Poet’s Den Gallery and Theater

I’m giving the show a five star rating but the venue gets zero. Made in Puerto Rico is definitely a must see show. I can not say enough good things about it. Elizardi Castro is hysterical.
On the other hand the venue is a fire trap. My party of four arrived fifteen to twenty minutes before the show. The seating on the venue is on a first come basis. There were about 10 to 15 seats still available when we arrived. These seats were being held by other guest for their party. Seems to me that guest should not be seated till everyone in the party has arrived as per the venues policy. We were directed to sit on folding chairs in front of the fire exit. By the way we were seating on the second row in front of the fire doors, since there was already guest seating right against the fire doors. During the intermission Mr Ralph Benvides offered us the front row seat which were empty. Are you kidding me we were closer to the exit in case of a fire at this point. This is unacceptable. Please change your policy this is an tragedy waiting to happen.

The best service ever! Best price and best space. For all occasions. I love it! Raphael is the best person to ever work with when you want to plan your event.

The theater itself is intimate and cozy, so it’s great for smaller-​scale shows like The Importance of Being Earnest, which I just a couple of weeks ago. The show was great, but theater left a bit to be desired.
First, I’m sure it’s an older venue, but it definitely smells a bit dated. I couldn’t tell if it was because it had rained buckets recently, or if it always smells that way, but the scent never settled.
Second, PLEASE DO NOT USE THE BATHROOM DURING THE SHOW, as the audience (or at least the people sitting in the back, where I was) can hear the toilet flush and it is incredibly distracting.
Third, maybe it was just for this show, which was general admission, but the ushers didn’t seem to sure of which seats were available and which were taken. I was seated in the very last seat in the back, pressed into a corner — I’m leaving out that I had to crawl over a rotund woman who refused to move to let me in the row — when there were open seats available and unreserved closer to the front. (I know that they were open and unreserved because some late-​comers mosied in and sat there.) They also didn’t know how bloody blinding their flashlights were once the lights were dimmed.
Finally, maybe it was just the audience of the show I went to, but couple of people got up during the show (likely to go to the bathroom), which was super distracting not only to the theatergoers, but to the actors. I think if you’re having an emergency and really need to go, then it’s okay, but otherwise, I think it’s disrespectful and rude to the actors to get up – especially when you’re seated in the front row! And this theater is small, so it’s not like you can be discrete with that sort of thing.
In conclusion, I really really really liked the show and I love the fact that I can get a dose of culture right down the street from my house. I’d recommend coming to check the place out, but expect a couple of warts.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Forget about being on or off Broadway, the POET’S DEN THEATER (home to The East Harlem International Film Festival) tucked away up in East Harlem is the place to be for a cast of Actors (James Edward Becton, Debra Ann Byrd, Andrew R. Cooksey, Michael Flood, Samuel T. Gaines, Danielle Lee Greaves, Bliss Griffin, Lawryn Lacroix, Tom Martin) that all deserve Tony Awards!
Debra Ann Byrd, Producer of Take Wing And Soar Productions, and Voza Rivers, Producer of New Heritage Theatre Group have brought together a brilliant cast that each add their definitive spice and give this production unforgettable flavor!
Thanks to my Buddha Sista & Award Winning Director of Patron and Community Affairs, Natalie Clarke, I reserved Gala tickets two months in advance to what proved to be the most Delicious & Colorful rendition of Oscar Wilde’s «The Importance of Being Earnest.» Kevin Connell’s outstanding direction shined through by allowing each Actor breathing room to celebrate and add their own ethnic touch while giving a most elegant and dignified performance.
In my ten years of living abroad, I’ve seen many interpretations of Oscar Wilde’s genius, but this one took my breath away and made me even more Proud to be an African American! As a Design/​Wellness Consultant of BEAU-​T by BLANE, I pay very close attention to detail. The little details played a big part in owning this production and making it their own, and I take my 1920’s hat off to Talvin Wilks for Dramaturgy, Gail Cooper-​Hecht for Costume Design, James ‘Prez’ Carter for Light Design, and Chris Cumberbatch for Scenic Design.
This was my first time viewing the work of an extremely talented team and my first time attending The Poet’s Den. But, you best believe your tail feathers it definitely won’t be my last! Thank you for an unforgettable experience.

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The Poet’s Den Gallery and Theater is a great Arts complex. It consists of a beautiful theater and a spacious gallery where monthly art shows are always happening. Definitely a must see in the neighborhood.