Spreckels Performing Arts Center

Saw The Little Mermaid. My 4^th time here (3 musicals, 1 play). I was pleasantly surprised by the talent. It was better than i anticipated. It was pretty packed, with many kids of course. I just think that they should consider moving up the show time, considering many of the shows are kids-​friendly. Maybe 6pm? Some poor kids getting cranky and tired and having to leave early.

My family recently went to see a Sunday matinée performed in the smaller Condiotti Theatre. This theatre is open seating, which is «first come first served» for seating. We got there early because a member of our party is disabled and walks with a cane and needs a handicap accessible seat. I knew from previous experience that only the front row and the 1^st row of the balcony is handicap accessible, because there is no railing whatsoever going up and down the stairs to the 2^nd and 3^rd level of the balcony. When we entered the theatre, ALL the handicap accessible seat were reserved for a group from Oakmont, who were not handicapped. We had to sit on the 2^nd level with much difficulty. A handicapped woman behind me on the 3^rd level had to lean on my shoulder to get down the steps. I think it is quite dangerous to force handicapped people to climb stairs with no rail, due to their current policy of «reserving» the accessible seats behind-​the-​scenes for groups who do not need them, but want «front row» seats.

Such a great experience, everything is so well done. The theater is beautiful, clean & larger than I expected. We have seen 3 performances here, took my kids to the latest one — Mary Poppins! They LOVED it, a wonderful first experience to live theater. Everyone there is inviting & courteous. We plan to see many more performances as a family! Thank you Spreckels!

Scrooge: The Musical, which is now playing, is excellent. Don’t miss it. It makes for a great evening or afternoon performance with family and friends. Wonderful choreography and lots of talent all around. Cathie Bob sez check it out!

«Food, glorious food» …No, this review is not about food! It is the opening song from Lionel Bart’s ageless and timeless classic «Oliver!» that has been pleasing audiences for decades, both young and old alike. We are fortunate and privileged to live in Rohnert Park, a small community that boasts of Spreckels Performing Arts Center, a modern state-​of-​the-​art theater that has been the venue for several North Bay’s theatrical productions and community events.
Spreckels is a small community theater. It is small enough that there is not a bad seat in the house. Granted it is not like an Orpheum or a Curran but the stage is huge relative to the size of the theater so that even the back row seats are not too far from the stage. There are no balcony or loge seats… just orchestra and mezzanine. Acoustics were great with good audibility even in the back rows. The ambient lighting also helped to enhance the mood and music thereby adding to the audiences’ enjoyment. Seats were well padded and comfy. My main gripe though is a common problem with all theaters. … the tight seating with inadequate leg room. It is impossible to let someone pass without having to stand up and step aside to the aisle. At 6′ and after 2 hours, both my contorted knees were completely numbed and I had to stand for a few minutes to allow blood to re-​circulate. Oh well…
Regardless, the captive audience was in for a treat. Mesmerized by the sensational score, some were seen singing and clapping along to songs like «Consider Yourself», «Pick a Pocket or Two», «Oom-​Pah-​Pah» and many more. It was even more amazing when I learnt after the show that this wasn’t a professional group. The entire cast was so talented. It took only 5 weeks of intensive rehearsals for the director to put the show together, the cast to memorize the script, the choreographer to direct the dance movements and the musical director to conduct the songs and music. The sets and costumes were all done in-​house as the whole production had to contend with a shoestring budget. Standouts were Sean O’Brien who was a wonderful tenor as Mr. Bumble, the lovely and powerful voice of Kelly Brandeburg as Nancy and the indomitable Fagin played by Tim Setzer. Kudos to one and all when the audience leaped to their feet during the cast curtain call to applaud and to give them a standing ovation.
Tickets are very affordable. Let us show our support to the local theater and to Spreckels Performing Arts Center, a city owned and operated facility.

I’ve lived in Sonoma County, CA and for years, I saw the big, lighted Spreckels sign on Hwy. 101. I have always wanted to attend a theater production here but never had a chance until last night. After visiting other venues in the area, I must say, Spreckels was worth the wait!
Last night’s performance of «Oliver!» was in a word, amazing. It is such a pleasure to see the caliber of talent in our small little corner of the world put on a production worthy of any competing «Big City» musical/​play.
I would describe the venue size as medium on a scale from small to large. From a fully carpeted lobby and theater to the comfortable seating in both areas, I was just enthralled with the top notch amenities. Spreckels features a full box office, a special area to pick up will call tickets, and a complete concession stand instead of scattered tables in the lobby like another venue I’ve recently visited.
Full orchestra and special lighting/​sound/​video projection capabilities added another dimension I have not seen in any other local theater. Spreckels has definitely taken advantage of modern technology in every way.
Surprising to me is the cost of the tickets. Considering the complexities of last night’s production, I would have definitely paid more for my ticket, but was happily content to pay what I did. In other words, the tickets are reasonably priced!
I highly recommend attending any performance at this venue. Easily located minutes from Hwy. 101, Spreckels has private parking where you don’t need to hick a mile to get to the entrance. I’ll definitely be back for future performances!

Saw the Book of Matthew last night… oh my gosh! Stupendous performance. Acting was outstanding, each actor completely absorbed in the character and drew the audience to them with each line. Great job. Small theater was interesting also. Complete success. See it if you can.

I saw ‘Brigadoon’ here in the large theater and it was a wonderful experience. There was full orchestra and we had perfect seats. It made for a very nice evening out.

Studio Grey’s performances were dope!

One of the advantages of seeing a show at this venue is that the size of the stage and theatre allows big production numbers to be done BIG. Other venues do their best to recreate the feeling of a big production number, but for it to be really done well you have to have the space to do it and a live orchestra to accompany it. Spreckels has that space, and they get that orchestra. So they have the space and the resources, but do they do it well?
You bet your ass they do. Their most recent production, «Young Frankenstein» had at least four big numbers — «Join the Family Business», «The Transylvania Mania», «He’s Loose», and the show-​stopping «Puttin’ on the Ritz» that must have created quite a challenge to choreographer Mikey Snider and Director Gene Abravaya. Did they meet the challenge? You bet your ass they did. With an ensemble working together to maximum effect, and with the musical support of a 15 piece orchestra under the direction of Richard and Sandy Riccardi, the stage burst with the energy of a company that went all out to bring you the type of entertainment you just don’t get to see that much of around these parts.
Plenty was and written about the fine work being done by the leads and supporting performers. My hat goes off to all the members of the ensemble who busted their asses to make these big, magical theatrical moments happen.
Whatever the production, chances are Spreckels will do it right. Go see something.

A beautiful theater with some amazing productions. What a treat to spend a couple hours here. Very lucky to have such a quality facilities in the community.

Beautiful venue!
Recently took in a performnace at Spreckels, and was very impressed with the quality of the venue. Seats were comfortable and not too cramped, lighting was terrific-​and more advanced than comprable venues in the NorthBay, and the stage was easily visible from all seats.
Acoustics were terrific-​allowing sound to be easily heard but not overwhelming or «bouncy.»
The only minus for a star is the parking lot. After a performance lets out-​the design of the parking lot for exiting is a bit poorly planned-​so make sure any post-​performance plans accomodate for a bit of waiting to get out.
Other than parking-​I am very excited to see a show again at Spreckles soon!