Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

I’ve seen several musicals here now, and I am a fan, but I’m also a critic.
The show will start on time. It does not matter if the will call line is 50 people deep, or if all of the recommended parking lots are full (and darn it, all those one way streets are a little confusing). The ushers will make you wait (and they should) but there will be confusion as to when exactly you can be let in, and when you are let in, it will be no more graceful than at any other point in the show. The obstructed view seats in the top level are only worth it if you are either five feet three or four or taller or willing to sit on the edge of your seat (though this problem is probably less of an issue the closer you get to the center of the section) The shows that play here are great, but if you think you’re seeing a traveling Broadway show… you’re probably not. Our local acting talent pool is deep, and sometimes it is as good as anything on actual Broadway, but sometimes it is not.
The theater is beautiful though, and I’ve truly never enjoyed climbing so many stairs.

A total gem. Pretty in side, with a grand stair case, mezzanine area and covered entry. Acoustics are good and it’s a nice size to feel intimate with the performance. Not cavernous but beautiful and open.

I went to the Ordway to see the Minnesota Opera Company’s performance of «The Magic Flute» and was fortunate enough to sit in the front row. First of all, this venue is spectacular. It is a jewel and though I might be influenced by the incredible performance of the company, I noted that everything was wonderful. The ushers were great in guiding me to my seat. The service during Intermission and before hand was posh and professional and parking was not a hassle at all, you walk less than a block almost completely covered, so no worries about weather when it comes to your gowns. I am thrilled to be going back for the 2015 – 2016 of the Minnesota Opera Company. The box office supports your requests in an expeditious manner and provides student discounts for those who want to expand their cultural tastes. I have seen Operas all over the world and was very impressed with our jewel here at home.

A great Concert hall and wonderful staff. Absolutely loved volunteering for the Flint shills children’s festival this year. Ambience, the shows, the people and fellow volunteers were all awesome. I was lucky to get a chance to watch Samite perform and he was mind blowing. Love this place.

Beautiful venue in the Twin Cities. «Broadway Songbook» will be a FUN evening of oldies and Goldie from our Rock ‘n Roll Days.
The Ordway gets the job done. Ooopppss, must go, they’re doing a medley from «Hair».
AWESOME !!

An elegant and refined theatre that has hosted lots of great shows over the years. We’ve been enjoying performances at the Ordway for a couple of decades although we don’t come over from the western suburbs as often as we once did since so many of the touring events are held in Minneapolis now.
The Ordway stands the test of time and feels both classic and fresh at the same time. We were there to watch a show of touring magicians called «The Illusionists» and had seats just a few rows from the stage. We really enjoyed doing something different and always enjoy the comfortable Ordway Theatre.
The only drawback is parking. Most of the time we’ve parked across Rice park at the St Paul Hotel parking but that can be tedious when leaving. Fortunately we found a space on the street just a block away from the Theatre which made things easy and quick (especially since there was a hockey game going on that same night).
If you have a chance, this is a great venue for taking in a performance.

Amazing night to see The Illusionists! Very professional workers (TOP hats and all) in a clean setting. Parking was convenient but expect to pay 10 – 20 dollars for it in downtown st paul. ST Paul has everything close and easy to get too as there are lots of food options around the venue.

My late wife and I would purchase season tickets to the SPCO starting back when Dennis Russell Davies was music director and they were performing at The O’Shaughnessy on the campus of St. Catherine’s University. We continued on with Pincus Zukerman as in 1985 he led them into the new Ordway Music Hall.
Now, finally, in the new Concert Hall the SPCO has found a home in an acoustically superb, intimate venue it has lacked all these years. What an ear opening difference was experienced as the playing of the Prokoviev Symphony No. 1 stood out in clear, sharply drawn notes that revealed each instrument distinctly while still blending into a transcendently harmonious whole. In comparison to the Music Hall, it’s as though they surgically removed audio cataracts. In short, wow!
So if you’re feeling flush and want a grand night out on the town, consider dinner at the St. Paul Grille and attend an opera or Broadway show at the ritzy, formal, ornate Music Hall.
Or enjoy a pre or post-​concert slice of za at Cossetta’s. Take advantage of the many reasonably priced ticket packages offered by the SPCO. And hear them in the setting they’ve always deserved. You’ll be blown away by how incredible this world class ensemble sounds in a hall that is now a breathtaking match for their brilliance.

Wow, I have not been to this concert hall before so I was amazed. It is especially nice that there is the skywalk as well as tunnel to get to Orway Center for these bitter cold days. The tunnel was a little confusing but we found our way out. The parking situation is dicey since everyone is parking near Rice Park. So, we managed to find another parking garage that was valet nearby for only $ 5 (much better price too).
Thank goodness we arrived in time for the SPCO Beethoven 4^th Symphony concert. The usher almost had us wait since we got there 5 – 10 minutes late. I loved how there is so much hardwood and old fashion lamp lights.
The most interesting part was the SPCO conducting themselves without an actual conductor. The concertmaster often times would gesture to the group. Pretty new and different from what I am used too. The 2030 Club was also pretty nice since we could get free wine and water for the after concert party.
The Ordway is making a much to do about the recent renovations. I don’t know how this will reflect in ticket price. However, I do love the 2030 Club pricing of $ 10. Please do not change:)

The Ordway is a fantastic concert venue. Though some seats are closer to the stage, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house as far as acoustics go. I’ve seen the Minnesota Opera from the nosebleed seats in the far top balconies – sounded great. I’ve seen the SPCO from the front row in the orchestra section – sounded great. I’ve seen the Broadway Songbook series while sitting ON the stage, and that sounded great too. Don’t be shy of seeing dance or a Broadway play here either – it’s all good. Pro tip: go to Candyland beforehand for your intermission snack needs. A winner.

On May 19, 2014, we (myself, my husband, my mother and a friend) came to the Ordway for a recital by Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the much acclaimed and beloved Russian Baritone.
The staff at the theater was very helpful and pleasant. The theater is beautiful and the sound was perfect. We came all the way from Chicago and our friend from Green Bay for this performance and we were not disappointed. Dmitri was magnificent and the surroundings were delightful.
We had nosebleed seats, but the sight line was fine. It was a sell out crowd. There wasn’t even standing room left, but the space did not feel congested.
I don’t know who was responsible for the program books because the concert was sponsored by the Schubert Club, but it was a wonderful program book, full of great information and a stunning cover photo.
All I can add is … BRAVO!!!

Beautiful venue, plentiful parking, great acoustics.

Saw Porgy and Bess there last night. Phenomonal performances, acoustics, vocal abilities, orchestra. Really outstanding.
And the theatre itself? Just a hidden gem. I never really venture into downtown St. Paul, but this will be an excellent reason for me to return! Very clean, well lit facility. Polite patrons and staff.
I can’t imagine any Broadway show being much better? Seriously, the calibre of this performance, cast, and the theatre itself — I cannot imagine better.
Well done. Well done.

My girlfriends and I have had a standing Minnesota Opera date for the season, so we’ve gotten to know the Ordway pretty well. I’d been to the Ordway before for both the opera and other shows, but my experience this year is what I’m reviewing.
From the time I started this process, everyone at the theater has been so friendly and helpful. We had a group of six for a couple of shows, but then we had only two to others or four to another. Buying tickets was amazingly easy thanks to Julie in the box office. We always sit in Mezzanine B on stage right (left-​hand side of the theater) and got a nice price for all of the shows. The views are somewhat obscured on far stage right, but we had our own little booth and that was totally worth a little loss of stage view.
At intermission, they serve all kinds of goodies, from $ 7 champagne and wine to beer to basically any cocktail you can come up with. They also have non-​alcoholic drinks, of course, but we don’t know anything about that! Tip: You CANNOT bring your beverage or treats inside the theater once intermission. That’s one disappointing feature of the Ordway that seems a little archaic. Other major theaters in Minneapolis have allowed drinks inside for years now, and it’s a nice feature. Otherwise, you’ll be like us, chugging champers and bourbon before heading back in just to get our money’s worth. That’s probably not great for anyone.
The theater is beautiful and glitzy, so it presents the perfect opportunity to get a little dressed up, watch the spectacular Minnesota Opera or anyone else who comes through town, and admire rich ladies’ floor-​length fur coats. We had such a great time this season and will definitely be back for more next year!

There is something magical about the Ordway. When I see a play or opera here, it’s like the rest of the world melts away during those hours and I get totally engrossed in the show.
The Ordway is one of the best theaters in the Twin Cities. It boasts unique architecture, good views from every seat, and nice theater acoustics. The shows here are always spectacular. If you’ve never seen an Opera, try here. Love a good orchestra? Ordway’s got you covered. Prefer a play? No shortage of off Broadway offerings. They have it all and they do it all well. Ticket prices are on par with other large theaters and totally worth it. But they also offer rush tickets for a cheaper cost shortly before the performance. Awesome.
There are plenty of snack and beverage stands available if you get hungry or thirsty. Restrooms are readily available and space is plentiful to walk around during intermission. The Ordway also has beautiful views of the city and is conveniently located near Rice Park and several nice restaurants. Parking is easy to find nearby, making the trip that much easier.
This is truly one of those places in Minnesota that you have to visit if you’re a fan of the arts. See a show and you’ll find that they take very good care of you during your visit. And like me, you’ll keep coming back.

I wouldn’t think of crossing the river to see a show in one of those claustrophobic old firetraps along Hennepin. Not when you can see a show in the big, beautiful Ordway in downtown St Paul.
Magnificent lobby in which you are actually able to move about before the show and during intermission. There is a great view of Rice Park from the mez level. Plus, there are multiple restrooms on hand, rather than one leaky old water closet.
The seating is comfortable with very good sight lines. Haven’t had a bad seat in all the years I’ve been attending shows here. Ushers are always helpful and knowledgeable.
When the lights go down and curtain goes up you can expect a great show. Well, OK, Michael York in Camelot wasn’t so hot, but that was a long time ago.
This place just gets it right.

I absolutely love the Ordway. I come here every season to see the shows that the Minnesota Opera puts on, and they do not disappoint! The Ordway also does a great job of having lots of alcohol vendor locations and snack items. One of the best things is that you can pre-​order your food and drinks for intermission so you don’t have to worry about standing in line!
One thing that could use a bit of help are the staff. I know they are volunteers, but they don’t seem to know what is going on half the time and they can be very rude. Other than that, I love coming here for shows and a good time in St. Paul.

The Ordway really is a nice, classic theater in a great location. They host a wide range of shows here, from traveling Broadway shows to shows by local theatre troupes.
One of the best aspects of the Ordway is the fact that they have a generous rush ticket policy for students and educators. $ 30 per ticket, with two tickets allotted per valid ID card. If you arrive about an hour ahead of time, you’ll most likely be the first in line for the rush tickets (with the exception of popular shows like RENT… oh you overly enthusiastic Rentheads…), which will guarantee you the best remaining seats in the house. I’ve rushed so many tickets at the Ordway, and most of the time I’ve been put in the first row of the mezzanine. Sometimes I got lucky and was put in the front orchestra section, and one time I arrived after there were 10 people in line already and got mid-​mezzanine seats (eh…).
Regardless, a $ 30 ticket for a traveling Broadway show at the Ordway will be a much better seat than what a similarly-​priced ticket at the Orpheum, Pantages, or State Theater will get you via Broadway in Minneapolis. And the Ordway staff are always so darn nice.

Gorgeous, clean theater with a great sound system and friendly staff. It’s annoying there are no restrooms on the first floor but that’s about as much of a complaint I can come up with. The seats are nice and plush and they give you ample leg room. I’ve been to a couple shows here and I always have a great time. We always seem to stumble upon free street parking but it’s not to be expected. If you want to park in a lot nearby, expect to pay a pretty penny and you’ll still have to walk a block or two to get from the lot to the theater.

A great venue all around, from the courtesy and friendliness of the ushers to the style and upkeep of the center overall — lovely! Intermission was handled fluidly and there were plenty of gorgeous lights on the gardens to overlook from the mezzanine level.
Attended part of the SPCO Winter series this weekend, featuring pieces by Mozart, Adams, and Straus. Wonderful sound quality from various points in the concert hall and a very gracious group of performers each time I’ve attended this season. A class act to enjoy in beautiful downtown St. Paul!