The Grove Theatre

Once again I was there to see ETA’s event annual Elvispalooza and this time for a good cause.
I bought tickets at the box office which they have limited hours and better to pay cash to avoid additional fees with card.
Arrived around 6:30 hour before show with tickets and he wished us a good time and show went on as scheduled
Not a bad seat in the house, good sound but ok crowd though loved the show once again!
The place is also currently a Christian fellowship on Sunday’s and has put a variety of plays, concerts etc. Hope to attend these in the future

Saw their production of the Little Mermaid a few weeks ago and had so much fun! The music was excellent and the way they had Ariel «swimming» through the scenes was very cool.
We loved that they sell popcorn and snacks that you can take into the theater with you– definitely a treat!
Be warned, the bathroom line at intermission is even crazier than other places because there are only 2 stalls!
After the show the cast members are out in the foyer for you to meet or take photos with, which is a nice touch. Especially for the kiddos who want to meet their favorite characters.

Small and beautiful theater. My family and I went to see the Little Mermaid yesterday… It was a Broadway caliber performance in Upland, CA. Highly recommend!

This review is for the production of the Little Mermaid in Feb 2015.
First and foremost, the two leads are absolutely amazing. Katie Lee absolutely becomes Ariel, down to every little movement she makes. She has exactly the right amount of childlike naivety mixed with rebellion, and her voice is completely pure and beautiful. Even when doing the meet and greet in the lobby after the performance, she stays in character, looking as if she is under water. Jordan Killion has great stage presence, a wonderful voice, and brings perfect life to Eric. I’m sure the director agrees with me that he’s lucky to have found these two, and to have them lead his show.
Chef Louis brings one of the show’s highlights with his song and performance as well. The energy on the stage during Les Poissons is wonderful, punctuated with laughter, and a great dance solo by one of the maids (I wish I knew wish one) doing pirouettes.
Unfortunately, however, Ursula is completely miscast and brings the show to a screeching halt when on stage. Where is the cleavage? Where are the curves? Where is the va-​va-​voom that makes Ursula, well, Ursula? Ursula is fantastically evil, with laughter and charm, and most of all, she’s all woman. And the problem isn’t even that she’s played by a man — Ursula’s original Disney look was based on a man in drag (Harris Glenn Milstead as Divine). But the whole point is to still be feminine. And FUN. There is no fun here. Even when supposedly playing to the audience with lines such as «this one longing to be thinner, that one wants to get the girl,» Ursula makes no connection. Another downside was the sets. Minimal is fine. But these looked positively unfinished. The directing is also somewhat clunky, with some awkward transitions and situations.
Overall though, I absolutely recommend it. Lee and Killion make it more than worth the price of admission, and of course the Grove and its atmosphere is always wonderful.

A good play was spoiled by the old, extremely uncomfortable seats. Had to leave at intermission because the seats brought back my sciatica. Time to refurbish the seating, upgrade the acoustics, get rid of the overpowering smell of popcorn.

The Grove Theatre has been quite an experience from the start! To begin I couldn’t get a response by messenger on Facebook nor by phone. After weeks of miscommunication, I finally got a response informing me that indeed, the event I had been inquiring about, was to be and information would be on the website! Again, sit and wait! After weeks of calling, messenging etc for information on the event, it appeared on the website! Finally, I was able to purchase tickets and received a confirmation via email to pick up my tickets at the box office/​will call on the evening of the event!
David J. Sherry and his «Diamond Is Forever» Band, was finally on our Calendar!
After a wonderful dinner at Caffè Allegro we were anticipating a fun evening of entertainment!
Upon arriving at the theater we were coldly «greeted» at the box office by a grumpy frump who gave us our tickets! The Lobby of the was stifling and hot! After a visit to the hot and inadequate Ladies Room, two stalls including one designated for the handicapped, we were looking forward to the show, in the comfort of a more cooler theater! Granted, it was a «Hot August Night» but the air conditioning was not adequate and I cannot imagine the discomfort of the band members under the hot stage lights!
I must add that the performance of David J. Sherry and his «DIAMOND IS FOREVER» Band were «troopers» and put on a FANTASTIC SHOW, even withstanding the obstacles in place!
In ending the CONCERT was SPECTACULAR but I don’t think I will be visiting THE GROVE THEATRE again! What should have been a great experience was NOT due to the Venue and sub-​adequate management!

Saw the Music Man on July 24, 2015. What a GREAT performance. I used to do musical theater, so I’ve heard my share of bad singers. There was not one note out of place. Great job! The reason I didn’t give five stars is because we were sweating our B@llZ off because there was NO A/​C. I know, it’s an old building and fans would have interfered with the performance, so it is what it is. I will see shows there again, but dress for the weather.

First time watching a play at this theatre. It’s a small, old community theatre that has it own charm. I’m sure it used to be a popular place in the 1980s. Plenty of car park around the area.
We came for the play Cinderella with a modern twist to the original Cinderella story. It is a local production play, no fancy props, simple costumes and it’s more like a high school show for kids. A fun and cute play.

Approaching the theatre it was amazing, the scenery from the outside being in the downtown area brought so much life too the area. I brought my mother here to see Mary Poppins on Mother’s Day of course, a treat indeed. The woman at the front window was not a delight as previous reviews will reference she has a bad attitude when handing you your tickets like she hates her job or life ?!? The usher taking the tickets was a hoot though and brought back the life from the ticket window lady downing the day:
The play was great! Minus a few small details I will say. The worst character review of the play was Michael Skrzek portrayal of Bert from Mary Poppins his over emphasize on a British accent was the beginning to the end basically being a long time avid fan of that character he attempts to overshadow The woman playing Poppins at many points in the play especially while singing. Overall my experience at this theatre was well I do enjoy the plays they put on here in at The Grove, I would however hire a new ticket window person.

This theater is rich in history as well as hospitality. A local staple in the community of Upland, the Grove has top notch shows, and delivers every time in entertainment. I am a regular here and have been going for many years. The Grove is owned by the Kinison family who are nothing short of hardworking and dedicated individuals to keeping it alive and thriving. I am looking forward to coming back to see Mary Poppins.

Having been a patron of the Grove Theater for years, most recently to take in Dracula, I figured it was time to finally write a review.
The theater itself is a classic and traditional theater. It’s cozy without being too small, every seat in the house has a good view, without feeling like you’re crowded in at a school assembly. It’s clean, has an open and welcoming lobby, and has years of history in photos on the walls. The family that owns it is amazing, they seem to be fully involved in every production that takes place, from the auditions to the shows, and are extremely friendly and welcoming to all patrons. (This goes for all employees as well — in all my years of going here I have never experienced any rude or dismissive treatment. In my opinion, anyone claiming otherwise triggered the response, rather than received it spontaneously.) There is a small snack bar. Sure, it’s somewhat limited on choices, but you can bring those items into the theater, unlike most stage theaters. And you’re there for a show, not dinner. Water, soft drinks, maybe a beer, grab some popcorn, and you’re totally good to go.
The shows are always well cast, well produced, well directed, and well performed. From Grease to Jesus Christ Superstar to Peter Pan to Hair, and of course to the recent Dracula, I have fully enjoyed every production. It’s more than worth the price of admission. Whether it’s a date night or a family night, I highly recommend taking in a show!
Update: I recently took in the Grove’s production of Mary Poppins. Amazing! In fact, it was so amazing that I went a second time. Perfectly cast, perfectly presented. Ginger Kinison was delightful as Mary, with a pure and beautiful voice, adorable perkiness, and wonderful range of emotion. She brought me into the story so completely that when she said goodbye to the children, I cried along with her. Michael Skrzek was phenomenal as Bert, so completely talented in all areas — voice, dance, acting– and brought an innocence to Bert that was thoroughly entertaining. Together these two had wonderful chemistry, and led a cast that was beyond talented all around. The young actors who played Jane and Michael were adorable and perfectly mischievous (there were two Janes, but both times I saw it were the same actress). And when it comes to memorable, nothing at this theater has ever compared to «Step In Time» in this production. I sat in absolute awe as what appeared to be the entire cast came on stage and energetically tap danced their way through this number, perfectly in sync. Skrzek was particularly impressive in this number, and I wish they had offered a DVD sale so I could bring it home to enjoy again. Perhaps this will become a longer running show?

I have seen a few shows here and for the most part they were well done. The theater is old but kept up. I would like there to be note stalls in the bathroom because that line becomes very long. Also selling beer in glass bottles is a distraction during the show when people are setting them done or nock them over. The ticket price are a little high. The shows at other theaters are lower or come with food (dinner theater)

I came on here a week ago & wrote a review. it didn’t post. But in doing so saw the nasty Grace O. post a discriminating review along with a person’s photo who works at this theatre. I have been here many times & have never had a problem w anyone here. I continued to read Grace O.‘s other reviews… she is a Debbie Downer in the review department. Glad I don’t have to deal w her at her job.
The Grove Theatre is what holds downtown Upland together with its charm & Provides entertainment for all ages. We enjoy the plays & the tribute bands when we are able to go.
I don’t think Unilocal should allow employee’s of businesses photos on here, it can be very dangerous.

We saw the Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) competition here last weekend. It was a lot of fun, and the ETAs were very entertaining so the review is not about them but the venue.
I really want to like this place but it leaves a lot to be desired. Old theaters are wonderful when they are refurbished and done up right. This one is neat and tidy, but same old seats, poor ventilation, and the acoustics were awful — we could barely hear the band that opened up the show, then when some of the singers picked up the microphones, they had no power. Sound check people were probably not on top of their game, but I think the stage/​building had a lot to do with it. Later when the ETAs came on to do their first song to a pre-​recorded track, similar problems. Things improved when the ETAs did their second song with the live band, but when the emcee was on stage, back to those problems. I might be persuaded to come back here to see an upcoming cover band but definitely not a play because I suspect it would be very difficult to hear the dialogue. It’s so nice to have small, local venues for live entertainment, and I really hope this place can generate enough revenue to pour into improvements.
P. S. Box wine at concession stand – nice try, but no bueno :-p

My review is for the theater:
This was my first and last time at The Grove Theater. I bought tickets on Goldstar to see the Nutcracker.
I toke my husband, it was our first time here so we got there 1 ½ hours early. The box office window states they open 1 hour prior to the show. It was hour before and box office was still closed. It was cold and people were walking in through side door and siting inside. We walked in and sat by the door. I kept an eye on the box office window. Tickets were paid for, I just needed to pick them up.
An older lady approached us rudely and asked «do you have your tickets?» I told her I bought them but I’m waiting to pick them up. She told me to «get out» and escorted me out the door. My husband followed me in disbelief. We were shocked at how rude she was!
The rude lady went 10 – 15 min later and opened the box office. I was the first person in line. I told her I bought tickets on Goldstar and I was picking them up. She told me «I don’t care where you bought them, I just need your name». I gave her my name and she handed me the tickets and dismissed me. I was astonished at her rude behavior, had a hard time getting over it and my husband was upset. Other people waited outside with us to be let into the theater and all I was hearing was «they are so rude here». I can’t believe they run this business like this. Worst experience ever.

I didn’t expect to enjoy «Father of the Bride» as much as I did. I usually attend (and have a toe-​tapping time) at the musicals at The Grove. However, the semi-​Comtemporary production of this play keeps all the campy elements of 1940s. Eric Dunn and Misti Soper were perfect as Mr. and Mrs. Banks as were all of the cast member, down to newbie – Devin Tiedmann.
Being an introvert, and a novelist, I still can’t interact with the cast members after the show, but I enjoyed the show and had a front (center) seat – the perfect place to enjoy live ‘cozy’ theater!
If you aren’t a IE resident the productions here at The Grove are worth the commute!

I recently went to a show here, Oklahoma.
I was so surprised by how well put it was.
The theater is very quaint, the whole building reminds me of a movie set, like a suspense scene haha. But it definitely is very well taken care of.

Bill Kinison wrote and starred in,“The Gospel According to Kinison.” It was Phenomenal! Outstanding! True wholesome entertainment at its best. A testament to the Fine Arts and Fine Culture. A learning experience for the whole family.
Through this highly entertaining autobiographical play, Bill and Sherry Kinison, (The Grove Theater’s proprietors) gave us what we’ve always wanted know, but were afraid to ask — We wanted to know ‘their story”, especially, any tidbits on the late, great comedic genius; Sam Kinison; Bill’s younger brother.
Throughout the course of the evening we smiled, we laughed, we clapped, we raised our hands, we danced in the isles, like Pentecostal Christians, on fire! — with the Holy Spirit. (Heck some patrons secretly wished the Reverend Bill Kinison would «Lay hands» on them and «GET SAVED!»… OK it was me. :-) Best of all, we cried tears of joy as we learned of the the miraculous story of Richard Kinison; the «True Star» of the Kinison family; according to Bill.
Bill Kinison’s younger brother, Richard Kinison, had an innate unwavering faith and a true devotion to Christ. Which has inspired me to drop my proverbial «ball and chain» of self-​pity, doubt and fear. And reach for the sky with an awareness of life anew. I now realize what it means to be «Born Again!!»
As I watched my friend Mr. Bill Kinison tell his life’s story with such a fervent veracity; I came to believe…, there is a God.
The Kinison’s, (Bill, Sherry, Ginger & Scarlet Rose) Judith; the Grove’s manager, Janette the wardrobe director, Tamminen & Jack the stage managers, the actors/​singers, the musicians, the directors, the back stage managers, all the volunteers, and especially the benefactors have made me want to be a better man.
They will inspire you too; I guarantee it.
Thank you all, at The Grove Theater, for your hard work, sacrifice and commitment to excellence.
Upland is blessed to have it’s very own community theater…,
The Grove Theater.
Respectfully,
Tom Aleman
PS. Break a leg. :-)

This is the first time that I have ever been to such smaller theatre, compared to The Pantages and the OCPA. I do have to say that I love the area surrounding the theatre and the downtown feel of the stores around. The theatre is just the right size and the people who run the theatre are so kind!
The venue most definitely makes you feel at home and the seating is wonderful! I think no matter where your seats are, you will have a great view of the stage. No need for binoculars unless you really want to see all the fine details of their costumes and the stage.
Went to watch «Godspell» yesterday with a few of my friends and I did love the feel of the theatre and also love the fact that the cast stood in the lobby after the performance to meet the audience and such. The cast was great but it was hard to hear the first scene, not sure if it was due to the cast singing or the sound.
I would love to come watch another production here.
Due to the theatre size, I do have to say that the wait for the women’s restroom during intermission was a bit long because there are only 2 stalls.

I saw Hair last night and it was amazing. If this musical was any indication of the quality in choosing a director and ensemble for shows, then I’ll probably come back here instead of trudging down to OC theaters. I really liked it — I was a little skeptical because the other reviewers talked about how performances here tend to be G rated, but this one was definitely R, for rad… ok, and for drug use, language, and nudity ;-)
As far as the performances:
The leading men were amazing — their acting coupled with their singing abilities, as well as the dynamic between them, made the story intriguing. The female lead was vulnerable, but powerful. The second female lead was an afroed powerhouse and really moved the audience, the director describing her as «a true talent» after the show. And the rest of the ensemble effectively captured the era and carried the story forward with unabashed courage to go places that made the audience alternate between blushing and laughing.
As far as the theater itself:
Old style movie theater seating, seats are a little snug for overweight people such as myself haha, but nothing sitting next to a thin person wont fix ;-) They had a little merchant selling shawls in the lobby for $ 5 that were pretty cute, and a snack bar serving candy, but also coffee and tea for $ 1, which was a nice change from the popcorn and soda you usually get from community theaters. Nice little place overall, definitely a retro cinerama kind of feel to it in the nice part of Upland. Seemed to be somewhere between casual dress and business casual btw…