Geffen Playhouse Reviews

Wonderful Theater!
Excellent design, ambiance and amenities.

Three of us went to the Geffen on Sunday July 12th to see Bad Jews. We sat in the mezzanine. We could see fine and the theater is very nice. The problem was the acoustics. We could not hear half or more of the actors. They didn't seem to be using mikes as nothing came out of the upstairs speakers and their voices did not project to the mezzanine. This really put a damper on the entire play. There were many older people in the audience and I am sure they couldn't hear either. The other two people I was with felt the same way. The two female actors especially were hard to hear. Since the entire play was dialogue, we believe this problem should really be addressed. It made the whole experience very unsatisfactory. Maybe I would have liked the play better, but as it was presented, I hated it and thought the actors were comparable to a high school production.

Beautiful little theater. As far as I could tell every seat is a good one.

Beautiful structure and not so difficult to find. unfortunately they don't have their own parking structure or lot but it is located right next door to a Ralph's grocery store which has an attached parking lot and parking structure. I think it was 2 hours for free w/ validation and then some ~$10 every 30 minutes or so.

We printed our tickets at home instead of choosing well call and we're able to walk right in. All of the staff were very professional and helpful when dealing with the attending guests. 5 stars for service *

Our seats were in the 3rd price tier and still had a reasonably good view. I would definitely come back here but definitely not on a Sunday, weekday evening shows are more to my preference.

A stalwart of the theater scene on the west side of LA. Renowned productions with famous names pepper the season. Excellent productions at both theaters throughout the year. Parking is paid. You might be able to find street parking but it's right next to UCLA so count yourself lucky if you do find it.

Very cute, cozy theater with fantastic sets and acting.

The venue itself is well-appointed, and staff and ushers are friendly and enthusiastic (but not overly so). The play, "Skintight", was funny, well-acted. But too many of my buttons got pushed (my issue), so I left at intermission.

Great theatre with excellent performances. Street parking can be difficult, but a $7 garage is next door

Great play, fantastic acting by Jefferson Mays, intense and riviting!

The Geffen is a beautiful theater . Andy Garcia , Tony Plana and Danny Pino were great in the noir classic Key Largo . I would highly recommend seeing this production !

Love this beautiful theater. Right in the heart of Westwood across from UCLA. Not too large so every seat is good. And their multiple annual productions are always thought provoking, exciting and first rate.

The venue was beautiful. We sat in the orchestra section in the back. The lady's bathroom was clean and well kept. A great experience overall and an awesome time out with friends.MaryYourSoul(dot)com

Nice, clean location! It's a hit or miss with the different shows they're putting. Most of the time they are pretty amazing, but every so often you will get something really weird. It's cool to see some celebrity actors. Food & drinks are overpriced as you would expect at a venue like this.

Love the theater presented here always wish there was more minority actors people of color have a lot to offer the wonderful art of acting

Nice amenities. Can gear and see everything from back of orchestra. Food options were good.

Love that theater intimate, elegant and entertaining
Just saw A Christmas Carol in a whole new light amazing performance

Beautiful theater with outdoor fairy lights all over!!

Nat King Cole play was the worst disjointed play I've ever seen. Main character was amazing

Parked at Target parking lot next to the theater for free. This is a beautiful little theater. Their small outdoor area is cute and has outdoor heaters for cold nights. The inside has very comfy seats and the sound transfers well in the theater. I am a little hard of hearing, but I didn't have a problem throughout the play.

One of the more intimate, romantic, finest theaters around. Every play is at their best and so very entertaining. Some of your finest actors/ actresses can be found here. Excellent venue. Tip...rent the earphones even if you do not have hearing problems. The acoustics can be a problem in the larger theater.

Every time I go watch a play here I walk out pleasantly surprised at the quality of work I see. From the scenery to the acting, they really spend time preparing a great performance. They have student discounts, special events and many other chances for discounts or free shows. You can be assured that you'll have a great time of you come down. Want a drink, come down to wine down Sundays, you get free wine.

This theater is beautiful, and they are always cycling thru great contemporary shows. There is a sense of change in the direction of the theater as it seemingly shifts gears from catering mostly to an older donor audience to try to bring in more shows that will attract the next generation of active theater goers. As with any change there may be some bumps in the road as it can be hard to please all people all the time, but it's a worthwhile undertaking and they're doing a great job so far.

If you are up for a evening out, try a performance here. We saw Key Largo with Andy Garcia, this evening. It was good. The set was amazing. Every seat in the plahouse offers an awesome view. We sat in the balcony, center. Good seats!

Every seat in the house is great. They gave me a free drink on my birthday. They have this cool rotating stage. The people who work there are courteous. All around quality playhouse.

The most beautiful Theater in Los Angeles.

Great plays And off off Broadway theatre.

Many well known actors perform there and it is a delight to watch well known actors perform on stage in such an intimate space.

The best plays and performances I have seen and such a beautiful Center.

Highly recommended.

Very nice people.

A fine theater for watching a play! Very good acoustics, too.

WORLD-CLASS THEATER.

LA is famous for movies, London, for theater.

And while London lives up to its reputation for world-class theater, LA has some world-class theater of its own. The top two are the Center Theater group at the Music Center and Kirk Douglas, and the Geffen Playhouse, in Westwood.

The venue is beautiful, a 1929 Spanish style building with a charming courtyard where you can have a drink before the show and during intermission.

The largest of the theaters is an intimate state-of-the-art auditorium with 512 seats. Even the balcony feels close and has good sightlines.

But even more than the venue, it's the quality of productions that makes this the theater lovers' theater.

I recently saw the World Premiere adaptation of "A Christmas Carol." You're probably thinking, "Oh, please, not another production of that weary old chestnut!"

But no, this stunning one-man show, featuring the truly astonishing Jefferson Mays, made it feel like the old story was brand new--and scary. May's energy borders on mystical, as he narrates and plays all the characters, jumping instantly from an all-too-human Scrooge, to an all-too-ghostly Marley. It's hard to believe one person can perform with such energy, exuberance, and heart for the 90 minutes of the show--much less that he can accomplish this magical feat almost every night (and four times on weekends!)

The direction, production design, lighting are all first-rate, stunning, beautiful, scary.

The ability to see this level of talent in a theater in Los Angeles is a true gift. As is the fact that seats are available for as little as $30.

The staff is all very friendly and helpful. And, last, but not least in LA, ample validated parking is only $4 under the Trader Joe's a block away.

If you love theater you'll LOVE the Geffen.

Incredibly professional and well run theater!
Such a pleasure to be able to have worked here

Great venue. Some shows are better than others. Skeleton Crew, good acting... show good but not great.

A wonderful playhouse with diverse show selections. Absolutely worth becoming a subscriber. Try a matinee, you will be immensely pleased!

Attended a performance at the Historic "Geffen Playhouse". The show was :" Lights Out: Nat "King " Cole. The show was an inside view of Nat's last show. Excellent presentation! However, the Geffen Playhouse is historic. I sat on the mezzanine. Great view and sound system was good as well. Seats are comfortable. The walkway is tight. Staff : Very good. Will call, Polite. The Playhouse does offer /serves drinks and snacks. Wine and other alcoholic drinks available. There is a small garden sitting area. Parking is validated and is used at ,Trader Joe's parking structure. Walking distance. However, there is parking next door. I paid $7.00. No attendant. Pay by credit card. No cash! An enjoyable time. More performances on the way. Check the "Playhouse " out. Who says, Don Owens.... Dining all over. Remember, it is in the mist of UCLA....Yea

Great location, cute Spanish style building with great plays!

Amazing calendar of shows. Things have really stepped up since Gil Cates Jr. took the reigns.

Very nice theater experience, with both a mainstage, and a smaller side room. The side room can be very intimate. Great shows!

Wonderful theater right next to UCLA with new shows coming every other month. I bought a 5 show packet and have enjoyed each show!

Some things in life are beyond discrimination. Art should be at the top of this list.

An excellent way to see high quality plays with A list actors at extremely affordable prices. A must see place for all play fans

The quality of show you get at this theater is incredible. The Geffen also has the nicest little courtyard to hang in before or after shows. Very nice..bit of a romantic vibe if you're looking for that

My first time attending this theater I saw Key Largo it was fantastic! Beautiful theater comfortable seating

The theater is beautiful I would LOVE to see s Shakespeares "The Tempest" there.

No clue what I watched the other night but the acting was horrible.

Very nice Venue, with excellent seating anywhere I the theater.

Great theater, great cast, come early and enjoy a drink in the beautiful courtyard. Highly recommend!

Always great entertainment here. Excellent staff, comfortable seating, variety of plays with well known actors.

I had a fabulous time at the Griffin playhouse the play Nat King Cole was fabulous I really enjoyed that and the playhouse itself Griffin playhouse was very upscale first time ever been there really enjoyed it

Beautiful theater and I'm always in awe of the fabulous sets!

Beautiful little theatre! High quality professional show with equity actors. Wine, beer, cheese plates, and sweets available before the show and at intermission. Parking structure available, and parking only cost me $7.00.

This is a lovely playhouse. We saw Skintight and play was just as good as the location. Definitely instaworthy theater.

This was my first visit. Parking is a bit tricky but reasonable for LA. With your theater ticket it is 5$ to park in Trader Joe's parking which seems a bit unfair. I think It should be free for people who are paying to see a play. The playhouse itself is classic, small and nicely decorated. The design of the chairs makes it easy to have a good view to the stage from every angel and wherever you are seated. The restrooms were clean (long line) and as usual, women's restrooms are farther than men's! I always wonder why is that. I didn't give it a 5 because nothing stood out to me about the place. There wasn't anything that I say "wow, I will remember this place"

This is one of my go-to boozy brunch spots. Pour-your-own mimosas allows you to customize the right boozy ratio...and they've got options besides just OJ. The Dia Beni is my favorite item on the menu - the carnitas are delicious with the perfectly cooked egg and grilled english muffin.

Very nice venue with comfortable seating. Friendly staff.

Lights Out "Nat King Cole", was excellent. The Geffen Playhouse was nice and a good Theater.

Underrated and almost secret place hidden in Westwood. Fun for all ages.

This performance was extraordinary. We haven't laughed so hard in years!

Great show, very intimate venue. But I couldn't bring a drink in!

I went there for a school field trip to see a play Iceberg and it wad great. They offered great satisfaction to any needs and their stage is amazing. The seats are perfect for long plays that take 2 or more hours. And the lobby is so magnificent.

Great small cozy theatre good acoustics. Stage setting was elaborate.

Quality theater. Beautiful building. Good coffee. Convenient cheap parking.

It was a telling, wonderful, timely play. Kudos to our star. What an inspiration. The suburb star was beyond anything I expected. I was in tears. By the we saw "I was my own wife" and I was hooked on this artist.
Sylvia almstadt, San gabriel, California. Thank you!

Small intimate theater. Due to the size, there are no bad seats in the house.

A great venue with atmosphere and class; what a show!

Very nice and cozy theatre in Westwood (UCLA) offering a range of interesting plays. Only minus point, some seats might not be comfortable for tall people.

Great Theater, always look for events there when I come to LA

First place visiting over the weekend, beautiful place and we had a perfect view! I'm pretty sure you'll get a good view from any seat you purchase and we found parking right next door for only 7 bucks!

Adorable theater tucked away in Westwood. Great plays and performances. Worth checking it out.