Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts

Just went to the Ethel M. Barber theater with some friends last night for a screening of a National Theater Live production. First, I LOVE that they are showing NT Live recordings. These are amazing productions and this format makes them accessible to so many people. I actually drove up from Madison, WI because our local theater wasn’t showing this particular production, which I really wanted to see.
Before purchasing the tickets I called the box office a couple of times and the staff were very helpful and friendly. The woman I spoke to recommended arriving 30 minutes prior to the show to get good seats, and she wasn’t kidding. Unfortunately we ran into traffic and arrived just as the show was starting. Because of how the theater is laid out, it’s not the best venue for projecting recorded shows. The screen is set up in the middle of the stage, but the seats curve around the stage (would be awesome for a live performance) and so if you’re on the edges like we were, you’re at about a 45 degree angle from the screen. Also, the seats are pretty loud — as people shifted during the show there was a fair amount of noise.
They did sell water (only $ 1!) and candy at intermission, which was nice. Also, there was free parking at a nearby ramp.

I need to start by saying that the Northwestern Campus is AWESOME and really, really well kept up. I walked around feeling smarter just by being there. I also found that they have at least two theater buildings which is beyond cool. I was floored to see how nice Barber Theater was and how well equipped they were (think Looking Glass construction but with more seating). The seats are so comfortable and spacious, I don’t think there is a bad view in the whole house. Seriously, I could rave about this building all day, I wanna live here.
So I need to tell you that I’m not a fan of musicals. I don’t know what it is but they bug me and I would rather be repeatedly poked in the eye before seeing one. My date and I went to see «Rent» which I’ve seen the big Broadway stage production before and I have to tell you… FLOORED again! It was better then Broadway, I kid you not. It’s been days and the performance is still stuck in my head. The set design, the live music, the costume, ALL were dead on. Of course what made it all so mind blowing were these college students. They have SO MUCH talent! Who can sing, be extremely physical running and jumping around the stage, dance, and also act anymore… these people can!
I’m more then excited to have season tickets here.
**** Remember support the Arts!!! ******

Yesterday, my man and I decided to see Rent at this theater and fell in love. The seats are arranged in a way, so everyone can see the stage; and there is enough space between the row in front of you, so you do not feel as if you are on top of each other.
The performance itself was amazing! The college students captured the emotion of Rent and the stage was designed perfectly. They used the entire stage and then some! I was hoping the production would be good, but never expected this good! Northwestern University’s theater program must be top-​notch because this performance was full of talented individuals (actors, set design, costumes, etc…) and followed the Broadway performance almost exactly.
I am so glad we found this hidden gem and would recommend the same experience to any one who would like to support the theater community, as well as a local university.