A more intimate theater with another great production.
The glass exterior is beautiful and so is the campus, with trees covered in lights, great for a romantic stroll before/​after the show. The interior is a bit dated with solid color carpets and mirrors but it is clean and well maintained.
There are no restrooms on the main floor so the lines on the second floor are long during intermission, as expected.
They have some snacks and drinks on the concession stands and you can preorder them to have them ready during intermission, but be sure to drink it all as you cannot bring back inside the theater.
Parking structure right next door but they also have valet. Don’t feel bad and join the crowd that walks from the South Coast Plaza parking lot, it is a nice and short walk!

We attended the opening night of «Wicked» last night. The structure is beautifully designed. Parking was easily accessible. I did note however that there was a long line to walk up the stairs to the upper levels.
Here is my small complaint. The acoustic is good, but not great. We sat in the Loge section. The performers’ voices were at time distorted, especially during the chorus. I know I am being a little picky but it was hard to distinguish individual performers’ voices.

What a spectacular venue for performing arts. I don’t think there was a bad seat in the spot. Each row level is raised a bit so it’s stadium seating. I sat in Row M in the Orchestra dead center for Wicked and the acoustics and view were top notch for the price.
TIP: Restroom intermission — go to the OT level, not the level with concession. You’ll thank me for the short wait :)

Great venue.
Super big, clean, and new. The attendants are so nice. There are multiple stages, food for sale, and even a restaurant on site. Lots of parking.
Very classy place. Not too crowded. Very polite patrons.
They have a lot of performances, will definitely need to come back again soon.

Fantastic venue with such gorgeous modern architecture! And surrounded by great restaurants and cocktail bars! Came here to watch The Illusionist with a friend and we both truly enjoyed the evening in this place.

What a beautiful venue! I have always wanted to experience this performing arts center and thanks to Unilocal I finally got the opportunity! I was lucky enough to win two tickets to one of the Off Center Festival shows.
The performance of Martha Redbone at the Samueli Theater was extraordinary!!! She is a truly talented singer/​performer! Her powerful voice resonated inside the intimate theater and made it a truly magical experience. The beautiful theater stage was equipped with great background lighting and comfy chairs. The sound of the live instruments was so crystal clear that it made it seem like I was on stage playing an instrument.
After the amazing performance I could not resist getting her CD to remember this night. And to top off the memorable night Martha autographed my CD!!!
Thank you Unilocal!!!

I watched The Nutcracker over the holidays. It was my first time at this theatre and also my first time watching The Nutcracker. I was very impressed with the theatre, it’s beautiful inside and out. We got awesome seats and I had a wonderful evening. Parking was a bit of a walk, especially since we were running late.

This is a great venue to see a show! I feel like there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Sometimes I pay the couple hundred bucks for orchestra seats, and sometimes I just like to pay the 40 bucks to sit in the back of the loge. The cool thing is that when you order your tickets there are pictures that give you an idea of what the stage looks like from your general area. Pretty cool feature.
They allow you to place an order and pre-​pay for items for during intermission. This is a nice little perk that I haven’t seen many other places.
The theater is beautifully up-​to-​date. The hallways are wide and kept clear for easy passage before, after, And during the intermission of the show.
Bring cash for parking, because they make you prepay.

I love this venue. I’ve seen Wicked & If/​Then, all very good musicals & experiences. This place can fit a lot of ppl in & even the seats in the back seem like they are pretty close. Only downside is you can’t bring in your drinks/​alcohol that you buy there.
I love the amount of leg room each aisle has, much more than other venues like Pantages
Parking structure is $ 10. Lots of people park across the street at the mall & walk over though

Great venue for a musical in Orange County. I’ve only sat in the lower level at shows and am convinced there’s no bad seats at the lower level. Sat in the back section of the Orchestra Terrace and view was still good. And at an reasonable price.
Watched Wicked and If/​Then here and enjoyed them both.
TIPS:
— If you want to avoid the $ 10 parking fee for Segerstrom, park over at South Coast Plaza near Claim Jumpers and walk across the bridge — it’s a nice 7 – 8 minute walk.
— Get there early if you have will call tickets, there is most definitely a line right before the show
— They sell alcohol inside, ’nuff said

WHAT CAN ONE DO WITH A FEW STICKS, SOME TWINE, AND NEWSPAPER?
Back in the day, when I was a wee one, daddy and I would grab a few sticks, some twine, and newspaper. Together we would tie it altogether, head to the other side of the mountain from home, on a windy day, and run through the grassy mountain top while letting out the slack on the string. Eventually, it would get caught in an air pocket and dance with the wind dipping and swooping.
While many visitors come to the center for music performances, cohort and I came here for another type of performance. Held outside the center on the open green space, a free outdoor event for kids and adults, was what brought us here. There was music, dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, student art display, and kite design and building, just to name a few.
After roaming around looking at the booths filled with wee ones sending their imagination soaring high in the sky making kites, we plopped ourselves on the grass and took in the sites. The sites of families enjoying the beautiful sunny SoCal weather, the performances presented, and all kinds of kites swooping and swirling like ballroom dresses in the wind.
What a great spacious outdoor venue to spend an afternoon relaxing, watching people, and the next generation reminding us what it’s like to be a kid. Kites really have come a long way from the days of sticks, twine, newspaper, and a little help from daddy. Nice those memories can be revived with a day at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Kite Festival. Be a kid again, go fly a kite.

Seen many a musical here. The staff volunteers are always very lovely. I have sat front row and all the way in the loge– every seat is great. I love this venue being local and playing all the Broadway shows. Why would you drive to pantages!!! It’s easy to get to, easy to park and many great eateries located around the venue! I LOVE Segerstrom!

Such a beautiful performing arts center in the OC! I came here to see The Lion King musical and from the moment I came in to their parking structure I was very impressed with this place.
Parking is $ 10 and you pay when you come in. I have to say that for the amount of people that were there that day it was such a breeze getting in and out.
It is a great location to come and take pictures of you have time. Once you are inside there are a lot 8 doors that can get you inside depending on where you are seating. No matter where you sit inside you get a nice view.

If you haven’t had the chance to watch Lion King the musical, I highly recommend purchasing tickets ASAP. You still have until November 1^st so don’t miss out on being able to watch the best rated musical!
Although parking was $ 10 (take cash), it was very organized and convenient. I was in and out in a matter of 5 minutes. As soon as you are leaving the parking lot to enter the venue, take a moment to revel in how beautiful the Segerstrom performing arts center is. I literally had to stop to admire its wonderful architecture.
Lion King is my all-​time favorite Disney movie so I might be a little biased but the musical sincerely did the movie justice! I was in awe the whole time! I felt like I was a child again watching Lion King for the first time. The details that went into the costumes, production, transitions, and props are truly commendable. My favorite component of this musical was that it was extremely visually stimulating. I couldn’t get over how beautiful, creative, and colorful the stage was. My favorite characters were Nala and Rafiki. Nala’s voice was simply mesmerizing during the «can you feel the love» scene, I seriously can listen to her all day. Rafiki was a great comic relief and her voice was strong and striking. Great job, ladies!
Helpful tip: This musical is 2 ½ hours with a 20 minute intermission so be sure to enjoy a nice beverage in between and use the restroom. The group I went with pre-​ordered wine and champagne when we first arrived and it was ready for us at intermission so that’s a great option if you’re initially running a bit late.

I went here for the first time last night for the Lion King musical. This building was absolutely beautiful and even more impressive on the inside. It was well lit, clean, and decked out in mirrors. No need to bring your compact, ladies ;) haha. I noticed a bar area where you can apparently pre-​order your drinks so you don’t have to wait in line during intermission.
I sat in the orchestra terrace section and I thought the way the layout was set up was quite awkward. Our section is slanted to the right and since the stage was TINY, the left side of the stage (when you are facing the stage) is slightly cut off. I think the stage is one of the smallest that I have watched a musical on. I am no expert, but I also felt the acoustics were not quite there. I wasn’t far from the stage but I sometimes had a hard time hearing the actors speak or sing.
Parking is 10 dollars so I highly recommend parking across the street at South Coast. It is a very short walk to the venue.

Very beautifully structured theater that showcases an eclectic genre, appealing to all age types.
Saw the lion king and it blew my mind. I recommend sitting in the orchestra, as the actors do waltz down the aisles here and there and you should experience it up close and personal.
Seats aren’t staggered well so a really tall person may sit in front of you so you’ll have to maneuver your head a bit.
Facilities are clean, staff are friendly (and a bit old), and great place to take a date! Not as upscale as Pantages (which I liked) so you’ll see some interesting characters there and people won’t be as dressed up with their ties choking their necks.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located in Costa Mesa, across the street from South Coast Plaza.
Wow-​this is a first class venue featuring great artist. I had the privilege of attending the «Adiós» tour of the Buena Vista Social Club Band, and it was outstanding!
I have attended several functions that the Center sponsors during the summer-​they play Classic movies on the outside patio on Monday nights.
Tonight to bid farewell to the Buena Vista Social Club Band, they put down a checkered dance floor for the arriving guest-​it was spectacular to pull up and hear the salsa music, along with the awesome salsa dancer. It was a well put together gathering.
I look forward to becoming a member of the Center, so that I can continue to enjoy this venue.

I didn’t know this gem was hidden across the street from South Coast Plaza! Yesterday was my first visit ever to see the fantastic musical Phantom of the Opera.
Leaving from Alhambra at 5:30pm to the OC wasn’t as awful as I expected plus we were able to take the carpool once we were on the 605. The show was at 7:30pm and we arrived around 6:40pm, hey it could always be worse.
Now I’m not sure of the parking situation at the Center itself because we opted to park at the mall in front of Boudin and walk across the bridge. We grabbed a bite and arrived about 5 minutes before the show and had no issues getting in or getting to our seats.
It’s a beautiful area and the building itself is quite lovely. Our seats were Balcony, so the most further up seating. However our rows were pretty close to where Balcony starts. Since we were pretty up we didn’t have any views blocked but you definitely will NOT see the faces of the artists.
For the Phantom of the Opera itself, it was amazingly well done! Everyone was excellent! A classic musical! Overall, it was a terrific performance at a very grandeur place!