Marjorie Luke Theater

The Marjorie Luke Theater is not a new addition to the Santa Barbara performing arts scene, but it’s one of the newest, relatively speaking.
It underwent a large remodel in the last decade and now is a fantastic venue for music and shows, with great sound and acoustics. Seating is comfortable, and even from my second-​to-​last row view of the stage, a pipsqueak like me still had a clear view.
The architecture is reminiscent of Spanish Colonial revival with lovely wooden beams and ornate details.
Best of all, this is the auditorium of Santa Barbara Junior High! Yes, it’s on campus. You must traverse the halls to attend a show. What a great combination.
I was here recently for a show of Max Raabe and Palast Orchester, who’ve played Carnegie Hall. And here they were, in little Santa Barbara, big banding it up at the Marjorie Luke. It was a wonderful, classy show with perfect lighting to display every subtle smirk and eyebrow lift of Raabe. Did I mention I was in the second to last row?