tkt2ride: I agree that teens and college students will use BART. But I HIGHLY doubt the familes that really keep Wicked running will. They will drive in their SUV's.
The Orpheum rocks..Simply because it is right off BART. Hey..all those theatres have a kick ass sound system anyways..I am excited to finally see it in person. SF hosts so many amazing tours and I am glad I am a native.
You are right about that. That's why I added that part about the bus verses cab. Though you have to admit, traffic around Union Square is no picnic either. Since we are encouraging better use of public transportation, hopefully more families will consider this option. I drove to the Pleasant Hill Bart Station and then took that the rest of the way into the City the last time I went to the Orpheum. It was a lot better than driving all the way in. I doubt though I would do that for the other two venues.
Bart is out of the way for me. Until we get the train running up to Sonoma though, I have few options available to me. They charge us extra too, to park our SUV's in many of the City Garages, so if possible it is better to use those options. San Jose has both the Train and Bart.
The Orpheum does stand out more than the Curran does and will catch the attention of Tourist going up to the Castro, so it has some commercial value to it's location on Market St. It's getting people to even go by that area that's the challenge.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/15/05
Actually the theatre's don't have sound systems (or very big ones anyway). Certainly none that could provide sound for a big show like WICKED. When a tour comes in, or a sit down like WICKED, the sound (including the board, ALL SPEAKERS, etc) comes with the show. That's how they retain the original sound design from house to house.
so basically, did someone feel sad that they were firing the whole ensemble for the Los Angeles cast and then said "let's send these queens some place else they'll enjoy!" so they sent them all to 'Frisco?
"Maybe San Francisco will pull a Giuliani like in the mid 90s in NYC."
If we wish hard enough...maybe...just maybe. The super easy access to BART is the best thing about this theater.
Good to know tourboy!! I seriously had no idea. But it makes since cuz there is a similar process at my local theatre..though it is mostly body mics that are companies responsibility!
Cheers
I've been to San Francisco four times (2001, 2003, 2004 and 2006). During my last visit, I saw "A Chorus Line" at the Curran Theatre, right across from my hotel. But getting back to the location of the Orpheum. I think it's smack dab in the middle of the Tenderloin District of San Francisco...which means that there are quite a few homeless people in that vicinity. In my first visit, I stayed at the Edwardian, near Van Ness and Market. I must admit that the location wasn't the best, but it was close to "Sweeney Todd" and Davies Hall (?). Whenever someone approached me who I didn't like, I just ignored them and went on my merry way. There are a few porn palaces in that area, if I'm not mistaken. In some ways, it reminded me of pictures of NYC during the 70's. Having said that, I am SOOOO eager to visit SF once more. I imagine I'll see "Wicked" during my next trip to the exotic locale that is SF. (P.S. Try the Red Fire Engine Tour... It's a "hoot".) from RC in Austin, Texas
Hey..all those theatres have a kick ass sound system anyways..
HAHAHA!!!! Orpheum?! Where it's like listening through a pillow between rows J and T?
P.S. I think I saw you as Bobby Strong.
Is that so..very cool! I hope you liked it Lizzie
"so basically, did someone feel sad that they were firing the whole ensemble for the Los Angeles cast and then said "let's send these queens some place else they'll enjoy!" so they sent them all to 'Frisco?"
No...this was always the plan for the LA production after it closed.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/15/05
Where did you do Bobby Strong? Love, love, love me some Urinetown.
And the Orpheum is not smack dab in the middle of the Tenderloin. That's the Golden Gate (shudder). The Orpheum is more in the Civic Center neighborhood, which borders the Tenderloin. It's right on the cusp of the nastiness. I've toured through SF's major houses, and of them all, the Orpheum is by far my favorite. The Curran is a great space, but very small space to work. The GG is a disaster because of it's location. The Orpheum, with its proximity to BART, huge open spaces (although the stage is much smaller than it appears!), and very comfortable backstage/dressing room spaces.
True, the Orpheum's location is less than ideal, but I'd take it over the Gate any day, and there are some pretty decent places to eat a short walk away. I also rarely feel threatened in the immediate area. Now, if I were to walk a few blocks down Market towards the Golden Gate, that's another story. Scary.
Is San Francisco in Armenia?
Did someone actually say FRISCO?! AHHHH, don't DO THAT!!!!
There is nothin' wrong with saying frisco Lizzie..I call it "The City" like its the only one around..HA, yet people out here know it's San Francisco.
Tourboi..I did Urinetown for Contra Costra Musical Theatre in Walnut Creek at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Beautiful theatre..but let's not even get started with how bad sound is there!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/06
There is nothin' wrong with saying frisco Lizzie.
I know a few people out there who would argue that there is.
Updated On: 4/11/08 at 07:18 PM
hmmmm. HAIRSPRAY is supposed to play at the ORPHEUM this June , but by the time I will be there.. its gone already... I am still bummed that I wont be able to see the inside of the Orpheum.
J*
In a world of acronyms found in everyday conversation, I believe Frisco is just an example of lazy talk. One might call it lazy talk..I call it keep it short and to the point and move on. :)
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/06
Jaystarr, they have a virtual tour of the theater on the SHN site, but without the lobby. It's not like seeing it in person but it'll probably be the closest you'll get to seeing the inside for now.
http://www.shnsf.com/theatres/index.asp?key=52
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/15/05
I absolutely love the lobby of the Orpheum. Stunning, and big!
I've never understood the hatred of "Frisco" or "San Fran." And the whole "the City!" thing puzzles me. Ditto with NYC. As if they're the only cities around? In this case, as Eddie Izzard says "is Oakland just a small collection of houses, then?"
Harmony, I love the Lesher. I've looked at it for one of my shows but the timing just isn't right. In any case, I think I know someone who worked on that URINETOWN. :) Drop me a PM if you're still acting full time in the area!
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