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Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts [Edit]
145 Queen St WQueen Street West and University Ave
Toronto, ON M5H 4G1
Neighbourhoods: Queen Street West, Downtown Core
(416) 363-6671
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
25 reviews for Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
25 reviews in English
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Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
4/24/2012
I've only seen Nutcracker at Four Seasons, and it was amazing.
It is very modern with minimal decorations. However color schemes are very warm and inviting. The light brown-colored floor, light navy seats and white lighting somewhat give off less substantial feel, but it still is a very majestic and splendid theater. And it is huge! Acoustic is excellent. And since the stage isn't placed too high. But the seats are so flat-facing towards the stage without any incline. This can be bad for visibility on orchestra level. Seat comfort is average. The cushioning is good, but seat is narrow and legroom is lacking.
Roaming around the hallway was very interesting. It has a very modern and wide-open feel. And since the building is surrounded by glass windows, it adds to the unique atmosphere.
One thing that sets this theater apart is the audience. I'm not sure whether to call them serious theater-goers or pretentious, but they seem very gentle and overwhelmingly well-dressed. If you have fancy clothes/dresses, this is the place to flaunt them.
There is an underground parking garage at south west corner of Queen/York. -
Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
2/6/2012
I've seen a few shows here - ballet, opera and a musical. It's conveniently located and very easy to find. Although the exterior of the building is not very interesting in shape or design, the glass is beautiful and allows you to see the interior clearly. On the inside, the design of the staircases is quite unique. The wood, the glass, the light shining in. It's quite an impressive space.
The service is fantastic. From the doormen, the coat check staff, the concessions staff, the ushers and even the staff at the gift store. Washrooms are clean, but get very busy during intermission.
I have been lucky enough to only get seats in the orchestra. While it appears the ring sections provide a great view of the stage, I can't say I've ever sat in those seats. And ring 5 seems waaaaay up there.
I've been up to the top level hoping to get a good view of the city. But it's truly not that high and there isn't much to see in that location. I did appreciate that they have set up concession stands on each level.
Tips:
-If you know anyone under the age of 30 there are special promotions (use code: IAMUNDER30). It's even better if you can get the 'under 30' tickets when they let you choose any seat in the house (i.e. orchestra seats!)
-They offer rush tickets to most of their shows.
-If you're around during the day, they occasionally have free shows in the lobby/staircase area. A great lunchtime activity if you enjoy the arts. -
Review from Cameron O.
Toronto, ON
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is perhaps the only venue in the city where I haven't yet been in the stage door. I've been twice as a patron for one opera (with nosebleed seats) and one ballet (on the orchestra level).
The sound and sight lines are all fantastic. It's built in the tradition of all European opera houses so nearly every seat has a reasonable view and there are no pesky support poles smack dab in the middle of your view (like at Massey Hall).
I did have to crane my neck a bit when I was up in the nosebleeds but only because it's so odd to see a stage production from a top profile view rather than the proper front/centre perspective.
The architecture is a glass modern fish bowl on the outside and inside it features earth tones, comfortable seats and great sound.
I look forward to my first engagement in the orchestra pit of this place! -
Review from Charlotte W.
North York, ON
6/28/2011
I have just discovered this venue for ballet and am impressed every single time. I went to see the North American premiere of Alice in the Wonderland, but this review is based on FYI's rather than reviews of the shows.
If you want to make an event of seeing a ballet (or show) at the Four Seasons, you can always go to Nota Bene (5 minute walk) for pre-dinner that starts at 5pm (just in time for the 7:30 show). For $55, you get a set meal with a glass of champagne! When making reservations at the restaurant, inform them that you have a show at the Four Seasons.
Or, if you don't feel like dinner, not a problem, there other things you can do before hand:
1. If you have time, there is a "talk series" an hour earlier before the show that you can sit down and listen too
2. You can purchase drinks and food - CASH ONLY! I made the mistake one time of ordering everything and anything, and busted out my credit card...only to be informed Cash Only...wamp
3. During the intermission (usually 25 minutes), you can come out and have drinks and snacks. I suggest you to pre-order these items BEFORE the show so that when its intermission, you don't have to stand in long lines to order drinks. Before the show, they give you a ticket with your ordered items and the bar staff will tell you where to pick up the drinks. Now, I have only ordered and picked up on the main level, but other floors should have this service
4. Bathrooms are downstairs
5. When it is time to go in, a bell will ring - just beware that when you have middle seats (like moi), you might suffer the wrath of evil stares as you try and get past them to your seats. Some people will get up but some will stay seated and stare at you and say you should have arrived earlier (I think for those people I stepped on their white bags...oops)
6. Osgoode Subway Station right at the entrance of the venue so if you don't feel like finding parking, try the rocket
7. Dress Code is actually whatever you feel like. The ballet for me means being dressed up, but I have seen guests wearing jeans, shorts, tight pants *shudder*...
Enjoy! -
Review from Myrem D.
Mississauga, ON
6/22/2011 4 photos
wuzz up in hurr last nite - marked in the ladies bathroom +_0 (blame it on the free unlimited wine)
AMAZING.
Friendly Tips:
-Dress like you're going to the royal wedding - channelling Blair Waldorf.
-DO NOT be late.
-Don't bother pre drinking and/or eating
-(females) prepare for suites trying to pick you up WHILE he grabs a drink for his wife - True story.
-(males) girls here come to dress up. Think tight dresses, 6 inch stilettos, wine glasses (i,e loosy goosey). Fair warning , 90% of them are pretentious bitches.
- If you aren't holding anything Prada priced be prepared to be stared at, at times pointed at, gawked at or even asked if you are lost. Act crazy , it freaks them the f&*k out. They'll leave you alone.
-BRING A CAMERA
-talk to strangers ( I do this already, but I urge everyone to do this. I met the loveliest girls. Albeit, one was drunk and wanted to take me home. Nonetheless, still lovely. You could never go wrong with making some new facebook friends, right? ) 0_0
The place is absolutely gorgeous. If you do come late, you will not get your original seat. You will be led to where seating is available , closest to the door. This sucks, irregularly shaped-huge-hairy-donkey gonads.
The show last night was Alice in Wonderland - fantastic. I cannot express enough how beautiful it was. Plus, Ti's my 2n'd favourite. A few times "Alice" was a tad late on her notes. I doubt anyone noticed. Other than yours truly. Why? Because I'm a self proclaimed and proud control freak.
There's 5 floors. Each one with a bathroom on EVERY corner (bonus points).
The walls are complete glass. They Windex the crapola out of it.. so much so that you think you're going to fall out onto the street. This place is top notch. With a table (see pic) They provided mini sandwiches, tiny mouse sized cupcakes, raspberry scones, curler sesame salty sticks, red & white wine AND vodka drinks (oh , disaster)
I would absolutely love to come here again. If you love the arts, I really recommend coming out for at least one of the shows. The whole place gets decorated correlating the theme of the show. With all the free stuff, fun photo ops and happy mingling you will have a blast!
THEN - Just when you are about to go home and try to recollect as much as humanly possible for your yelp post, the door people hand you a goody bag WAAAAAAAAHH??? FOR MEEE??? YOU REALLY SHOULD NT HAVE!! can I have one more? :p (if you ask nicely, they'll give you 2)
Cool Cool beans. Left here at 4am. Wide eyed & eyeliner in perf condition. I call this a success.
xoxox
M. -
Review from Fern H.
7/24/2011
This venue is all class. We came to see the musical "Next To Normal". We snagged a special deal on tickets and only paid $25 for seats in Ring 3, front row, which provided a perfect view of the seats and no heads in front of us blocking the view.
The seating is very comfortable and there's plenty of leg room, unlike its older counterparts like Princess of Wales and Canon Theatre.
We like the direct entrance from the subway which came in really handy as it was down pouring as we arrived at the theatre.
Only blemish of the night, the box office girl screeched at me for being in the wrong line to pick up tickets. Wasn't a big deal for move to the other line but she was pretty much foaming at the mouth and pointing like a mad woman. Thank god there was a piece of plexi glass separating us. IMO, the front of house and box office staff is the first point of contact for most customers so there really isn't any excuse for rudeness.
I would definitely like to see another performance here in the future, but will try to get my tickets sent to me ahead of time so I can avoid the box office. -
Review from Stéphane M.
Toronto, ON
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Opera night with my love
-Rigoletto-
Fabulous play, wonderful evening in a world-class theatre -
Review from Tanya N.
4/19/2011 6 photos
I've been meaning to check out this centre since it opened but never had the chance to. I finally came here for one of their Free Concert Series In the Robert Bradshaw Amphitheatre. Most of the shows are from 12 to 1pm with some starting at 5:30pm. I arrived at 11:15am and there was already a short line up since doors open at 11:30am. I came for the Vocal Series: 110 Years of Singing on Record lectured by Stephen R. Clarke. It was pretty neat hearing old records being played on a horn machine from 1904 and comparing the same songs recorded in different time periods.
The amphitheatre bright as it is surrounded by windows facing University & Queen with classy wooden bleacher-like seating. It's casual and unpretentious.
Educational and interesting - this is a fantastic way to experience a bit of the COC.
*100th review!* Yeah, yeah!Listed in: List of Awesomeness, Getting Cultured
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Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
7/15/2010 1 photo
TIP #1: Don't be LATE...
I heard the 2 minute warning DING DONG when I attended the entrance, so we ran over to Door D on the ground floor. The attendant said we still had time but not enough time for a trip to the washroom.
He gave me 2 options:
Option 1: Go to washroom and miss first 15 minutes of the show.
Option 2: Wait 1 hr 30 min until intermission.
I sat in my seat very patiently and unmoved and it was worth it. I was in the Orchestra Section Row D Seats 25/26 which is face-to-face to the Ladies in Bikinis and Men with Six Packs. BTW, this was Miss Saigon not a Strip Club. Plenty of legroom at this row for some reason.
Basically 4 rows behind the Orchestra directly centered we heard everything loud but NOT clear as either the voice/songs were either sung too quickly or the audio reverb too much. At some points, I just gave up trying to listen to every word and just try to get the GIST of the Scene & Musical.
The Engineer, Chris, John sounded clear. Kim was sometimes harder to pinpoint exact words. When it was group or couples synchronized ballads, it was like your mind had 10 people talking at once. I just focused on one person and IGNORED the rest.
Our seating position meant that we couldn't see the Orchestra hidden underneath and secondly couldn't see the play unless it was inbetween the HEADS of the 3 rows before us.
TIP #2: If there are empty seats, try asking a staff if you can trade for another spot nearby if you have TOWERING big men/women in front of you blocking your view.
The Centre itself is Ikea-ish but I hope it is because it is eco-friendly building however it is aesthetically pleasing with the soft lighting and spot lighting placed at the right places that bounce off either the WHITE walls or the transparent glass barriers.
The helicopter scene really gave a good test to the BASS of the sound system and it was very good almost like IMAX3D good. This coming from a guy that hasn't watched theatre in years. The ENGINEER rocks!
When it came to intermission, washroom line-up was typical of your Movie Theatre scale however I think that the men's washroom didn't have the right FLOW to it.
After your washroom, you wash your hands but then have to go backwards for the paper napkins and then walk past the sinks again before out the door. Movie Theatres have the RIGHT idea where you do Washroom, Sinks, Paper, Door sequence which helps. Maybe the feng shui guy gave them some other advice.
I took a photo of the Coat Check & Miscellaneous pricing for you convenience but during intermission no attendant was there so I couldn't get my OBUS FORME. :(Listed in: Retirement Planning
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Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 11/18/2010
The Dancebreak special has changed a bit since I last took advantage of it. $30 seats still apply to those who are between the ages of 16-29. However, my 29 year old friend and I learned today the Dancebreak special no longer allows for a second discounted ticket for someone of any age. Wah.
Regardless, I still got to experience the magic, beauty and creativity of the National Ballet's Cinderella, in an orchestra section seat for a mere $30!!
Youth of today: please take advantage of these discounted seats for those who cannot!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/14/2010
I'm a huge fan of the National Ballet of Canada and whatever goes on at the Four Seasons Centre for… Read more »
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Review from Rj P.
10/15/2010
This facility is amazing. Easily one of the nicest performing arts centres I have been in.
Beautiful exterior stonework combined with a huge glass atrium make the Four Seasons Centre a breathtaking addition to Toronto architecture.
Inside soaring staircases and the curved walls of the performance chamber makes being at the venue almost as enjoyable as watching your performance.
The stage and seating area allow for clear, crisp sound and nearly every seat is unobstructed.
I subscribe to all Canadian Opera Company performances (3rd season). -
Review from Kate M.
6/4/2009
This place is pure class. And I love it.
I feel fancy when I go here! I make it a point to dress well and get all dolled up. It makes me feel like I'm in some movie were everything is oh so grand and civilized. You know what I mean? Like in My Fair Lady when she becomes a lady. That is kinda but not really what I mean. Close enough.
The sound is superb. The ballets are breathtaking. The theater is theatrically a treat. If you can afford a trip (they have day of sales as well as student sales) it is for sure worth it.
Helpful hint! Want to avoid those super long lines to back drinks at the intermission? Pre-order before the show starts! No line-ups and your drinks will be waiting for you the second the curtain closes! -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
7/14/2010
The place is really nice. And great for a ballet.
But sadly I didn't find it appropriate to watch Miss Saigon.
I got tickets via Dancap with a promotion for Ring 4 and 5. Now I know why. Up at Ring 4, although in the first row, the place is SO big (and high) that although the sound travels up there, it was difficult to understand, especially when the group sings together. The performers were really strong, you can tell, but still sounded like a little sound from little people. Visually sitting up there was fine. For a ballet it would be perfect. It felt like watching an intimate concert at the ACC.
We also noticed that the venue wasn't filled at all. Maybe about 70% filled and this was the 2nd day, I'm not sure why.
TIP: before the show starts you can pre order your snacks and drinks and pick them up on a side table at intermission. beats a line up. you can also check out the other floors which may have less line up than yours
I was talking to one of the ushers who also noted that something was off about the sound in the centre. she said that because the acoustics were SO good that the sound reverberates off the edges making it difficult to understand. she said the place wasn't designed for this type of performance (but how is this different from opera?)
We did move to the empty seats in the orchestra level and it made a huge difference. I could understand almost every word. But it still felt like their voices project, but doesn't go anywhere (only up, via mic)
Typically I would say that it doesn't matter what price point you buy your ticket, but in this venue is does matter. If you're as picky as me, I would pay the extra bucks for orchestra or ring 2 or 3.
ABOUT THE SHOW itself. It was AMAZING. The main star, Kim, has the most beautiful voice. And despite all the weird acoustics in the room, I could always hear her perfectly. I think that's a testament to talent. The emotion from all the cast seemed so genuine.
The show's music is literally it's script so missing a word, you miss the understanding and emotion - another reason why it's important to get a good seat. -
Review from Chris E.
Toronto, ON
12/12/2009
I'm preaching to the choir, apparently...but here goes. "A" number 1. Top shelf. 10 out of 10. Gold medal. Blue ribbon. First class.
I regularly go to operas here and have never had a bad seat. The acoustics are amazing. It's a huge place, yet intimate. The box seats are my favourite, if only because they're roomier than sitting in orchestra. Plus some have a cloak room of their own.
Poor Richard Bradshaw. He worked his ass off to get this place built, only to die after its first season. But at least he got to see and hear his masterpiece in action. The theatre's community efforts are to be applauded. Free concerts are a wonderful grass-roots connection. The pre-performance lectures are great, and with the audience sitting on the stairs a la coliseum, everyone is put on the same social stratum, regardless of age/income/experience.
I am proud to live in a city with such a first-rate venue.Listed in: Businesses
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Review from Clark X.
5/21/2009
This place is AWESOME.
I attended the ballet "Romeo and Juliet," and was seated in Orchestra B - about 7th row back, towards the right. The view was perfect. I could see every plie, every twirl. It was one of the best theatre experiences of my life.
The center was a paragon of class. There was champagne, snacks, wine, and elegant upholstery. The bathrooms are excellently appointed (I always make it a point to review the condition of the bathrooms because I believe they're indicative of condition of the establishment as a whole).
I will definitely return to the Four Seasons Center to see other performances by the National Ballet, and other groups. The venue is just perfect. I really can't ask for better.
I do feel sorry for the people in Ring F, 5 floors up though...I don't actually think you can SEE anything from up there.Listed in: The Toronto List
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Review from Luke A.
Toronto, ON
11/11/2008
I've been meaning to see something at the Four Seasons Centre since it first opened a few years ago; I saw a National Ballet performance there the other weekend. The acoustics are just as good as I had heard. In fact, they're almost too good: even from the mid-to-rear portion of the orchestra level, I could hear the dancer's pointe shoes shuffling and thumping, even during the quieter parts of the music.
(That can spoil the effect--check out the scene in Amadeus when they cut the music from a ballet in one of Mozart's operas to see what I mean.)
The hall itself is laid out as a proper opera house, although the style is decidedly postmodern. The big glass, multi-level atrium works well; the little connecting ramps make it feel detached and separate, but still part of a unified whole. My only beef is that the signage is inadequate for the first-timer--the auditorium entrances are labelled, but they didn't correspond with the seat numbers on my ticket (it would be helpful if the ticket named the nearest entrance). -
Review from Kevin John M.
Toronto, ON
3/2/2010
Beautiful modern design, though the constant bleached wood and metal is a little Ikea. Still - it's a proud showplace to have downtown for our glorious National Ballet and Canadian Opera Company and finally getting it built is something to be very very proud of.
My only complaint is the sparse 5th ring lobby area and lack of detailing up there - as well as sight line issues from that level that mean you often miss anything far upstage. This includes the wonderful painted backdrops and the sumptuous entrance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from a giant Faberge egg in The Nutcracker, or in the case of The Nightingale - anything that happened n the water area of the set downstage (the projections on the screens were a weak attempt to reconcile this for a theatre presentation).
The best advice would be to spend a little extra and go a little lower. Tier 4 seems devoid of these problems and my personal favorite is Tier 3 seating - wonderful!
I can't wait to see how Miss Saigon (with it's roots in Madame Butterfly) and South Pacific look in this beautiful space this summer (2010). -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
12/9/2008
A gorgeous venue that's well-designed, well-staffed, and just, well, phenomenal.
Went here to see the Canadian Opera Company's performance of Tosca this past year and had a great experience in every way possible.
Buying single tickets was a bit of a pain online, with all of the dates showing up as sold out, so I went to the Four Seasons Centre in person to see if I could find anything at the Box Office. The staff were so friendly and helpful -- the woman who was helping me offered me as many seats as I wanted to look at before making a final decision.
The night of the opera we arrived early, were seated in our great balcony seats, and enjoyed a fantastic show. Obviously the food and drinks here are pricey (what we have come to expect at these sort of things) but they have an effective system of getting through lines, and you can have your little Haagan Daaz ice cream in no time.
The sound is phenomenal, and the new opera "subtitles" are a great help if you can't quite make out what they're saying and don't want to spend the whole performance with your nose in the program.
Overall, a great experience in this venue spent watching a classic opera. Now I can't wait to see a ballet there! -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
12/5/2008 4 photos
The Canadian Opera Company (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) has long since been asking, really caterwauling, for their own venue for ages, having not wanted to deal with the try-to-be-all-to-all-things Sony Centre for the Performing Arts (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...). They have their wish and they were obviously careful of what they wished for, because this venue is fantastic.
Centrally located downtown right on the subway line, this is a fantastic venue to see opera. A bright open foyer with modern fixtures and accents, the hall though somewhat futuristic still has warmth about it through its soft lighting and opaque glass that lines the staircases.
The hall itself is acoustically fantastic, providing a great sound to this untrained ear, anyway. For operatic productions the stage is lofty and slightly thrust providing the ability for set designers to take advantages of some great space. There are no obstructed seats either, every chair in the house with an amazing view, even the ones at the very back (see venue photos).
The staff as well are courteous and friendly, ushering gently and providing beverages and refreshments with ease and speed. Do note that if you are late for an operatic presentation, you will not be seated until the intermission. Thankfully, there's an area with a large television screen that allows you to watch the performance remotely. So, take my advice: Check your ticket stubs. -
Review from Tony C.
Richmond Hill, ON
3/30/2010
I've seen two ballets and an opera at this beautiful building. I saw Swan Lake recently and let me tell you, one of the best performances (as in concerts, musicals, etc.) I've ever seen. I was blown away by the talent and the choreography. I was thoroughly entertained through out the entire show. The set and costumes were just exquisite.
In the lobby they have a bar, that serves alcohol and drinks before the show and during intermission. Service is friendly and efficient. Definitely come here to see a performance, you won't regret it! -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
12/12/2008
I know alot of people who really don't like this building from the outside. When I say really, I'm mean REALLY. But it doesn't bother me that much. It's a glass box, but at least it's a pretty glass box.
Plus, it's what you see inside that glass box that really matter. It's a gorgeous wood everything kind of place, with smooth curves and warm tones.
The sound inside the actual performance space is fantastic. Last time I was here, I was seated pretty high up, but the sound was impeccable and it carried beautifully. -
Review from Margs L.
Toronto, ON
11/10/2010
This place is never a disappointment. Anything I have ever seen here was amazing. We have seasons tickets to the opera performances and I look forward to seeing each one. The venue is so beautiful and well designed. The staff is always friendly and even the patrons are great most of the time.
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
4/1/2009
j'adore.
always fun to go. dress down or up- not a big deal.
there is never a bad seat in the house
buy tix online to avoid disappointment.
definitely go for the youth discounts and rush discounts (rmeember ther eis never a bad seat in the house so even on discounted tix you're good to go).
Definitely a must every coupl months to go see ballet, opera or whatever whether you are new or old to Toronto.
GO! -
Review from Chris C.
6/4/2010
What a beautiful theatre this is. It's such a nice mix of modern and simple design. There is no space-agey feel to it that will be regretted in 10 years. Simple, refined, clean lines define this space. It was nicely climate-controlled, open and airy. It gets a little dry but, that's about it. The backstage area is beautifully designed and maintained. The staff is very helpful and pleasant.
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Review from Michelle P.
Toronto, ON
2/17/2011
Wow. That's my reaction whenever I'm fortunate enough to attend an opera here. The whole experience - the physical space, the performance, the crowd, makes my heart and mind open up. I often go in tired, but always leave feeling exhilarated.
