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What reviewers say about Cal Performances

Generated with AI from 202 reviews on Trustburn · updated 2 days ago

Customers generally describe the venue as great with world-class and varied shows that are much cheaper and easier to access than San Francisco venues.
What does Cal Performances do?

Cal Performances presents over 70 live, in-person music, dance, and theater events at UC Berkeley.

Are there any complaints about Cal Performances?

The critical reviewers wrote that they experienced obstructed views from front-row seats, significant delays with opening times, difficult parking conditions, and one reviewer described the venue negatively.

What do people say about Cal Performances outside Trustburn?

It is not clear what people say about the company outside Trustburn, as the external fact only mentions an announcement of the upcoming season.

AI-generated from reviews on this page. Verify anything important with the company directly.

Audrey Han
Reviews 1

Been watching shows here since my college days more than 40 years ago. The venue is great, the shows that they have performing there are varied and world-class. Much cheaper and easier to get to than those in San Francisco venues.. MUCH CHEAPER, and in many cases just as good or better.

Michael Rutchik
Reviews 1

The 5 stars are for the Robert Lepage performance and for the fact that Call Performances was alert enough to book him. But the theater should have been a sell out! You need to work harder to get the word out when you present such a genius.

Katie Thompson
Reviews 1

Parking can be very difficult so allow plenty of time to find parking and still make it to your seats on time. This is a nice theater and there are plenty of workers to help you find your seats and restrooms. Don't sit in the orchestra unless you get a front row seat. All orchestra seats are on the same level and it can be hard to see over the people in front of you. They also allow late entry so late comers trying to find and get to their seats can be extremely frustrating and distracting.

Al. B.
Reviews 1

Zellerbach theater what an amazing place every seat is a good seat there are no bad seats there I was there yesterday to see my daughter graduate and was amazed by the access the exits always going to an enclosed area and look for the exit in case there's a problem you know what I mean this is definitely nice place to see a play Hamilton whatever they may be producing at the time highly recommend if it's at the Zellerbach theater that that you go in at end thank you

Barbara Leloir
Reviews 1

Great room. Even from the balcony, we see extremely well, as if we were close to the dancers or actors on stage. The programming is really excellent and modern. The prices are competitive and the staff is very friendly and smiling. We can even dine there.

Malik Arran
Reviews 1

Great music, beautiful venue, lots of independently owned restaurants nearby. Traffic was a bit tricky, what with the endless stream of collegiate sporting events crammed into such a small town, but I guess that's what rideshare is for.

Lili Dang
Reviews 1

Came here with a friend who got free tickets to a choir performance. Pretty decent sized hall and there were lots of different tiers for seats. They have a cafe out in the mezzanine that allows you to buy wine and food. You aren't allowed to bring the food into the hall though.

Mike Rothman
Reviews 1

We attended a terrific performance by the Kronos Quartet featuring high school aged students who played as well. We began with a delicious light dinner before in the Zellerbach Cafe, on the hall's second floor. Very convenient and affordable. All in all, a great night of music.

carlos diaz
Reviews 1

The venue is really nice and the seats aren't cramped and the food is ok and you can get beer and the place has great sound and.... There is no parking. Downtown Berkeley at the University on a Saturday night for a show in the University music Hall and they close off the University parking garage. Did I mention it was raining. So had to walk 3 blocks. Not horrible but the only downer.

Vinay Pandey
Reviews 1

Helpful ushers, overpriced concessions. The facility itself is very good, only thing you need to be wary of is the wine selection, cheap and extremely overpriced. Well, I expect to be fleeced at concessions, but at least have a good selection. Besides that, everything else is on solid footing. Extremely helpful staff, and selection of performances which puts SF symphony to shame.

P Herron
Reviews 1

Mahler Chamber Orchestra was a delight! The front rows of EE and FF put you right next to the musicians but those rows are not for long legged people who need a little room. The Cal Performances series is an amazing opportunity to attend world class performers!

Kelsey Lonon
Reviews 1

Ok so this is actually my 2nd time being at the Zellerbach Hall and i enjoy it every time. Seating: Anywhere you sit is a good spot because the hall isn't TOO big. I've sat on the ground floor in the back by the doors (Alvin Ailey Dance Company performance) and was able to see perfectly (I wear glasses). I've also sat on the top level all the way on the side by the stairs (Shen Yun performance) and the view & dancing angles were still very good. Intermissions: ALSO (very important) the Hall was serving snacks.. correction, GOOD snacks (roasted glazed almonds, dessert treats), free filtered water, AND fancy hot meals (like herb chicken w/rissotto & riblets or some sort of steak, I don't remember exactly but they were meals like that). Ticket Booth/Will-Call: The will-call line goes by rather quickly as well. I can't speak for the ticket booth though. Parking: Parking can be difficult so come at least 40 minutes to an hour before start time, solely for parking. It's ok if you find parking early and have 40 minutes to spare. The Hall is along a lively street that you can stroll to pass any extra time. You'll love it! I recommend everyone catch a show there at least once!

Lee Thull
Reviews 1

The music, the performance, the colors were pretty good. The story line for some performances were funny and humorous. The only bad thing I was say is the acoustics in the building we were in. The sound was very mono due to lack of good speakers. I sat in the middle of the theater and you can tell the music was only in the front. My suggestion is to see it where the theater is modern or up to date. Overall a good show.

Thom Uber
Reviews 1

Saw THE HARD NUT, a parody of The Nutcracker. Spencer Ramirez' inspiring performance in the Mark Morris Dance Group was so incredible. Zellerbach Hall on the Cal Berkeley campus is the perfect setting for this laugh out loud 70's themed take on the classic with the Tchaikovsky score. A must see holiday treat for all ages.

Alex Mackenzie-Torres
Reviews 1

I attended the Estrella Morent concert over here and I was gratefully impressed about the acoustics. The venue is not any gem from an architectural design (too much concrete) but the acoustics were superb. I'd definitely get back for other concerts here.

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About Cal Performances

Announcing our 22/23 Season at UC Berkeley with over 70 live, in-person music, dance, and theater events. Subscriptions on sale Apr 27!

Cal Performances is a renowned performing arts organization that has been entertaining audiences for over a century. Based in the University of California, Berkeley, Cal Performances is dedicated to presenting world-class performances in music, dance, and theater. The organization has announced its 22/23 season with over 70 live, in-person events that are sure to captivate audiences.

The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one with a diverse range of performances from some of the most talented artists from around the world. From classical music to contemporary dance and theater productions, there is something for everyone at Cal Performances.

One of the highlights of the upcoming season is the return of live performances after a long hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. Audiences can once again experience the thrill and excitement of live performances in person while adhering to safety protocols.

Cal Performances has always been committed to providing access to high-quality performing arts experiences for all members of society. The organization offers discounted tickets for students and seniors as well as free events throughout the year.

In addition to presenting world-class performances, Cal Performances also engages with its audience through educational programs such as lectures, workshops, and masterclasses. These programs provide opportunities for audiences to deepen their understanding and appreciation of various art forms.

Subscriptions for Cal Performance's 22/23 season are on sale starting April 27th. Subscribers can enjoy exclusive benefits such as priority seating and discounts on additional tickets.

Overall, Cal Performances is an exceptional performing arts organization that continues to push boundaries by presenting innovative works from diverse artists around the globe. With its commitment towards accessibility and education alongside entertainment value makes it stand out among other organizations in this field.

Categories
Performing arts