Fantastic performance, sub-standard venue
by Thrilled by performance, enfuriated by venue on 12/21/23Crown Theatre - FayettevilleRating: 4 out of 5The Nutcracker is my daughter's favorite Christmas tradition. Any conceivable performance, recording, TV show, or movie enthralls her.
When the World Ballet came to Fayetteville, we had to get tickets.
Bottom line, the performance was, no pun intended, world class. The ability to see truly preeminent artists like this was an amazing experience for us. When she was able to have a photo taken with the dancer performing as the Nutcracker toy, she was beside herself with joy.
Now, the bad side.
Every other time I've been to a ballet, theater, orchestral, or other stage-based performance, there were strict protocols enforced so as nit to disrupt the artists or audience.
1st, the performance started approximately 10-minutes late (I suspect because the aisles were still full of latecomers getting to their seats).
The most frustrating part is that after the lights dimmed and curtain went up, for no less than 35-minutes, people were still being escorted to their seats, with no sense of urgency, led by ushers with blinding spotlights it seemed. This was repeated after intermission as well.
Normally no one wuld be allowed in after the curtain went up and this should have happened here. I've never seen such disrespect or lack of manners.
I am NOT a the (incorrectly) streretyped snobby, rich, theater patron. I am a dad taking his daughter to a rare treat and tradition. This truly enfuriated me.
So, bottom line, the show was amazing, but I'll never go back to that venue again.