I’ve seen some truly amazing touring productions over the years at this magmatic gem of a venue.Look forward to when the world reopens and the joy of theatre can once again be enjoyed in person shoulder to shoulder - overpriced drinks, cramped leg room, tight seats and all.
My family was here for the Hamilton show. The theatre is nice and we felt comfortable there. The bathrooms on the upper level are really tight, so consider going to basement, which is a better bathrooms. But beside that, it is a nice theatre. Now, being there for Hamilton may have helped, since Hamilton show was fantastic as expected.
A very classic, elegant theater that has a large seating. Sound travels very well in here even from the furthers reaches of the stage. From check in to the bathrooms the Forrest Theater is quick and efficient, thanks to the a shift leader known as Tanya.Due to it being a old broadway theater taller and more portly viewers may consider needing to use wheelchair seating because there is little leg room (at least on the mezzanine). Also the very back of the orchestra doesnt look that far away at all. Either way, the efficiencies and elegance of the theater help immerse you in the show without ever needing to be frustrated.One last thing, cast members after the show do not meet in front of the theater but staff members will happily provide you with directions on where to meet them!
Absolutely gorgeous venue. Feels very intimate despite being able to seat 1800 people. Everyone with whom we interacted was so pleasant and eager to help, and you could tell that they truly enjoyed what they were doing. Buying tickets online was an easy process. Definitely recommend stopping in to see a show here if you can!
Saw Hamilton there and the show, of course, was awesome. Seating is tight but I was comfortable. This may not be the case if you are tall or have a larger build. Everyone working there was very friendly and helpful. The theater was conveniently located just a block or two from the high speed line.
As many note, this is an old theater which brings wonderful shows to Philadelphia. Hamilton is one of those. As with many older venues, providing for handicap seating is a challenge. If you have special needs do not select G22. Your view of more than half the stage is blocked by the sound system. This seat should not be sold to anyone.
Went with my daughter to see Hamilton and had Excellent Center row Orchestra seats. I am big guy (tall and wide) and I was comfortable in my seat. Everyone was friendly and nice. My only problem is like many older theaters, when you have to go to the bathroom everyone has to get up in the row. The main bathroom is upstairs and you can wait. Some people go across the street, but other than that, we had a wonderful time.
Went to see Hamilton and the show was fantastic. The theatre itself is uncomfortable for my height which is almost 6’4, my legs were pressed against the seat in front of me and I had an aisle seat! I’m used to paying inflated prices for a drink when out in the city but for a vodka and soda and a box of sour patch kids to cost almost $40 without tip is just absurd (especially since it was a 1oz pour at best). I’m not sure if I’d recommend going to the Forrest Theatre but i’d definitely recommend seeing Hamilton!
They say a pictures worth a thousand words, thought I should share with review to give you a glimpse. The theater is awesome. The seats are comfortable, acoustics amazing, and the shows they tend to get are always superb. I dont go to the theater often but this was truly an enjoyable experience all around.Some advice: Moriartys a couple doors down on the same street is great for dinner before the show. Food is amazing. Theres extremely convenient parking nearby which makes for a low stress trip.Forgive the photo Forrest theater, hoping this shows people a sense of the spacing of the seats and a general feel for the theater. If you want the photo removed please let me know and Ill do so.
I went to see Hamilton after a month wait. Forrest is just the right size but much larger than what it appears to be. It was my second time there. The staff is always pleasant. It was an enjoyable experience.
Tiny theater, but great view! The architecture is amazing as well. Saw Hamilton here which also DID NOT disappoint. Always a restroom line, but to be honest, in these old theaters when isnt there one. Go enjoy a show, just be ready to be crammed in.
My mom took me to see Hamilton. It was awesome. The staff and the players were spectacular. And, as our Philadelphia Playhouses always do, they always support charity organizations. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Older theater but great views from most seats. A lot of stairs. Not ideal for people that have mobility issues. Seats are on smaller side as well. I had an enjoyable experience but could see how some may not be comfortable.
The show (Hamilton) was absolutely amazing, but the prices of the concessions were insane ($60 for two drinks at the bar...) and the seats were incredibly tight. The seat width was fine, but the depth between the seats was incredibly tight. Your knees will be on the backs of the people in front of you. I recommend wearing heels if you can to help elevate your knees a bit to avoid the seat in front of you.I do have to commend the ushers for their swiftness in making sure everyone makes it to the bathroom during intermission - it was truly incredible how they were able to move the crowd through the bathrooms with such speed and grace during intermission.
First time back at the Forest in ages! Theater was gorgeous and accustics were wonderful. Would have definitely rated 5 stars but seats are not up to current comfort standards (far too tight ).
I saw Hamilton here twice. I sat in the upper mezzanine second section the first time and loved it. I then sat row M orchestra left and it was a stunning view with an entirely different perspective of the wonderful play.Leg room is lacking and the chairs arent super comfortable, but I have enjoyed both shows here. The theater is gorgeous as well, really feels nice to walk into and enjoy a wonderful show.
To be fair to the forest theater it is a very old establishment. But what I do not like is the very tight and cramped seats and rose making it very difficult if you are sitting in the middle of a row you really are leaning back to allow another person to pass or if you are Close to the end of the row you are moving out to allow persons to enter into the center. But with that being said it is still a worthwhile venture to the sister Orrick landmark
Theater was beautiful Show was great.Seats were great as far as seeing the show but were the most uncomfortable I’ve ever sat in. My legs were numb by intermission and it took awhile to get them to work which was made more difficult to navigate the very steep and numerous steps. I loved the whole experience and the show but will never go back to this venue. 2 days later my legs still hurt.
Staff was very efficient at moving a sold out crowd to their seats and through intermission. Multiple bars made getting drinks easy and not too slow. The theater itself is gorgeous. Seats are a little tight. Production facilities seem excellent.
Was there for Hamilton! Been wanting to see it, but was never going to make it up to NYC to see it. Then my beloved Philadelphia put on a production of it, and I didn’t “throw away MY SHOT!” The theater was absolutely stunning! They don’t make them like this anymore. The staff was extremely courteous and helpful. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a nice night out on the town! Philadelphia has a special place in my heart, and offers so much!My only minor issue was the seats up in the Mezzanine section. Our view was fantastic, but the seats were small, TIGHT, and kind of on the steep side. There is no wiggle/adjusting room at all. If you have long legs, older with physical issues, or have any kind of hips to you, these seats aren’t for you. Having longer legs and hips, it was a challenge to get comfortable. I did have to stand out of the way for awhile to get relief.Just wanted to give a warning to anyone looking in the section. Still happy with the experience overall, I just know now to get seats in a different section!
The venue was beautiful and the Hamilton production was incredible. Im giving 3 stars because I had to use the mens restroom because the womens line was still out the door as the lights were blinking for the start and the second act. AND, because there are no price tags at the bar I paid $44 plus tip for a beer and a single gin and tonic. I was assuming $9 beer and $15 mixed drink but this price was ridiculous. I would have never got this if they had prices on things -- plus $5 each for a sippy cup. I was Hoodwinked.
Just saw Cats. Great performance. Acoustics were excellent and the seats more comfortable than described in the reviews I saw. Will definitely go back. Had good seats, orchestra section, row f, seat 104, 103. 10 out of 10 would recommend seeing a show here. Just pregame if you like your libations as a double Hendricks and tonic with souvenir cup ran me 27 bucks. Cheers!
Its beautiful, and by comparison, the seating is quite generous. I went to a show in NYC and there was barely enough room for my feet! Let alone knees and my legs were pressed against the seat in front of me for the entire duration of Chicago! (Ugh)
This is a wonderful theater in terms of look, location and views. It is absolutely the least comfortable experience I have had in a theater before. The upper seats are so tight and small that if youre over 6 you will lose the feeling in your legs. I had no where to put my legs, and if youre a bigger person in general forget it, super uncomfortable.
Im pretty sure there isnt a bad seat in the house! Everything about the production we saw (Hamilton) was outstanding; from the theatre perspective, the lighting and sound were flawless. Staff was pleasant, seating was comfortable, and the temperature inside the theatre was not ridiculous. . Theres also sufficient parking within easy walking distance.
A gem of a theater that presents a diverse array of entertainment. Extremely friendly staff and super helpful ushers. Every time we go, we leave full of amazement at the pristine, ornate facility, the caliber of entertainment, and the helpfulness of the staff. Just go, youll be glad you did.
Beautiful theater. Comfortable seats. Great sound. Courtesy staff. Awesome performance.
Just saw Hamilton Oct 8 and it was fabulous!!! The cast was awesome!!!! Hamilton, Washington, Burr-wow what great voices! All the cast was great. The theater is beautiful but seats were a bit cramped. The staff were helpful and very pleasant.
Saw Hamilton here. Such a classy venue to enjoy an Epic musical!! Seating comfortable row are a little bit tight but I absolutely enjoyed my visit...they even had libations
Gorgeous theatre, saw Hamilton here and it was amazing! It would be 5 stars if they didnt gouge you on the concessions. $400 for two tickets to the show is fair but a beer and cocktail cost me $44 plus tip, WTF?!
Nice place to see a show. The lobby is smaller, so there is usually a line to get into the building (as opposed to the Academy of Music where there is usually a line once youre inside). As with all the older theaters in the city, the seats are small and there is very little legroom. However, there arent any columns to block the view (like at the Academy).This photo was taken in the center rear mezzanine.
The venue was well managed and the ushers made the theater goers night flawless. The play speaks for itself. The assistance to move the line at the rest room is a Tony award winning experience, as well
Wonderful venue to see Broadway and other shows!!
Went to see Hamilton. It was a great show and the seating was also great. The seats were comfortable and no matter were you sat at the view was great. Recommend seeing Hamilton.
What a beautiful old theatre! Oddly, we were kept outside the theatre until shortly before doors opened - and no merch was available until doors opened too, which seems odd as it increased crowding and lessened the time we had to spend money - but its a great theatre and our seats were wonderful. The downstairs lounge and bar was a great surprise.
Great theater. We were in the balcony and had a great view of Hamilton. The accustics where great as well. All of the staff were friendly and helpful. Could probably use more bathroom capacity and it would be great if they could ban food from the theater so I dont have to hear the woman behind me digging through her candy throughout the second half of the play.
Great place to see a show. Balcony seats are tight for big and tall people. Very efficient staff. Line was long but moved quickly.
This is a beautiful old theater. We had a lovely time at the show. Our seats were phenomenal! The only complaint I have is that the lines for the bathrooms at intermission were very long and we had to just give up and go back to our seats.
Beautiful, ornate old theater. Best seats were in the upper mezzanine. Seeing was a bit tight though. But you could see great detail on stage from up top
It was amazing CATS, an exceptional performance.
Hamilton was as good as advertised. The theatre seats are not at all comfortable. Makes traveling coach on a commercial airline seem roomy. Really they could do better. Its 2019
Absolutley no legroom and if you have any weight on your hips or thighs planned to be wedged into the old seats. Worse than an economy airline seat.Shows are good quality but the comfort level really ruins it.
I have to say this is one of the most beautiful theatres in the city, but it does suffer from some of the space related issues of other similar small theaters downtown. Its a little bit cramped inside, especially for someone whos 63, but overall Im a big fan. Its particularly romantic if youre taking someone out.
Went to my first musical- the sponge-bob. It was so so good. Highly recommend, the performance was just outstanding
A fabulous old world style theater. Going there is an Occasion. Upper mezzanine seats are decent size for your butt. I dont know how tall people can handle the tight l eg room.
An amazing example of what theaters can be. Intimate yet large enough to bring on the great shows.Recommend the upper level seats vs. the floor seats. A bit more affordable and far better views of the entire stage.
Beautiful old theater with the only negative being not much personal space per seat. The seats are really packed in there. And Hamilton as excellent!
As all the reviews say, the theater is beautiful and all the staff members were very courteous and helpful. However, the seats are super uncomfortable, and the lines for the bathrooms during intermission were absolutely horrible. While waiting in line I wasnt even in sight of the bathroom yet when the lights started blinking to go back into the show. They need to do some updates here to accommodate the audience a little better.
Intimate theatre in center city Philly. Good acoustics and comfortable, but tight seating throughout. Am enjoyable place to watch a show.
The performers and the music were absolutely phenomenal. Fabulous!!!Sorry I had to wait so long to see this play. Standing ovation to the cast.The theater was very clean and everything was well organized.
Beautiful building although seats are very cramped. Could use an update for the bathrooms as there is only 3 stalls for the whole upper level. Sat in the mezzanine level and seats had a great view.
Went to see Hamilton. It was wonderful. Seats comfortable, but tight. System to get you through the ladies bathroom during intermission was done with military precision.
Nice place to see a show. Hamilton was wonderful! The leg room is non-exsistant which sucks but its an old building.
The main issue with this beautifully appointed theater, is the placement of the speakers. They completely obstruct the left and right side of the stage for the people that are sitting behind them. There is no reason that these speakers couldnt have been placed higher towards the ceiling to allow the audience to actually see the show that they came to see. Shame on them.
Gorgeous theatre. We went for Hamilton which was amazing.One tip: go to the bathroom before you get here! If you try to go at intermission, youll be lucky if you get back to your seat before the show starts back up. 2nd floor womens room only has 3 stalls.
Shows are great but seating is terrible! Always smashed in! I realize theater is old but renovations should be considered. Most uncomfortable experience!
Great old theatre. I saw Hamilton there on Sunday night. Great place and even better production.
Nice sized theater. Great view from each seat.Seats are nice sizes, but space between seats is very small.
Beautiful theater. I sat in the front mezzanine and the seats are pretty tight if your a bigger person. If you are taller, expect to have you knees almost on top of the person sitting in front of you.
Seats have a great view, even high up. Staff was friendly and very well organized. Only downside is bathrooms are in the basement and there isnt an elevator.
Nice theater, first time back in over 30 years. Enjoyed a production of Hamilton.
We went to go see Hamilton, which was great! Im actually not a play person, but I was glad with the results. The one thing I will note is that the sitting area is a little tight, sooo if by chance your a little on the over weight side dont go or choose floor seats, thank God I lost over 50lbs! Also the drinks are a tab bit over priced; $40 for a bottle of water and Jameson on the rocks, including tip. Otherwise had a great time!
I saw Hamilton and it was spectacular. The Forrest is a beautiful old theatre so the seats are a little tight and there is not much leg room but you will still have a great theatre experience.
Went to see Hamilton and omg the sound quality was like totally amazing. The theater looked rad and honestly I was just stocked to be there. It was like one of the best like days in like my forever. Serious though definitely recommend seeing a play there.
Beautiful theater. Seats are tight but view and sound is excellent even on sides. Can be hot, though.
Beautiful theatre with so much history. Also great staff that were very helpful in getting us all through the long Hamilton entry and womens bathroom lines!
Gorgeous theatre. The acoustics were perfect. I dont think there was a bad seat in the house.
Yes its an old theater but this place runs like a top. And it is well taken care of. You might be a little squeezes in up top but a great venue to experience theater in.
Theater looks to be in great shape, although the bathroom capacity is kinda low. Im tall, so the balcony seats were lacking in proper leg room.
Great Theatre for shows. I would have given the review 5 stars if the seats were not so small. If you are overweight, it will be a tight fit.
Beautiful theater with great visibility of the stage. If you have long legs the seats may be tight. As in most theaters, expect long lines for the ladies room, particularly on the higher levels.
What a fabulous place. View is good from all over the place and the sound system/acoustics are fantastic. Of course, we were seeing Hamilton, so that helps.
Fabulous venue and performance of Hamilton!
Saw Hamilton it sounded wonderful, sat orchestra right, but some of the stage was blocked from view. Still had a good time
Loved it. Went to hamilton there 2 weeks ago. It looks small from the front but super big inside. I sat in the last row and still had an amazing experience!
Saw Hamilton, it was FANTASTIC. the Forrest Theatre is beautiful.
HAMILTON IS SPECTACULAR! DONT MISS IT! Unfortunately, the Forrest Theater is not accessible to the disabled at all. There are stairs everywhere!
Seats are old school small. Not a lot of leg room either. Larger people beware. Facilities and show was still amazing otherwise.
Beautiful place. Ladies should use bathroom on bottom floor. Overpriced concessions but sound and sight levels were fantastic
I took my sister with me to see Hamilton, it was truly an awesome experience! From our entry into the theater to our exit we had a great time!
Hamilton is a must see. His story is timeless, ambition, envy, adventure, sex, love, suspense, war, family, politics, finance, success, untimely death. All put to music, outstanding dancers and soulful rap.A WOW! ! !
Saw Hamilton here. Great play. Nice theater. The only thing i have major feedback for is the bathroom. Theres only 15 stalls for the womens bathroom. Long lines can make you miss parts of the second act.
This theater has been lovingly kept/ restored to what I remember from the 70s and 80s. It was appreciated by a sellout crowd tonight for Hamilton!
Beautiful theater! The staff was very friendly, it was clean and Beautiful!Theres just (like most theaters) only a few bathrooms. Intermission is a scramble to wait in line to use the bathroom.
Saw the play, Hamilton. It was terrific! Seating is good. Bathrooms are not.
Beautiful old treater. Good seating. Should have more resrooms
Well, Hamilton was amazing of course, but I also loved the ease of getting into the venue, picking up my tickets at the box office, purchasing snacks and getting to my seat. Very friendly and helpful staff!
Took our daughter to see Hamilton for her 14th birthday. Show was amazing. Seating is a bit cramped, but that is to be expected from an old theater.
The musical Hamilton was really great. However the theater needs to invest in elevators. The seats are too close. Seats uncomfortable for people with long legs.
The theater is nice. I think it was built when people were way shorter. The knees suffered. But I saw HAMILTON!!!!...so its all good.
Beautiful theatre. Saw Hamilton here. Fantastic performance and a wonderful cast.Highly Recommended!