The Bushnell

If Hartford were a crown and each entertainment venue were a precious stone on the crown, The Bushnell would be the Crown Jewel. I’ve attended many events and shows at The Bushnell over the years.
Each time, I find myself gazing around and admiring the beautiful Art Deco & elegant architecture. My daughter is one of the fortunate and hardworking volunteers at The Bushnell.
Everyone can find a variety of quality entertainment options; Broadway productions, concerts, symphony, education shows and lectures, Holiday events, and graduations.

I love the Bushnell. I wish some of the tickets were cheaper and the chairs were bigger (for those of us who are rear-​ly blessed), but it’s such a gorgeous theater that I can’t really complain.
I have been coming to the Bushnell pretty regularly for the last 20+ years. My first show there that I can remember was Phantom of the Opera (back when the Bushnell had to undergo a big renovation just to hold the set pieces!). Not much has changed in the main theater other than standard updates, but the «new» Belding Theater is beautiful.
I recently found out that there are guided tours offered for free! I went on one last week with Clint and (I think) Jeanne (?) and was so impressed. I had no idea of the history of the Bushnell, how close it came to not existing thanks to the Great Depression, and the not-​so-​hidden theme of «yesterday, today, and tomorrow». I will never see the mural in the Mortensen Theater the same way again.
Parking can be difficult if the state lot across the street is full, but you can always take public transportation. I also wish there were more local restaurants; you can’t spit outside of the Shubert’s door without hitting a dozen restaurants, but you have to walk at least ½ mile to find any sort of food around the Bushnell (not easy in cold/​heels/​close to showtime).

What a cool place! The inside looks great, very well decorated and the shows are a lot of fun. I recently came here for a teacher of the year awards ceremony and it was one of the most boring things I have ever been to. You could tell they were all teachers because every acceptance speech was read from a script and said with perfect grammar and sounded like essays, it was humorous at first but then that quickly downgraded to dread and boy did it drag on. But staring up at the décor and looking at all the cool architectural nuances helped me get through it. The seats are a little tight and if someone is sitting in the middle of a row and has to get up for whatever reason, expect to be standing up quite often, yikes! That is why I try as best I can to sit on the outside so I have a quick exit and don’t have to bother anyone while exiting the row. Also, the parking is not that good and there is no clear direction as to where one should park, maybe I just missed it, I paid $ 12 for parking and it was raining on that fateful day, my shoes got all dirty, it made me sad. :(
Anyway, The Bushnell is great and I try to come as often as possible when there are shows of interest to me.

Buyer beware when buying Event tickets online from The Bushnell webpage. I twice attempted to buy event tickets online from
yesterday, December 1, 2015. Both times I received a message that the Internet traffic on the site failed to process my purchase request. Unfortunately, a block was put on my credit card for both of the failed purchase attempts. I was told that I would have to wait 5 to 7 days for the pre– authorized charges to clear from my credit card. Until such time my credit limit is reduced by these pending charges. This reduces the credit limit available to me during this Christmas season. I wasn’t at fault for the internet activity on the Bushnell online box office website but, I’m out the funds for as long as 1 week (providing those pending charges are EVER properly removed from my credit card). I called the Box Office at the Bushnell and they agreed this is unfortunate but offered no resolution. The box office personnel seemed completely disinterested.

This theater is beautiful! I have attended several shows here and have sat in various seats and have not had an issue with hearing lines/​lyrics or visibility of the stage. It is large, but still intimate. Parking is free, but difficult to get out due to theater goers crowding the lot exits. Within a mile of great restaurants. I prefer this venue over the Goodspeed Opera House. Highly recommend!

First balcony, second to top row. We had a difficult time seeing the entire stage for peoples’ heads in front of us. My seat listhed to one side, but now I believe it was because folks have to lean sideways to see around those in front. Decent sound, although my 50 yr old ears could not make out all of the dialogue for the touring Broadway production (Kinky Boots) which we all otherwise greatly enjoyed. Beautiful historic theater with rich decoration. If you are a fan of historical architecture, bring your camera!

I’d like to preface this review by saying that I’m evaluating The Bushnell based on my experience of seeing a touring Broadway production there.
First things first, The Bushnell is a gorgeous theater inside a truly historic building. The Bushnell should be respected and admired for its architecture alone. The staff at The Bushnell is also fantastic.
As for the theater itself, though, it’s clear it was constructed for orchestra concerts but not for musical productions. For one, the theater is not only huge but also long. This means the «nosebleed» seats are, unfortunately, both high up and really far back. My recent visit to the Bushnell was in Row E of Mezzanine B, only 4 rows back from the front-​row of the center mezzanine sections. Still, even with this seemingly decent seat, the acoustics were poor (I missed 30% of the lines) and sight lines only fair (I couldn’t make out any facial expressions of the actors). The legroom was also exceedingly tight, compared to most theaters I’ve been in; my leg really started to cramp up… and I’m only 5′ 7″! I guess one saving grace is that the walls on the sides of the stage thrust outward, making for less of an obstructed view for those seated on the far sides. But for a $ 60 – 95 seat, this still seems unacceptable.
Perhaps my opinion of The Bushnell will change in the future, but until then, this remains one of my least favorite theaters.

Great venue. Been here MANY times. Just wish that there were restaurants within walking distance to grab a bite and drink before the show.

We arrived 30 minutes before the curtain and collected our tickets at will call with ease. We stepped into the main lobby and purchased some Skittles to enjoy before the show (I don’t believe in making noise with wrappers during a performance) for a reasonable enough price.
We made our way to the second floor mezzanine entrance and waited for the ushers to open the doors. We visited the Bushnell to see «Once, the musical.» The ushers opened the doors and I was stunned by how beautiful the theatre is! The staff kindly pointed everyone in the correct direction.
We sat in the middle section of the mezzanine in Row L; tickets were $ 40 and the view was great!
I definitely recommend visiting the theater. The only reason I didn’t give a solid five is because the parking situation when leaving is very difficult; however it’s not unlike leaving a major stadium and the parking is free.

There isn’t a single bad seat in the entire house. It is intimate, the acoustics are excellent, and the view from every single seat is superb. Beyond that, the prices are very reasonable, the architecture is beautiful, and the parking is free, which is a nice plus in downtown Hartford.
I went there for a Valentine’s Day symphony, and the place was magical. Each instrument shone out beautifully from the next, the crowd was quite respectful and quiet during the performance, and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra was on top of their game.
A great venue in the middle of Hartford.

This venue is so pretty and historic. They did a great job with preservation and restoration of the building. I love the ceiling! Saw Pippin’s Broadway touring company here on Saturday night, and it was a great show in a great theater. The sound carried well and I could see everything well from Row V of the orchestra. The concession stand had what I needed at intermission time and the bathrooms were clean. And there was even a free parking lot just diagonal from the theater, which was surprising. All in all, a very nice theater with a touch of character, and I would recommend it if you live in or are passing through Hartford, CT.

Second time here. First time Eddie Vedder said that being in the room is like being inside a Fabrege egg. The building is amazingly restored and beautiful. We were in the balcony for Pippin. We ran up the stairs and got to our seats just in time. The show was amazing, the venue’s acoustics are amazing.

Easy and free parking. The theatre is beautiful. Offered plenty of snacks, coffee, beer, wine, and mixed drinks Great place to see a show

Great place and parking is free and a breeze! Just an FYI for those of you that want drinks during intermission. You can actually purchase your drinks for intermission before the show starts. There were 6 of us and the bartender had our drinks waiting for us when intermission got out. No waiting in line and getting back to our seat was easy.

I’ve been going here ever since I was little, and it’s always been a load of fun– The Nutcracker, Stravinsky’s Firebird, Warhorse… every time has been a pleasure!
The theater itself is decorated with a beautiful mural depicted on the ceiling to color-​changing lights on either side that really bring out a unique atmosphere once you’re in there. I have to say the last time I went (for Warhorse), I was really blown away by the performance– the acoustics are great and I’ve sat in several different spots over the years. The Firebird was amazing to hear live as well, and I definitely encourage everyone else to take a chance and check this place out!
They always have some sort of snack-​food before the doors, the usual theater munchies (candy, water bottles, some bags of chips or pretzels I believe) for no more than 1 – 2 or 3 dollars a piece. I was able to bring it in with me, too.

The Bushnell is a real treasure in Hartford! All the shows I’ve ever been to are awesome and love that the parking is nearby.
I was there recently for the Alton Brown show and there was no bad seat in the house. I purchased the tickets online and the process was very simple.

Hartford, Connecticut. A city of diminishing relevance, slowly being torn asunder by the age of technology, cheaper labor in the heartland, and global outsourcing. Once the vaunted «Insurance Capital of the World,» it is now but a small, remotely-​controlled outpost for just a few global financial institutions which have yet to relieve Central Connecticut of its corporate marching orders.
And then there’s this eye-​melting gorgeous theater a midst the devastation. It’s still one of the most beautiful art venues I’ve ever seen. Impeccably kept, professionally staffed, classically presented. You gotta see a performance here, even if it’s just once.
Our treat was the unique and talented Alton Brown, who put on a sort of variety show centered around food. As is true of his original TV show «Good Eats,» it was ¼ food science, ¼ food history and culture, ¼ culinary skills, and ¼ comedy. We had a blast.
And get this — free parking across the street. Whaaa? *cartoon sound effects*. I thought every event ticket on Earth had parking built into the price. But amazingly enough, the lot was free. I can’t promise the lot will be free for your performance, but it’s nice to know that The Bushnell doesn’t prey upon every possible opportunity to scrape the bottom of your purse.
Little things like that make me want to come back… unlike, say, every other theater, arena, and stadium I’ve been to ever.

You walk in wondering if you’re center– of-​the-​house, close-​to-​the-​stage seats are in the splash zone. The box office lists «strobes, smoke and fog» used in this show. Hmmm… Flashdance and no water? Just you wait.
The cast Friday night (no understudies) was outstanding. Jillian Mueller was made to be this character. There was not a weak voice in the house and the dancing, oh the dancing, was wonderful. And stimulating; remember this is Flashdance; ‘Alex’ worked in a club after welding all day. Pole dancing, skimpy outfits, dressing room song and dance routines and the minute Dequina Moore ‘Kiki’ began to sing, the house listened, and wanted more. Alison Ewing plays a much older ‘Tess’ and does it with pizazz.
A nice twist in this broadway rendition of an old movie is the love interest was now actually the grandson of the owner, closer in age and in life decisions as Alex at the time.
Now the water scene, you ask?
First, unless you’ve watched the movie lately, you forget what good songs are in this production and every so often hear notes of the song from the infamous scene, thinking it may be coming up soon or will simply be overlooked for the limitations of this venue. Not so. As Alex dances near rear stage, on a small stage, she begins getting sprayed with arcs of water from the sides, almost surreal until you realize her hair is actually getting soaked.
The chair. the pulley. the pose. she drenches herself. perfection. intermission!
No one got splashed, it just made us want to come back for more.
I always think it makes for a wonderful evening when you leave a place deep in contemplation or smiling. You leave this show smiling.
The Bushnell has changed a bit since I last attended.
You now are allowed your beverages into the theatre, a very nice and relaxing policy transition. No rushing to slam down that glass of wine or Hennessy or beverage of choice. They’ve redecorated a bit inside, yet retain the classy old theatre attitude in design. And, the acoustics: I’ve never heard clearly in this larger Mortensen Hall side of the Bushnell, yet this time, it was only the overpowering volume of the live orchestra which could have been lessened. They must’ve done something with their performers mic system to clarify voices, because they were clear. I appreciate that.
Parking is free, close by and partially lit, also guarded.

Above all else, The Bushnell is a gorgeous, architecturally stunning venue — perfect for any performance. I always visit for Connecticut Forum events as well as the occasional concert or lecture. Aside from the main theater area, I’ve been to many of the smaller rooms and galleries for receptions and other (usually nonprofit) events.
There’s just one thing…
Parking during a sold out show guarantees an anxiety attack.

Saw Million Dollar Quartet tonight. Parking was a breeze in the big State lot across the street on Capital Ave. We didn’t have enough time to eat dinner in Hartford before the show, so we opted for the Bushnell’s Café. The food was more than decent — a very reasonable $ 5 for a tuna, chicken salad, roast beef or turkey club sandwich and a bag of chips. I also had a Thai Chicken Soup that was totally surprisingly great. Enough tables for the diners was another story– way too few tables.
The Bushnell is just beautiful with opulently decorated walls and ceilings. Yes, the seats are rather cozy, as stated in other reviews.
We enjoyed MDQ, but there were some inexplicable slow spots in the show. The sound and lighting were excellent. The singing amd musicianship of the cast were extraordinary. We heard 23 songs, most of them classics from Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. The guy who played Jerry Lee Lewis was a little over the top and reminded me of Heath Ledger’s Joker at times, but man oh man, could that guy play the piano.
By the way, my favorite Beatle was George Harrison, and he grew up idolizing Carl Perkins. The Fab Four covered one of Carl’s best known songs (Matchbox) on an early album. And after George passed away, at the All Star Concert for George, guess what song Ringo sang in tribute for George?