Golden State Theatre

Don’t hate the venue, just don’t agree with their costumer service. Also, my first non-​five star Unilocal review.
I should just preface this by noting I’m not here to personally attack anyone, just give an accurate account of my experience with this theater as per the purpose of this site.
I bought seats to the Beach Boys concert at the Golden Gate Theater the day they went on sale. I surprised my girlfriend for her birthday. Both of us being BB fans, we were stoked on the concert. We had seats in row DD (the 4^th row).
4 months later the night finally came and we were psyched. The BB had a bit of a video montage intro which is when we went to take our seats. Well, the entire 4^th row was occupied. Let me just say at this point this is basically a 65+ show. I work with Senior Citizens for a living and through experience understand that making an entire row of people get up to move, young or old, is going to cause a scene.
My gf and I notice 2 seats in the row behind it so we sat there. About three songs into the show, the ticket holders show up, so now we must move once again. Already this is disturbing our enjoying the show and we wanted to listen to the music. I didn’t want to rain on anyone’s parade or spend any more time problem solving so I let the usher who was sitting the ticket holders know that our seats were taken but that we just wanted 2 seats together. We were directed to two seats that were even further behind the seats we had found. So we sat there. My gf said she was good so I stayed based on that.
Working with Senior Citizens, I think of them all as my grandparents. So if somebody chose to sit in our seats I’m sure it was an honest mistake or a calculated move to group themselves with their friends or otherwise make the night easier on them. For this reason, I did not approach security to remove them during the show. Younger crowd I would have.
Either way, it sucked to have paid over $ 200 for tickets to a show, have put in the effort of buying my seats as soon as they were on sale so we would be close and then have to watch the show from the middle of the theater with my only resolve being to cause a scene, in a 65+ audience at a completely packed and sold out show.
I spoke to the owner Laurie about this issue after the show. I let her know we were regular patrons and what happened. It was a catch 22 to be caught in a position where I felt I needed to aggressively solve a problem that wasn’t mine for a night I have paid and planned for months ago. The taste of this situation was bitter but nothing a business couldn’t make up easily to me. I am a pretty flexible/​go with the flow type of person. Luckily my gf is too or this could have been a disastrous night for us both.
What I suggested to the owner was one comp ticket to a show the following weekend. Total value $ 30. Even though Laurie seemed upset over the situation, she seemed more focused on who on her staff didn’t do their job correctly, asking me to point them out (which I would not). While her focus was there I feel it took away from the focus of my costumer experience. I was offered 10 percent (3 dollars) off the show for the following weekend. Later she said to call the Box Office and we’d figure it out. 2 phone calls later and her offer stands, $ 3 off my ticket for the show I had suggested I be welcomed to as a sign of good faith between this costumer and this theater.
The theater is great. It’s a great venue for music and comedy. The staff is great, even Laurie herself was just fine I just felt like sharing this story because I felt my situation reflected such poor costumer service. That’s all!

Man. I wanted to love this place. The aesthetics and history of the place is amazing and I loved that they restored a lot of the original artwork and carvings.
Unfortunately, aesthetics can’t overcome the issues we had.
We (we being my father and boyfriend) went to the Jonny Lang concert 11÷06÷15, we got there maybe 45 minutes before the show was starting as we finished up dinner across the street at Alvarado Street Brewery early and figured we’d take a look around. Even this far in advance there still was not adequate lighting to find your seats without help and a flashlight. When we sat down the lady behind me immediately apologized that she was «in my lap» as she said her seat was broken and leaning into mine. As I sat down I realized my greatly tilted to the right — which may not sound like a big deal but I broke my back last August and after the first act I was already in pretty terrible pain by trying to keep myself upright.
As many have mentioned the acoustics are absolutely terrible. I love loud rock concerts… but even when he was playing his softer songs there were sharp twangs that just killed.
The staff won’t do anything if someone is being unruly. There was a man 2 – 3 seats from my boyfriend so drunk he was passed our snoring in his seat (my boyfriend was wearing his Patriots hat while this guy was wearing a Dolphins sweatshirt and we are all for friendly sports jabs but he was very obscene towards my boyfriend while going to his seats — not the theatre’s fault of course). There was a man in the front right corner, a few rows in front of me, right next to a security guard that didn’t do anything about a man continually standing up, blocking everyone’s view to take pictures on his ipad. Not just a snap or two… stand up… zoom, snap. zoom out. snap. hmm. maybe I need a filter… or this or that… This is more of a «sit down» venue and he completely blocked the rows behind him with no regard. Yeah, people are jerks. but the family in front of us had their maybe 11 – 12 year old son sitting behind him and they finally asked the security guard if he could tell him to stop doing so… they guy just shrugged.
As per most theatre’s drinks were expensive — but not just that the beer was very obviously old.
We ended up walking out of the concert because of discomfort, all of the drunk people screaming «I F&%king love you Jonny» during slower quiet songs and it was just overall a bad experience that we wanted to escape from. Honestly wish we could get our money down because it was a such a let down.

In October 2015 we came to see Gillian Welch and David Rawlings play some of their Bluegrass acoustic material. The Unilocal folks who complained about sound were probably correct. My perspective was from 10^th row center and the acoustics were decent there. Sounds like you should avoid those rear pockets of the theater

Last night was my second visit to the Golden State Theatre, and both times I enjoyed unbelievably good performances. The first time was for the Banff Film Festival… WOW! If you haven’t gone to see this you absolutely have to. I believe it’s in February, so don’t forget to put it on your radar. The shortclips about nature are chilling and will give you the best type of goosebumps.
Then last night we went to see West Side Story, which was a bit disappointing due to the bad sound system (their voices were not very clear so it was hard to understand what they were saying). But other than that the dance performances were amazingly coreographed and Maria had a stunning voice.
What really makes me give this Theatre 4 out of 5 stars are the bathrooms. They DEFINITELY need an uplift very soon!
Also, a few more options for snacks would be nice as well and for the snacks to be open after the show ends so people can still get a bottle of water or something on their way out.
Other than that, will definitely continue coming back and highly enjoyed the shows! The layout of the theatre is great, there’s almost no bad seating options which is great.

Went to Pat Benatar last night on the top left balcony I could not hear anything but a bunch ofthe bunch of mumbo-​jumbo absolutely terrible acoustics drove me nuts Beautiful theatergoer all great but wow the acoustics I could not handle, very sad.

My friends and I went to a Pat Benatar concert. We were told that we were not allowed to stand by our seats and dance. I will never attend another concert at this venue. I’ve never been to a rock concert where I’ve paid $ 70 and was told you can’t stand up and dance. The patron that complained used a cane. I understand that there are disabilities, if so, buy a handicap seat. There are far better venues than this. I was fortunate enough to see Pat Benatar at Rodney Strong vineyard and there were zero issues. They definitely know how to take care of their customers.

I reserved 2 tickets this morning for «My Fair Lady» opening June 27, 2015. The cost was $ 120.00 for 2 tickets, which was fine. When I went to put the $ in the bank I saw that my bank account had been charged, not 1, not 2, not 3 but 4 times to the tune of $ 480.00!!. At first Golden State said it was a «bank problem», so I called my bank who, of course, said I should contact the seller. I am filing a claim tomorrow for the $ 360.00 that I have been charged.
I can only advise anyone who uses this service to look very carefully at your bank statements ongoingly.
I received a call from someone named «Laurie» who assured me that the 4 charges (as opposed to 1) would not go through. So apparently this is an ongoing problem that they have never addressed and it makes me wonder how many people (perhaps the elderly or people who do not examine their bank accounts closely) have been taken advantage of, for failure to catch these «errors».
Oh, I might mention that the «lovely lady» manning the phones hung up on me when I told I her I would no longer doing business with them on line.
Thank you very much, Golden State
Faith Radisky
Oh, by the way, Zero ratings
Also this was a special treat for my daughter who is graduating from Seaside HS. There are a lot of expenses so money is very short, and this incident tied up money that was needed for Graduation expenses. I don’t know when I will get back the $ 360.00. I have to file a claim with my bank. All because The Golden State Theatre has a flawed system that honestly, screws their customers.

I recently purchased tickets for Les Miserables. Right after purchasing, I realized that I had chosen the wrong date (I was trying to decide on a couple of dates and thought I had corrected before purchasing). I called the box office soon after and left a message to explain the situation and ask if they could help me out. Then a couple of days later, left another message. I left a third message. This is unacceptable. I like to support local businesses and local theatre, but when customer service appears to be lacking, as evidenced by failure to return phone calls in a timely manner, it makes it difficult to be supportive.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to new owners Eric and Lori.
this MAGNIFICENT LOCAL TREASURE is now being booked with the greatest variety of shows seen at any single Monterey venue in years.
I just enjoy the historical architecture and beautiful surroundings so much, hope it continues.

We also attended the Lewis Black performance on Feb. 5, 2015. We were in the third row of the balcony. No one around us could hear what he was talking about. He spoke into one microphone, looking down at the orchestra audience and he tended to move away from the mike for a punch line. There were no amplified speakers in the balcony that we could see (or hear). Very disappointing. Q & A segment at the end needs a lot of work, especially reading the questions asked. How about projecting them from a screen instead of Black reading them off his IPAD. Againi, unable to understand the questions. Black needs to cater to his large gray-​haired following and pump up the volume!
Theatre is remodeled nicely but state of the art sound system is needed. Pre-​performance music was fine so maybe they need to combine the systems.

Here’s the problem: EXCEPTIONALLY POOR SOUND SYSTEM OR ACOUSTICS at the show I attended. I’m no sound engineer. My hearing is just a little below average. Was looking forward to Louis Black last night (February 5). I might have enjoyed his show if I could have heard or understood what he was saying. Seats were in back orchestra, sort of in the cave underneath the forward balcony. The acoustics are abysmal in that part of the theater. Without exaggeration, I missed over half his show because of the poor quality sound. So my advice, Unilocalers, if you’re going to go, get seats up front or in the middle of the orchestra section where the sound MAY BE better. And maybe it’s better in the balcony, who knows? Avoid the cave at all costs.
On a positive note, how nice to have such a venue here in Monterey.
Note to theater owners: Hire an expert to fix the sound. Surely the sound could be improved, couldn’t it?
P. S. Thank you crazy, churlish, loud woman in last row of orchestra for leaving in the middle of the show – or being towed out as it were. I would like to say that we missed you, but that would disingenuous.
Signed,
Tin Ear

Great spot! Just saw Lindsey Stirling here last night. The new owners are wonderful, the guy even made me my drink at the bar personally during the break to alleviate some of the lines, even saw him offer a water bottle to a kid for free, just nice service and good vibes, affordable well drinks, beautiful interior. The bathrooms could use a bit of refurbishment but otherwise, nice way to get away from the city but still get the city experience.

I came here for a Lindsey Stirling concert (which was AMAZING). This little theater is so beautiful. The seating numbering is a bit confusing (100s in the middle, odd numbers on the left side facing the theater and even numbers on the right side facing the theater, at least in orchestra), but a friendly security guard helped us find our seats. The seats aren’t too uncomfortable for an old theater and have plenty of legroom. They actually have a few good acts here, for Monterey: Lindsey Stirling, Lewis Black («Anger» in the new Pixar movie Inside Out), Jerry Seinfeld, and a film festival hosted by Adam Scott (Ben Wyatt on NBC’s Parks and Recreation) to name a few.
Parking is decent. If you cant find street parking, there are two public garages on near the theater (going down Alvarado, pass the theater and turn right on Franklin).

Seen many great acts come through this theater, had a great time at all of their shows!

From an aesthetic standpoint, this place is great. Neat murals, classy old furniture, a balcony, and more. It’s really a lovely spot and an asset to Monterey. They get some good acts there too. The service charges on some shows can be very high, and not all of the seats are comfortable. It’s kind of a crap shoot. I’ve sat in seats that were just fine, and I’ve sat in a seat in the balcony where my knees were crammed up against the seat in front of me. I’m only 5’6″, and don’t have unusually long legs or anything, so this seems unreasonable. Choose your seat with care, but then enjoy your surroundings and whatever fine talent they have booked.

It’s a great old theater, but the seats are in serious need of refurbishment. ALL the seats lean back way too far when you sit in them (i.e. are broken). OK I haven’t sat in /​behind ALL the seats, so this may be an unfair assessment, but it is true of all the seats I’ve occupied /​sat behind, and we heard people actually GASPING when they sat in seats that sank back farther than they expected!

Four stars. It’s not the theater’s fault that some drunk jackass kicked the back of my seat for about forty minutes. At least he did it in time with the music.

Been there twice recently – once for «Blue,» the ocean film & conservation event, and for a music performance in the lobby (Alternative Café?). Great place to watch films. And the acoustics in the lobby are excellent. Nice place, too. A couple friends & I saw Pacific Northwest singer-​songwriter Al Marcus open open for locals Tree Top Trio.
I’m downgrading them a star because they don’t answer emails and because the bigger name concerts there have ridiculous Ticketmaster (?) service charges on the tickets ($ 13 – 16 or more for some shows).
Note (November 2012): The downtown Monterey/​Alvarado St. music Nazis have apparently deemed music in the theatre lobby to be too loud & obnoxious for the neighborhood. God forbid we should have some folk music or acoustic gypsy jazz within earshot of one of Monterey’s precious hotel guests. Sheesh!

It’s official!!! The Golden State Theatre will be reopening as a live music venue next week. Can’t wait to get back into this acoustically awesome venue to hear great acts. The first show: Mumford & Sons!

This theater is stunning on the inside! I do not consider it unfortunate that our church has taken over the facility? How could that be unfortunate? Our church has taken on a huge responsibility in the upkeep of the property. Maybe you should attend a Sunday service before you judge? Our praise and worship band is one of the best on the Peninsula and our pastor is one of the most transparent and real people you will meet.
I have gone to a few concerts here and the facility is made for music — it echos and is beautiful!