Nice venue with an old-timey crescent-shaped stage. Thanks to Jando I saw the Golden Dragon Acrobats here, with the intimate feel of sitting 2 rows back. They need to get the word out to get more folks to this rather obscure location, but I'll keep an eye out. And the severely underrated Corona Park is right there, Unisphere and all.
Review Source:Cute theater in the park, came here the first time last night for a yelp event and really enjoyed the show. Shuttle bus is available to pick you up from the station (7 train Mets - Willets Point) to the theater before and after the performance, the driver's really nice and fun to talk with.
Review Source:What an amazing place!
Michael and I came here for a Yelp event and so glad we did!
The acrobat show was one to remember. Definitely recommend to anyone who is into the arts. The way these people move there bodies is out of this world.
I would come again to support them:) and you should too! Thanks Jando for having Michael and I tonight, it was a success!
Queens Theatre is a place I definitely hope to come back to again. Â Last year, got to see SPENT with the Yelp crew and loved every minute of the show. Seriously, was an excellent two person play that really delivered. Â Mostly funny but informative and entertaining as well. Â The stage was really small and did not hold that many but we as a group packed it in. Â Not that hard to get here either, luckily there was a shuttle van that night to take people back and forth but I have walked this way before and was not too bad of a walk at least when the weather is nice.
Review Source:Thanks to a free Yelp event, I scored tickets to see a performance of "You Say Tomato, I say Shut Up!" on November 30th, 2012. I have never been to the Queens Theater before so I looked up the directions on their website. Sure enough, it was accurate for me: Drove on the LIE going westbound, exit 22A to get on the Grand Central Parkway, and then take exit 9P (Flushing Meadows Corona Park/Tennis Center). Immediately afterwards, I made a right turn and followed the signs to go to the Queens Theater. I ended up parking in a huge parking lot and not the place where everyone else parked where there was a parking attendant. The sight of the "New York State Pavilion" that was right next to the Queens theater amazes me at night. The Unisphere was also beautifully lighted. Even though I was alone, I felt like this was such a romantic spot. I was an hour and a half early so I sat in my car. A police car patrolled by once and that seemed to make me feel safe. To my surprise, the Queens Theater looked incredibly beautiful at night with different colored-lighting.
For those arriving by subway on the 7 train like my husband did, there is a free shuttle to and from Queens Theater. I did not know about the free shuttle that transports event goers to the Queens theater directly and my husband ended up walking the whole way. Next time, I definitely would not recommend walking. Apparently, there is a shuttle at the Mets-Willets Point station (street level) that takes event goers to the Queens Theater one hour before the show with a pickup every ten minutes and then also back from the Queens Theater after the show. My poor husband ran with the wind, huffing and puffing.
We met each other a couple minutes after show time, but thankfully, the show didn't start yet. Meanwhile, I received my tickets with no problem at the box office. I saw the concession area, but I didn't think to buy anything. The area looked really beautiful though with soft lighting. I went to the bathroom on the left side of the hallway. There weren't any signs to direct me anywhere so I just went with the flow of traffic until I saw an usher. When my husband joined me, we went to the right-side of the hallway and proceed to enter the theater.
There weren't many people there so I found my seat with no problems. The seats were pretty cushy and comfortable. I bet a lot of people didn't know this theater existed. The audience demographic seems to be the older-adult age to senior citizens. It doesn't matter to me because I enjoyed the performance and I enjoyed myself during the performance. After the performance, I saw a few people set up a table, selling the actual book of the performance.
I would love to come back to see if there are any other performances that would interest me. So far, I see there are a lot of dance performances. I can't find any fault with the Queens theater: affordable tickets, free parking, free shuttle, and comfy seats. They only need to raise awareness of these events and promote how convenient it is to come to the Queens theater!
We checked out a preview performance of "You Say Tomato and I say Shut up" (thanks for the tickets Yelp!) (Oh and the performance was excellent).
Its a bit tricky to find, but they do provide a parking lot attendant so you don't mind leaving your car in the middle of a park at night. Â The waiting area / cafe space is very nice. Â A few snack items & drinks to get before the show (don't be that person that leaves and gets something during the performance, thanks). The theater is nice a big with plenty of leg room. Â Comfortable seating as well. Â
We will definitely be checking out the performance schedule and going back soon.
Nice theater but it's so far! It's so hidden! I didn't see the shuttle! So, if you want to walk here:
- enter from Roosevelt toward the Tennis side, if you see Citifield, that's the wrong direction!
- walk on the boardwalk. Keep going straight until reach the circle with flag poles and 4 paths to choose from. Choose the 2nd to last path. (The last path takes you to the USTA).
- Okay, pretty soon you'll reach a fork in the road. You want to take the left path, NOT the right path along the tennis stadium.
- If you followed the directions correctly, you'll reach the Unisphere pretty soon. A bunch of skateboarders are also an indicator. Once you see the Unisphere, you want to go to the opposite end, left of the Queens Museum of Art.
- See that glassy building? Yes! You found it..... and the shuttle just arrived...
Cute cafeteria. Cozy theater, you can pretty see the stage from the last row. People's heads too (the incline is very slight).
Queens Theatre is pretty nice for what it is. The AC in the concession stand area is frigid, the restrooms are probably the cleanest restrooms of all Flushing Meadow park restrooms, and the main stage theatre is pretty nice. The leg room between each aisle was surprisingly spacious. It's not a large theatre like Radio City Music Hall, it's a small cozy up close in your face theatre. I would assume every seat in the house has a decent view of the stage except for the first two rows.
I got tickets to Gilbert & Sullivan in Briefs through Yelp and it was a fairly good show. To read more about it, you can read my review on the event.
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/yelp-night-at-gilbert-and-sullivan-in-briefs-queens#hrid:dsCd8FZiW21QIBmSXz7xFw">http://www.yelp.com/biz/…</a>
Theatre is not my thing but I gave this place a shot. Â I will never turn something down without at least giving it a chance. Â This small little theatre is located in Flushing Meadows Park only minutes from Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Stadium. Â We entered the park and saw kids/families running around playing soccer and just enjoying the summer weather. Â I probably never would have come here in my life but for the fact that Yelp offered free tickets to Gilbert & Sullivan. Â The theatre is small, cozy, clean, and beautiful. Â The staff is friendly and the other theatre-goers are respectful to others. Â I love how its small so even if you are in the back row you still are so close to the stage and feel a part of the show.
Make sure you have some greenbacks in your pocket so you can enjoy some snacks/drinks before the show. Â There won't be an ATM to save you.
Although I can't say if I will be back here again, I definitely won't say anything bad about this.
I'll admit it...I'm not much a theater person. Â However, when I noticed that there were free tickets to be had care of Yelp, I took advantage. Â After all, I do live in Queens and there's nothing better than showing a little borough pride. Â It's not often that I make it to this particular area of Queens, but there's really no excuse. Â Not only was it less than a 10 minute drive from my apartment, but also it's nestled in one of the most fabulous little nooks of Queens. Â If you drive to the Queens Theater, you'll notice that it's shockingly nearby the Queens Art Museum, tennis courts, parks, and the list goes on. Â It's a stone throw from the Queens Botanical Garden, and the Mets Stadium. Â Yes folks, this is Flushing Meadows Park.
Parking is a little strange, as the parking lot is somewhat small. Â We were asked to park on the sidewalk, which I thought was somewhat awkward. Â But beggars can't be choosers and...by the way, parking is FREE. Â If you don't have access to a car, you can take the E or the F to 74th Street, switch to the 7, and there is a shuttle from the 7 to the theater that runs every 10 minutes.
Take a moment to enjoy the building and its surroundings before heading inside to your show. Â It's wonderfully modern, chic and shiny...but not cold and sterile in the way that a lot of modern architecture tends to feel. Â Once inside, you'll find yourself in the midst of a surprisingly large lobby, with many tables and a small concession stand. Â Just to clarify for all who may not be sure: the concession stand is CASH ONLY. Â I'll repeat: the concession stand is CASH ONLY. Â And no, there is NO ATM nearby. Â So one more time: the concession stand is CASH ONLY and there is NO ATM nearby.
With the cash that you will have in hand (because you have read this review and will come to the show prepared), you can purchase wine ($7) and beer ($6). Â Please, put on a nice little buzz before the show. Â Unless of course you're driving, then maybe just have a soda. Â As you sip your wine (or soda), take a stroll through the theater's hallway where you'll find art from local artists proudly on display.
As you take your seat, notice that (as others have said), there really isn't a bad seat in the whole house. Â The theater itself is rather intimate, which will make your experience particularly enjoyable -- it's not like some of these massive theaters where you'll only be able to afford tickets in the rafters and, in order to see the show, will need to use a pair of serious magnifying glasses. Â Silence your phone, sit back, and enjoy the show!
Sometime in the near future, I'm going to throw a party here. Â And even sooner than that I'll be back to see a show.
I haven't been to Flushing Meadow Park since "Men in Black" came out and I had to see for myself that those weren't flying saucers....But never did I notice a theatre!
The rotunda of a reception area offers floor to ceiling vies of the park. Â It's modern, soft-toned lights give the theatre a nice into.
The main stage area is large enough and small enough for each seat to be equally fantastic. Â We got a glimpse of a new show rehearsing...a great alternative for those of us strapped for cash but want to enjoy a bit of broadway.
Downstairs is the studio theatre, which is small and dark, but sufficient for a small showing. Â We watched a hilarious tribute to the Financial Crisis called, "Spent." Â I highly recommend this show to all New Yorkers...all Americans....ah hell, the whole world is in a financial meltdown! Â Completely worth the few bucks you've got left in your pocket!
came here for a Yelp Elite event, and had no idea this place even existed! Some New yorker I am. I love the modern decor and the layout. The large open space upstairs is great for entertaining large groups and for having some cocktails pre and post show.
The theater in the basement is on the small side, holding approximately 80 people. It really is a great place to see some up and coming performers..
Located conveniently to both mass transit as well as car transportation. (Exit 9P on the GCP)
Last night was my first time (wait, what?) at Queens Theatre. Â
I have a huge appreciation for theatres. Â I spent many a time performing when I was younger. Â This could be why I judge every little detail when I visit a new one. Â I was warned in advance that Queens Theatre is difficult to get to but I'm sorry, I disagree. Â Northern State to GCP to exit 9P. Â This is not at all difficult. Â Follow the signs once you're in the park and bam! You're at the theatre.
I really enjoyed the fact that the location is directly underneath the "flying saucers". Â The inside is beautiful! Â Well-lit but not to the point your eyes begin to hurt. Â I did not get to see the actual "theatre" but I did see the downstairs where they host dress rehearsals. Â Very small and intimate, which I like. Â
Oh, and sorry that the trashcan in one of the potty stalls went flying. Â Yeah....
we came here tonight for another Yelp event, and I got to see a bit more of the theater, as well as learn a bit more about what they have here. I'm very glad to see that this theater is growing in popularity, expanding both the quantity and variety of shows put on here.
there's a smaller stage downstairs, where we saw SPENT. it's a small "black box" stage (as it's called in theater terms), with seats for around 80 people (if anyone remembers the UCB Theater from about ten years ago, it resembles that). sound and lighting is minimal but still set up well. this is a great performance area for small shows or presentations.
there's also "The Cabaret Room" which is a lounge-type room with a bar and seating!
as always, I definitely enjoy seeing shows here at this theater. Ed and John, two of the staff/managers that work here, are great people and do a great job. they mingle with the attendees before and after shows, arrange quick tours of the theater, and get the actors to mingle with the attendees as well.
the Queens Theatre rocks!
I wasn't expecting much but we caught 'Swonderful at the Queens Theater and it was absolutely great. Â The theater sits near the tennis center and museum and there is parking available for free right outside and also a shuttle van that takes you...somewhere...I dunno really, but people got in AND they mentioned that they've been to other shows, so that tells me that it's pretty much safe.
The lobby has been recently renovated and they've got a nice little concession area and tables where you can congregate before the show.
the seats are comfortable and being that its a small space, the view seemed to be pretty good no matter where you are seated. Â Its a little rough around the edges, but it didn't come across as amateur.
I am looking forward to returning again and again!
Who knew such a beautiful theatre lay hidden in Flushing Meadows Park?
I sure didnt.
The theatre has been modernized and has a constant lineup of goodies to choose from. They have a shuttle on performance nights that make pickups every 20 minutes starting 1 hr before show time to make travel easier.
The concession is super affordable too. Come early and have a snack before your show starts.
The theatre itself is a great size. The seats are comfortable and have ample leg room. Any seat is a great seat as well!
The staff are amazing; especially after an epic miscommunication- the manager made sure I was being taken care of and that my satisfaction be guaranteed. It makes me want to continue to support my local theatre!
I am a big fan of this small theatre nestled in Flushing Meadow Park. The building itself is beautiful; a circular building with many windows for letting light in. It is lit up so nicely at night and glows in the otherwise dark park. The lobby is very nicely set up with tables and chairs along with a refreshments area. The bathrooms are very clean and the employees are all very friendly and helpful.
I was here once for a tour of the facility for a project I had to do for an event marketing class. We were shown all of the different rooms that they have along with the second area where they put on smaller shows in the downstairs area of the theatre. I would not have known about that if not for the tour
I was here for two shows- a dance show and a musical. The theatre is on the small side which I really enjoy; no matter where you sit here you will have a great view of the stage. The stage starts right at the first row and it makes for a great view of the performers. The way the stage is situated it makes the actors seem to be right at your eye level, you do not seem to be looking down at them.
A great place to see a show and I hope I have a chance to see some more here! I think they actually have a membership where you can get discounts on performances that take place there, I may have to look into that!
Just saw S'wonderful here last night, awesome show! This was the first musical I've attended at Queens Theatre, even though its right by my house. The venue itself is quaint, and very intimate. S'wonderful was entertaining, the cast did an excellent job with all the oldies. There are also only 5 cast members, they all did a great job alternating roles throughout the entire play. There was a couple of instances where the mic shorted out for a second..making it sound like someone shut it off, then on again. All in all, a good show, would definitely recommend.
Review Source:Go with confidence girl
As highly recommended by a fellow Yelper Phil H. for "CHIX 6" I venture as the Power of One for a musical show. Chix 6 is a lively rock musical show empowering women's conquer of degradation by abusive men for realization of self-worth and inner strength. Â Set in 2011 era of digital age and usage of verbal colliqual language for an unparalleled performance by an all female leading role cast, complete with a four piece all-female rock band with all the components of a traditional musical play. Â The four piece all-female band all face the audience in full view above the stage. Â Chix 6 is originated by women producers, writers, and background vocals. Â I always sincerely enjoy live performances, be it open-mike poetry/music, drama, musical, or plays that upholds a solid definitive plot.
Queens Theatre In The Park is very nice theater that contains extremely good acoustics, an equipped sound system, fully functioning video camera, wireless and discreet portable microphones, strobe lighting without blinding the audience and smoke effects. Â Seats are comfortable with ample leg room and no specific assigned seat number but ticket status (orchestra, left, right) determines seating section. Â Stage crew and A/V Dept. did a great job with coordination for a well put musical production play. Â Circular building of a modern look with facilities that are clean for a inviting atmosphere without the foul stench. Â N.B. Â This theater is extremely difficult to locate as the paths in Flushing Meadows Corona Park do not mark directional arrows. Â It is located past Flushing's renowned unisphere. Â Behind this building is the iconic Flushing Meadows Corona Park's observatory towers which was used in scenes for "Men In Black I," I concur with Phil H. which gives the theater a cool view and fantastic radiant glow at night. Â Lobby area contains glass windows for natural light to flow through for enhancing the modern look. Â Queens Theatre is sponsored by Delta Air Lines.
"There's only one place I can't hurt and only one can make me happy that's myself and no one else. And everyday I get a little stronger!! Oh, it took me long to learn... " Chix 6
So go with confidence GIRL!!
I had never seen a concert in Queens and it was my first time attending a show at the Queens Theater. I did not know what to expect when I came here recently to see Chix 6.
The building itself was renovated a few years back and is now a very modern looking circular facility. Having the "flying saucer" structures that we all know from Men In Black towering over it makes for a cool view. At night it is all lit up and looks terrific.
The inside is bright and airy with many windows to let light in. Very clean, with tables and chairs to sit at in the lobby. Nice selection of snacks and candies to choose from and all were $1.00! Also serves up coffee, cold drinks, and some alcoholic beverages at decent prices.
The theater and stage itself is actually quite nice. Comfortable seating with killer leg room! There is really not a bad seat in the house as this place projects a really intimate experience. Not a terribly large theater so the stage is up close and personal. Good sound throughout. Bathrooms are also very clean too.
I also have to note that the staff here was very friendly and accommodating. A big plus is that they offer a free shuttle service on show performance nights back and forth to the #7 subway stop. Looking forward to seeing a future show here for sure.
Thanks to Yelp, I found myself at this fantastic theater to watch the new Lourds Lane rock musical, Chix 6!
Located in the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, by the sphere, is this little gem. You can walk from the Mets/Willets Point station (7 train) or take the free shuttle that runs from the station to the theater, one hour prior to curtain call. So you really have no excuse not to go!
The lobby is spacious, clean and the concession stand consists of mainly candies and beverages. At $1, what a bargain! You probably want to eat before you come see a show here, though.
The theater itself is small but lovely. The seats are comfortable with plenty of leg space. As it's small, there is no bad seat in the house and it definitely gives off an intimate vibe.
Bathrooms are clean, always a plus.
I'd happily trek to this side of Queens to watch another show!
I had attended a play at Queens Theater in the Park over ten years ago, so when I went back recently it awoke some faint memories. Â Having taken the train there, I was happy to see that there is a shuttle service that takes people between the subway station and the theater - it would be rather difficult to get there otherwise without a car.
When we arrived at the theater, I could tell they've renovated. Â It looked a lot more modern than I remembered. Â The circular building evokes the look of the park itself with mini-versions of the tall towers with discs at the top behind the theater (the theater is right under said discs). Â I went at night, and the lighting was quite spectacular. Â It was like a shining beacon in a world of darkness.
Inside you come up to the ticket booths right near the entrance, and the main area is a nice waiting area with tables and chairs. Â That night a party was going on so party-goers were going into the main theater, while another play was taking place next to it. Â A makeshift refreshment stand with coffee, snacks, candy and drinks were set up in this main area. Â I watched the staff set it up and it was really impressive to see how fast they put it all together.
Our friend was having a performance in the downstairs theater, one of the smaller ones. Â It's basically a black box theater, with somewhat limited seating (one person would up having to sit near the stage) but no one was uncomfortable that I could tell. Â The stage is wide and there was plenty of room to decorate and the play was able to separate the stage into three distinct sections for the performance.
The staff was friendly and helpful. Â The bathroom facilities were clean and all the various fliers and posters around were all up to date. Â Clearly this is a place that is well taken care of.
While it will take a bit of effort to get there, this is a fine place to see a performance!
I have only recently discovered Queens Theatre in the Park in the last few years, but I really like the venue. Â They underwent a pretty major renovation of the exterior - it's now a curvy glass structure that's modern, yet still inviting. Â The Main Stage is a large auditorium that seats over 450 people, while the Studio Theatre is an intimate black box space downstairs. Â Part of the new renovation was also the creation of a Cabaret space, which I haven't seen.
What I like most about this theater is the dedication to multi-cultural programming. Â They have a variety of events (concerts, plays, etc.) all meant to reflect the diversity of Queens, and by extension, NYC. Â They host an annual Asian Cultural Fest every Spring, and I've attended events at the last two. Â Another noteworthy program is their New Play Development, which is partly geared towards telling immigrant and minority stories. Â They also have programming that's family friendly. Â
There is clearly a genuine effort to be a theater that's accessible and relevant to the greater community. Â It's definitely worth the trek to Queens to check out the events here. Â Plus, you can make a day of it and spend a beautiful day in the park! Â Oh, and did I mention the free parking?