How Is The Seating At Detroit Opera House?

Overview of the Detroit Opera House

The Detroit Opera House is located in downtown Detroit at 1526 Broadway Street, on the corner of Broadway and Madison Street near Grand Circus Park.

The opera house originally opened in 1922 and was designed by renowned theater architect C. Howard Crane in a neo-renaissance style. It was known as the Capitol Theater and hosted vaudeville shows and movies in its early days.

After sitting vacant for decades, the theater underwent a major $60 million restoration and renovation in 1996. It reopened as the Detroit Opera House and became home to Michigan Opera Theatre and touring Broadway productions.https://detroitopera.org/about-us/detroit-opera-house-history/

Today, the Detroit Opera House is an elegant 2,700 seat multi-use performing arts center and continues to host Broadway shows, operas, ballets, and concerts in Detroit’s historic theater district.

Seating Sections

The Detroit Opera House has three main seating sections: the Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony (Seating Chart – Detroit Opera House).

The Orchestra section is on the main floor of the theater and provides a direct, close-up view of the stage. There are 20 rows of seating in the Orchestra section.

The Mezzanine section is in the middle tier above the Orchestra level. The Mezzanine provides elevated views overlooking the Orchestra section and stage. There are 12 rows in the Mezzanine section.

The Balcony section is on the third tier above the Orchestra level. The Balcony offers the highest vantage point in the theater and gives an overhead perspective of the stage. There are 10 rows of seating in the Balcony.

Seat sizes

The seats at the Detroit Opera House vary in size depending on the location. The orchestra level seats tend to have more legroom, with up to 36 inches between rows (https://detroitopera.org/plan-your-visit/seating-chart/). The width of seats also ranges from 19 to 21 inches. The mezzanine level has slightly less legroom at around 34 inches between rows, but the seat widths are comparable at 19-20 inches.

The balcony seats have the least amount of legroom at 32 inches between rows. However, the seats widths remain consistent with the other sections at 19-21 inches. The box seats on the orchestra and mezzanine levels have the most spacious dimensions, with at least 44 inches between rows and 24-inch wide seats.

Overall, the legroom and seat widths provide reasonable comfort for most patrons. Those wanting maximum leg stretch may prefer the orchestra section. The consistent 19-21 inch seat width accommodates most body types comfortably.

Seat Views

The Detroit Opera House offers excellent views of the stage from all seating sections. According to Photos at Detroit Opera House, the orchestra section provides an intimate view of the performers and stage details. The elevated mezzanine section offers a fuller view of the stage and allows patrons to take in the entire stage picture. The upper balcony seats give a bird’s eye view and enable patrons to see the intricate production elements like lighting, sets and choreography.

Views do vary within sections though, as one moves further back and higher up. The front orchestra rows like A-E offer the closest view while the rear orchestra rows still provide a full stage view, just from farther back. The front mezzanine boxes and rows AA-C are closer to the stage while the upper mezzanine rows offer more distance but elevation. According to Find Your Section at Detroit Opera House, the upper balcony offers unobstructed stage views but less intimacy due to increased distance from the performers.

Seat Comfort

The seat comfort at the Detroit Opera House varies depending on which section you are seated in. According to reviews on A View From My Seat, the seats in the main floor and front mezzanine sections tend to have more padding and be more comfortable than the seats in the rear mezzanine and balcony.

The cushioned seats in the orchestra section have fold-down cushioned wood seats with padded backs for additional comfort. The front mezzanine seats also have padded cushioning. However, seats in the rear mezzanine and balcony sections tend to have less padding. The seats are still cushioned but not as plush.

Some reviewers note that the incline in the rear mezzanine and balcony can make it difficult to get comfortable, especially for shorter patrons. The steep rake puts most of the incline in the lower cushion so taller patrons may feel like they are sliding forward. The front mezzanine and orchestra sections have less extreme rakes so it’s easier to find a comfortable incline.

Overall, seat comfort at the Detroit Opera House depends on your seating section. Prioritize the orchestra or front mezzanine for maximum comfort. The rear sections sacrifice some softness and incline comfort but are still cushioned.

Accessibility at the Detroit Opera House

The Detroit Opera House aims to provide an enjoyable experience for all guests, including those with disabilities or limited mobility. According to their website, the venue offers wheelchair seating in various locations throughout the theater.

Wheelchair and companion seats are available in the Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony levels. These seats can be purchased online, by phone, or at the box office. The theater recommends calling ahead to ensure wheelchair availability for a specific performance.

In addition to wheelchair seating, the Detroit Opera House has accessible restrooms, elevators to reach all levels, and assistive listening devices. Service animals are welcome. Guests with disabilities can contact the venue ahead of time to make arrangements for early entry, accessible parking, or other accommodations.

Amenities at the Detroit Opera House

The Detroit Opera House offers some nice amenities to enhance the theatergoing experience. One popular amenity is the coat check, where patrons can check coats, bags, and other belongings before entering the theater. According to the venue’s website, “For your convenience, a checkroom is available on the Grand Tier level of the Opera House. The current fee is $5 per item.” (https://www.broadwayindetroit.com/your-visit/venues/detroit-opera-house/)

There are also several options for refreshments at the Detroit Opera House. The Grand Tier Lounge offers cocktails, wine, and beer before the show and during intermission. Patrons can also visit the concession stands on various levels to purchase soft drinks, snacks, candy, and more. For those looking for a more upscale experience, the Mezzanine Lounge offers bar service and table seating. According to the venue’s website, “Beverages are allowed in the seating areas.” (https://detroitopera.org/plan-your-visit/faq/)

Booking Seats at the Detroit Opera House

There are several options for booking seats to performances at the Detroit Opera House:

Online – Tickets can be purchased directly through the Detroit Opera House website. The online ticketing system allows you to view a seating chart, see real-time availability, and securely purchase tickets.

Box Office – Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Detroit Opera House box office located at 1526 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226. Box office hours vary, so check the website or call (313) 237-7464 for current hours.

Resellers – Tickets are often available through third-party resellers like StubHub or VividSeats. There is more variability in pricing and availability with resellers.

When booking seats, it’s recommended to purchase early for the best selection. For very popular shows, joining an advance ticket request list through the Detroit Opera House can give you priority access to purchase tickets.

Seating Tips

When selecting seats at the Detroit Opera House, there are a few tips to keep in mind for the best views and deals:

Many reviews on Tripadvisor recommend seeking seats in the center orchestra sections like C-F for optimal views of the stage. The center orchestra seats offer straight-on views without obstruction, compared to extreme sides which can have a slightly angled view.

For affordable options but still good views, aim for the front mezzanine according to Detroit Opera House’s seating chart. You can get closer to the stage while spending less than orchestra seats. The front mezzanine center sections 102-104 are suggested for a balance of value and view.

For unique experiences, try the box seats which flank the stage on both sides. According to reviews on A View From My Seat, box seats offer an immersive vantage point for seeing the performers and orchestra up close.

Avoid the back mezzanine for optimal viewing, as you will be very far from the stage. Also beware of obstructions from lighting and equipment for seats at the extreme sides of the orchestra and mezzanine.

Check the Detroit Opera House’s website when purchasing tickets to view their interactive seating chart with views from different sections. This can help select seats with the right balance of price and view.

Summary

The Detroit Opera House offers a variety of seating options to accommodate different preferences. Some pros of the seating include the following:

• The main floor orchestra section provides an up close view of the stage.
• The mezzanine and balcony offer elevated views to see the full stage.
• Seat sizes are average with comfortable leg room.
• The theater was renovated in 1996 so seats are modern.

Some potential cons to consider:

• The cheapest upper balcony seats have more limited views.
• Some side orchestra seats are angled with views partially blocked by the stage.
• The seats lack drink holders or other amenities.

The Detroit Opera House is best suited for patrons who want an elegant and traditional theater experience in an ornate historic setting. The seating will especially appeal to opera, ballet, and Broadway musical fans who appreciate the historic beauty and excellent acoustics of the theater.