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Music Hall at Fair Park
Category: Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
909 1st AveDallas, TX 75210
Neighbourhood: Fair Park
(214) 565-1116
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
21 reviews for Music Hall at Fair Park
21 reviews in English
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Review from deno f.
Updated - 2/20/2012 1 photo
I asked the fancy lady "w'sup" and she said it was the perfect storm, and she was sorry the police yelled at me.
Saturday we, and by we I mean four moms and nine squealing 15 year-old cheerleaders, went to see the 8 p.m. showing of "Bring It On!" The musical is super cute and some of the stunts made me nervous for the performers. But getting there was just as the fancy lady said. It was the perfect storm of events.
Seems 93.3 the Wolf had their Mardi Gras party with Lady Antebellum on the same night. AND there was a WSOP poker tourney also at Fair Park that night. Three events, rain storm and not enough proper parking to begin with equals me all wet and kind of cranky. Getting there and getting parked was sort of nightmarish. We had three cars in caravan and we were not able to stay together. Some the police put through to valet and some they told to turn around...possibly becuase the valet lot was full and we were stuck in the belly of Fair Park with no parking and no easy exit.
When I told the Music Hall hostess-for lack of a better term-she apologized for everything and told me our car would not be towed eventhough I was totally in the VIP lot. It's not the Music Hall's fault that Fair Park was overbooked but they took it on personally to make sure my experience was great. They even offered to upgrade our seats if we didn't mind our group being broken up. In the end we kept our seats so the gaggle'o' girls could all sit together. The show was super cute and everything else was PERFECT.
So seldom do you get such exceptional service, that I really appreciate it when it happens. And I'm not surprised it happend at Fair Park Music Hall. This place has always been top notch.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/7/2008
Took the munchkin to see High School Musical this weekend. It was a matinee so it was fairly… Read more »
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Review from Mykie D.
2/12/2012
i had the opportunity to attend the Isley Brothers concert at Music Hall at Fair Park this past Friday. I am rating the venue, not the performance.
+'s:
Convenient location. In the heart of Fair Park
Valet parking was available and easy to access. 15 dollars for valet (FYI)
Plentiful seating
Nice stage view
The decor is nice. I particulary enjoyed the fountain on the lower level and the chandalier at the top
-'s:
Restrooms are NOT conveniently located. They are on the bottom floor. This is a hassle when you are seated near the stage and suddenly have to jet to the restroom after consuming several beers. Definitely an inconvenience
The alcohol selection at their bar is so limited, scarce and bottom shelf. I have to say that I expected more and I was in the mood for a good cocktail. I had to settle for something that I typically wouldn't have ordered. Absolut is the highest shelf (which is not even close to high shelf) vodka that they serve. This was highly disappointing. On top of that, the mixed drinks were $12 bucks. I still can't believe I paid $12 bucks for something so low shelf. I was, AT THE VERY LEAST, looking for Grey Goose and would have gladly paid $12 for it.
The seats are uncomfortable for a concert. They are like rocking chairs. It was difficult to sit comfortably, hold a drink and cheer for the performances because the chair was so uncomfy.
Park valet. Use the restroom several times before the show starts. Drink before you get there. If you have to drink while there, be prepared for cheap alcohol at a high price and limited selections. Beer is $5 FYI -
Review from Mimi T.
2/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here to see the Riverdance on Wednesday. It was my first time out here, so I was a bit confused on parking. I was able to find free street parking just right outside the venue, so I didn't have to pay to self park nor go do valet. I arrived about 20 minutes before the show, and there was a huge line that wrapped around 3 times inside to pick up/purchase tickets. There was only 2 people at the windows, and then at 2PM (show's start time) they added a 3rd person. I was able to get into my show just in time for it to start.
I walked up to the lady for her to ripe my ticket. I asked her where do I go, and she said just walk in and there will be ushers. Geez thanks, because that was helpful. I walked in further and was able to stop someone to ask where to go. He said to go up these stairs and I'm section 10, and he told me there will be ushers inside to show me my seats. I walk in and the house lights when down. I was able to spot an usher and ask him where are my seats. He lost his flashlight, geez! So I got my cell phone out and placed it near my ticket so he can see my seat numbers. He seemed to be in a hurry for some reason, and just told me that my seat is just right behind him. Ok, great, big help, thanks. The show has started, and there were plenty of seats, so I just sat in one of them that I liked. Who cares.
Seats are comfortable. I was able to see everyone on stage, no obstructed views. Venue was nice, and a good size. Reason for just an "OK" rating is due to the unhelpful ushers. -
Review from Gerald W.
Grand Prairie, TX
5/26/2012 5 Check-ins Here
We never ate here... but I love going to the Dallas Summer Musicals... The building is old and it shows its age, but I enjoy going to see the musicals.
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Review from Jenny C.
2/22/2012
Saw Brian Regan here a while back. Parking was free and close to the building. The trek to the seats was long, and the bathrooms are nowhere close. The seats were ok, but the sound and video were marginal. I suppose it was better than getting punched in the throat, but the venue does seem past it's prime.
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Review from Jennifer S.
Dallas, TX
2/16/2012
I have seen several shows here since moving to Dallas 5 years ago. It is a little dated, but they bring in good Broadway shows, offer free parking and reasonably priced tickets too!
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Review from Kate R.
9/28/2011
The Music Hall at Fair Park is definitely A-Ok. It's not bad, but not great (I've been to way nicer places).
I've seen a handful of shows here, and getting in and out of the parking lot is super easy. I've never had to pay to park... not sure if it's just luck on my part or what. Inside, it's nicer than I expected it to be.
The last time I was here was moderately disappointing... RENT was in town (touring with 2 original cast members), so I wanted to try to get the lottery for $20 front row seats. Each venue handles this a little differently, and I was sad that this venue does a lottery rather than first come-first serve. On the one hand, the lottery keeps a line from forming a day in advance... on the other hand, it sucks when I'm the first to get there and I wind up not getting tickets. Oh well! My friends who had never seen the show before DID get tickets, though, so that was good.
My boyfriend really dislikes the Music Hall's acoustics/etc, but I don't really have a problem with it. I've had really good seats for the shows I've seen here, so I can't say how the acoustics are in the nosebleeds.
If a show I want to see comes through town, it being at the Music Hall won't dissuade me from seeing it (though I might have to drag my boyfriend rather than him going willingly).
One of the last times I saw a show here was Wicked. It was pouring down rain outside and as a result, the show had a handful of technical difficulties... We lost power twice (very short outages) during the performance, so we had to wait a minute while the electronics rebooted. The show actually started late because there had been a much bigger power outage earlier that required a full reboot... which took like 20 minutes.
I'm glad that the staff kept us all informed as to the delay... but shouldn't they have some kind of back-up so that doesn't happen? I'd been waiting YEARS to see Wicked and we bought tickets almost 2 years in advance (worth it: great seats)... and this happens. The show was still amazing, but my memories of it are marred by the technical difficulties... -
Review from Mike B.
8/3/2008
Kind of hard to star this one, but here it goes--
Went with my wife to see Jersey Boys on a Sat matinee (this review is for the venue, not the production). As expected for a Broadway musical, tickets very pricey (and I digress but a pet peeve of mine, is how just about all major venues these days charge "service fees" which more often than not are for you to do your own booking via TicketMaster or its ilk.) Anyways, booked only 4 days before the show and selected "best seats" which were the last row of the Orchestra level. Should have brought binoculars, as couldn't see any facial expressions whatsoever. I imagine that the middle to back of the balcony is even worse. If you're going to a quality production like this one, Its definitely worth paying top dollar for seats close to the front, and I would have if they were still available.
The sound was pretty good, not stellar. Chairs comfy enough.
Biggest downside to the venue is that the bathrooms are located a flight of stairs down from the seating entrance doors. At intermission there was a crush of people down the stairs, all converging on one "lounge" area. One woman fell and had to be medically treated. I felt sorry for the elderly and handicapped (I'm sure there is an elevator, but you'd still have to fight the crush of people.
After the intermission, during the 1st number there was a tecnical glitch with a scenic drop, that caused the show to be halted for about half an hour. I imagine a mechanical pulley went out. Can happen anywhere.
We parked in the closest surface lot across the street for $8. Valet was tempting at $15 given the heat, but it only took about 4 minutes to make the walk, and I would think that you might have a long wait after the show to get your car from valet, and be stuck in more exit traffic than via the surface lot.
The building itself is pretty standard older style performing arts construction.
Sorry Deno, but I'm actually looking forward to the downtown new performing arts center. Fair Park is kind of stuck off on its own, and the new Arts District will put alot more other venues within walking distance, plus closer proximity to pre-show restaurants. It would be a bit of a pain going out to Fair Park after dinner and having to drive and park all over again.
The production of Jersey Boys was brilliant, BTW. -
Review from Allison L.
Dallas, TX
6/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
*3.5 stars* You know what, I love the Music Hall....it's been around since the Middle Ages and the decor is truly priceless. However, 3.5 stars is plenty for this little gem.
SUMMER MUSICALS ARE HERE BITCHES! heehee. I've seen tons of shows here, but most recently saw Wicked (which was amazing). The sound however....is...awful. The speakers are just so loud and the acoustics's are booming. Sometimes its hard to hear the actors and the words of the songs. But, I did enjoy it after I got used to the sound. We sat FAR left in the Orchestra section. At one point, people starting laughing and we couldn't see what they were laughing at until said excuse came out onto mid-stage. I would recommend sitting near the center of the theater. Depending on the shows sets, things could be blocked from your view.
Rude patrons (did not impact rating). First off. Yes, traffic is bad getting there, but it's no excuse to be late to a Broadway show. I'm sorry. No dice. The show started at 8pm. We left our house at 7pm (we live 15 minutes away...no traffic). Of course 1-30 EAST is ALWAYS jammed, if you've lived in Dallas 5 minutes, you know this. So what did we do? We got off and went through Deep Ellum. I know not everyone can make things happen, but when I tell you 1/3 of the theater arrived after the first song...i'm not kidding. NOT to mention, they started the show late because those people were missing We made it there as did everyone else...whats the excuse? Hmm? Word.
Drinks are $10 and they have about 10 carts around the edge of the theater. Bring cash. If you can get there early, make reservations at their restaurant. I've heard its good, never been, but looks fun.
Dress Code, I've seen people in suits and I've seen people in jeans. Take your pick. They say its Business casual, but no one stands there inspecting your attire.
Overall, I really do love the Music Hall, I just wish they would fix their speakers, have better organization of traffic and parking, and maybe raise the seats in the theater a little bit. The woman from Dallas sat right in front of me and her hair was somewhat distracting.
Keep rockin Fair Park...you should really serve the fair's Fried PB&J at intermission. That would be greatness.Listed in: Summertime...Goodtimes!, Mind Expansion
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Review from Josh to the S.
Fort Worth, TX
6/24/2008
I visited Music Hall at Fair Park for the first time this past Sunday to see the finaly of Stomp and I have to say I was very impressed. My friend took me and she was able to hook up some 4th row center seats so I'm sure that added to the delight of the show.
Something I found unique about Music Hall was the seats. The arm rest are double-wide (kind of like the trailer you live in) so there is room for two arms and no uncomfortable fighting with the stranger seated next to you for the arm rest is necessary.
As for the venue, Music Hall is great. The sound quality was absolutely phenomenal, the parking was free and close and the will-call line went very fast. I didn't buy any drinks or souvenirs so I am not too sure how the pricing was for those items but I am sure it is well worth it.
If you have yet to make it out to Music Hall, I would highly recommend it. They still have some great shows left for the Summer so go and check it out. -
Review from May H.
6/28/2010
Meh times three.
1. Is it just me or is this venue too big? Granted, I was almost in the nosebleeds again (see previous Eismann Center review) but the acoustics seemed to be lacking. It was difficult to make out some of what the performers were saying - but then again, maybe I shouldn't be so cheap and just spend more money on better tickets next time
2. SQUEAKY seats! I must've shifted in my seat 40 times before intermission (blame it on the bad circulation in the leggos) and the poor girl next to me was probably going to throw her playbill at me.
3. $10 parking. Which isn't necessarily bad, but we couldn't find the alleged free parking for show ticket holders - boo. Then again, I'd gladly pay $10 to park in the secure lot as opposed to Darby who was offering it for $5 in a sketch lot across the street which may or may not have actually been hers... -
Review from Scotty J.
5/5/2010
This is a VERY cool place both on the inside and outside. When you approach The Music Hall at Fair Park, you feel like you're entering a combination between a castle and a cathedral.
Inside is reminiscent of a cross between Radio City Music Hall and a catering hall. The venue has several bars, from the small cash bar kind you see at parties to a 360 degree bar a the foot of their buffet -- that's another thing, they have an extensive buffet available before each show.
The seating layout is a bit confusing, though. My ticket said C-Orch, which I read as Center Orchestra -- in reality, it meant that I was in Section C. So being in Row E, Seat 7 didn't help since there were multiple seats with this number and in this row. Thankfully, there are many ushers available to guide you.
The bathrooms, or should I say lounges, are downstairs and can accommodate many simultaneous patrons. I didn't see a line for the women's room, which is rare.
And the seats. . . wow. So plush with double-wide armrests. Would you expect any less in Texas? As I mentioned, I was sitting in the orchestra and very close to the stage, so perhaps our seats were more plush than the rest of the theater.
Ultimately, this was a gorgeous place to see Norah Jones perform in her hometown. The acoustics were a bit too loud during the opening act, but leveled out well for Norah. It was quite clear and my ears weren't ringing after what I knew would be a soft show.
I feel fortunate that I was able to go here during my brief visit and appreciate that this elegant venue is located conveniently off the DART Green Line train -- the station is steps away from the entrance. Plenty of cabs were available after the show, but waiting less than 15 minutes for a train was fine by me.
And with great food options right across the street (I dined at The Meridian Room), you really can't go wrong.Listed in: Dallas
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Review from Jordan M.
Dallas, TX
3/19/2010
I don't want to be accused of a one-sided rant, so I will try to think of some positive things to say. The Music Hall has a long history in Dallas (it opened in 1925). And, I guess the building is something of a Dallas icon. And, uh, I've got some good memories from the Music Hall... I'm running out of nice things to say.
This venue is terrible. It's too wide, and too deep. The place is so darn big, that even some of the orchestra seats are too far from the stage to be any good. When I was younger, my parents often took the family to musicals (and sometimes operas) and frequently just got the cheap seats. It was great to have that exposure to the arts, but from if you're in the balcony of the Music Hall without binoculars (yes, we did bring them), you're not much better off than if you'd just bought the cd and listened at home. -
Review from Gabriel S.
Dallas, TX
4/16/2010
3 stars, not because I don't like this place, but I have experienced better. I've seen everything here from Lion King, Robin Williams, Cabaret, Wicked, and just last night' the gayest fantasia on roller skates: XANADU!
OK, so im a little cheesy. Fair park has been home to alot and yeah, the audio is always a little shaky but I hold a special place in my heart for it. As long as you're ORCH level, youre good. If not, call the broker! -
Review from Kathryn E.
Dallas, TX
3/12/2010
Still a good venue for a show...
Pros -
comfortable seats
good views from just about anywhere in the hall
very large stage, so great for some of the Broadway shows - allows for some fun and creative staging
Cons -
sound is not the best, but it is OK
off I-30 which always seems to be backed up these days, both directions
parking can occasionally be a prob, though yesterday it was great
For the opera, I think the new Winspear is better, based on sound alone. But for plays or musicals, Fair Park has a stage that is more easily seen from every seat and has more creative options for staging. My only complaint is more with the patrons, but maybe it is a new Fair Park Hall policy - there were people drinking sodas and eating snacks during the show! The girl next to me was eating Beer Nuts, crackling wrappers during major songs... WTF! This isn't a movie, and these seats aren't cheap! Don't be disrespectful to the performers or the people forced to sit next to you by behaving like a moron.
OK, soap box done. -
Review from Jim L.
3/21/2009
I prefer to call the Music Hall the "Music Barn," as the acoustics absolutely stink. If you sit in the lower balcony or on the sides, prepare to strain to hear whatever the show is. Sometimes the tours bring in some patch acoustic system, which helps, but overall, it's tough. If you or any of your guests have trouble hearing, invest in the ear phones they rent out in the lobby, which will improve the experience.
For pricing, the better places to sit are the rear orchestra -- better pricing, still downstairs -- or the front and center sections of the balcony. Still, though, I find the space overpriced. -
Review from Robin M.
Grand Prairie, TX
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Saw Spamalot, wonderful venue
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Review from Veronica T.
Dallas, TX
4/29/2011
Visited the Hall last month for the showing of Burn the Floor. The show was incredible and the food was delicious! I had dinner before the show there at the facility. They offer a wide buffet spread. Great night out. The line during the break for the bathrooms was very long- but they moved pretty quickly.
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Review from Robert C.
Dallas, TX
4/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just finished watching Burn The Floor it was awesome its like dancing w the stars but a million times better. the venue was a nice size i had a great view and the music was crystal clear. I highly recommend going
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Review from Dave W.
Wheaton, IL
2/27/2011
For concerts with any volume, the acoustics just stink at this venue. It sound bounces around it like an aircraft hangar, basically equivalent to the AA center if you can imagine that. Horrible. Even within 10 rows of the stage.
For tamer musicals it can be better, but they really need someone to work on the acoustics. -
Review from Justin M.
Dallas, TX
4/11/2011
It's ok for what it is. It seems that instead of building up the theater just goes gutter back, which means you are further from the stage. I'd prefer to be closer bur higher. It's also a bit outdated, but the wife enjoyed the show and that's what it's about.
