solvang festival theater

I have seen maybe 6-7 plays, and each time I leave wondering how soon I can get back again.The actors and types of performances make this under-hyped venue a gem for adults and older children. They open the doors about an hour before the performance. They have a nice shaded grass area and patio to enjoy a picnic meal. The prices for food and drinks are reasonable.The weather in Solvang during the early summer can be cool, and sometimes overcast/foggy. You would do well to bring a blanket. However, the late fall brings enjoyable and warm weather to watch the performances.

I've always wondered about this outdoor theater and this year decided to go. It is a small regional theater but they did a very good job and it was really a fun two hours. If you have a free night give it a try

Great time to bring your family, but not for everyone. Personally thought it was a little boring only because I was not completely into the whole show, but I was invited out and it was a really nice night to go. If you do happen to come early, grab dinner at Mirabelle, it an absolute gem.

I've been to the Dorothy Chandler, the Pantages, the Greek, the Bowl, the (now defunct) Universal Ampitheater, theaters in London and New York, but my favorite venue.... is the Solvang Festival Theater. Now lest you think I've suffered a blow to the head, allow me to explain....You'll never see a high end Broadway production here. After all, the Dorothy Chandler seats 3200 people. The Hollywood Bowl seats 17,000. This theater has 700 seats. It's shaped like a bowl, so even the back row is less than 100' from the stage. It's like watching a show in your backyard. The summer nights are FREEZING! But people bring sweaters and blankets and the theater serves hot chocolate, coffee and brandy to warm you up. The acoustics and lighting are terrific and the shows are way better than you'd expect, because these shows are first performed on stage at the Allan Hancock college in Santa Maria. As a result, you're seeing the fruits of labor of up to two hundred people at this tiny venue. Last summer, I was blown away by the play Cyranno. The lead actor was simply superb, but all the smaller roles were well played as well. I also enjoyed Curtains and Little Women at this theater. You expect the actors to give their all. But everyone connected with this facility clearly LOVES what they are doing and it's infectious. I HIGHLY recommend this place. One of the best vacations we've taken, was to Solvang in June. We picked blueberries at a nearby farm, went bicycle riding/wine tasting to Los Olivos, fed the ostrich and emus at the nearby tourist attraction, strolled through the town and capped it off with an intimate show. What could be better than that?!

We saw the premiere performance of a new play, "THE SAN PATRICIOS", about the Mexican-American war, and it was very, very good. If you have seen and liked 'RAGTIME", you will love this play, as it also portrays the fate of several disparate families, from Irish immigrants to Mexican patriots. The venue itself is delightful, a "GLOBE"-like open theatre right in the middle of Solvang, staffed by wonderful senior citizens in red coats. Yes, the seats are hard and it gets chilly, but if you bring a pad and a blanket and wear a coat, you will be fine, and it is lovely to see the moon itself over the proscenium. The theatre is in a quaint little oak-studdfed park with a very nice concession stand. And--if you can get there early, you will find a parking spot on the streets and there are no parking meters ! When you read of something you would like to see, by all means go and enjoy.

Exceptional production, Top notch talent. a Magical evening for my family. Can't wait to see the next play there. Thank you all!

love going to Solvang for their outdoor theater. have seen several plays and will definitely go back. plan on wearing something warm. it gets cold in the evening, even though it may have been 90 during the day. the outdoor theater is small and intimate, so any seat is a good seat.

It gets cool but warm blankets are available. It is a fun outdoor experience. Not off-Broadway...but a good evening out kind of thing.

Wonderful production, although let down somewhat by the poor amplification. Excellent cast with some good performances and excellent choreography. A must see if you visit Solvang.

The town is amazing, makes you feel you are in a different world (being in US) . Do not spend time in museums, as they were not worth the time. Roam the streets , visit shops at leisure, have chocolates/pastries. Check the Sunny garden park, pretty cute little place, visit the Lavender fields nearby .

We were at closing night for this show, and it was a lot of fun. We actually prefer the Christmas version (Plaid Tidings), but we still had fun.

My two cousins and I went to Solvang to see "Forever Plaid" at the Outdoor Theater. I had seen the play years ago in Las Vegas and I was so excited to see it again. It was just as fun and funny as the first time I saw it. Wonderful theater and every seat was a great one. Will be back next year!The only thing I would recommend would be to bring a lightweight blanket and a jacket, It did get breezy and cool by the time the play started.Thank you Solvang Outdoor Theater for your staff that made everyone feel special to the gentlemen singing in the play - it was fantastic!

Enjoyed it so much, wanted to see it again. The singing, the dancing, simplicity of the stage setting was truly fantastic. GREAT, GREAT, GREAT.

The PCPA Theater event in Solvang brings us back every year...and their production of Forever Plaid did not disappoint! We had seen this years ago in Las Vegas and remembered how good it was along with the simple stage without the changing of sets. The story is great, the guys and really sing and dance! If you have a chance to see this, do so! Always enjoy the intimate, friendly and affordable outdoor facility.

A must for theatre enthusiasts. This experience is like no other. Bring a jacket and blankets, even in the summer.