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Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Music Venues, Performing Arts [Edit]
1 Front St EToronto, ON M5E 1B2
Neighbourhoods: St. Lawrence, Downtown Core
(416) 393-7469
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
9 reviews for Sony Centre For The Performing Arts
9 reviews in English
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Review from Yvonne T.
2/10/2012
I have only been to the Sony Centre once to see a tribute concert which consisted of a partial orchestra and the band's instruments (acoutisc/electric guitar, a drum set and a piano). I am not an audiophile so I can't comment much on the acousitcs. But I thought the sound was pretty good. I guess it also depends what type of event you're attending (e.g. orchestral, rock concert, skit etc).
The first thing that was a plus for me, was that we could actually bring our drinks/snacks purchased from the concessions stand into the auditorium. I like to sip my coffee, but when intermission only lasts 15 minutes, and there's a line up all the way to Timbuktu, I end up having to down it like a shot of hard liquor (and then hope and pray that my bladder holds out until the 2nd intermission or the finale). So it was nice that I could actually enjoy the refreshment that I just purchased, and the theatre no doubt made 5 times the cost in profits for.
I have to agree that the interiors of the theatre are rather minimalistic, but you're not here really for the decor are you? I also have to agree that it does get quite chilly inside the theatre as it does have high ceilings. I saw in row V of the orchestra section, which is close to the back, but I disagree that you need a pair of binoculars to see the stage.
Parking can be found on the Esplanade (and its only enforced until 9PM). So if you're catching a 7:15PM show (which seems to be the usual start time) so you can save a few dollars there too. Its refreshing that I don't have to be ripped off with "Special Event" parking prices (like I do when I go to the Four Seasons Centre). -
Review from Q H.
North York, ON
11/28/2011
Attended Radiohead concert, and 2 field trips for my school. Something about the decor and atmosphere lacks a touch that sparks emotions. The design is very modern and minimalistic. But it is a bit plain. A bit cold and impersonal. The seats felt like a bench. And the seats are too flat-facing towards the stage. There isn't really enough room to stretch your legs and move your body around in a seated position. And there is a cupholder behind the seats. So be careful when you squeeze yourself out to go to bathroom.
The first time I went there was in 2006 on a field trip for my ancient civilization class. It was a really basic theater - hardly no decors. Then Sony moved here, and renovated it. They tried to turn it into something special. How hard could that be? Sony was already given the theater to play with. But the results were underwhelming. You would think Sony would have done something to improve the theater acoustics. But no. Acoustics were just acceptable at best. They just covered the walls with new materials without any cohesively thought-out direction. Less was more, and now more is less. -
Review from Michael Y.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've been here a couple of times and this time I was there for a theatre/ballet called "Love Lies Bleeding". I can't really rate this place on the plays and events that they run. This is rated purely on the venue itself. I will have to admit that it is pretty great place to see an event. The seats are comfortable enough to not notice them, which is a good thing. I hate thinking to myself that the seats are uncomfortable throughout an event and it really bothers me. The place is modern and loved the art displays, which made intermission go by quicker. The funny thing is I had trouble wondering what to wear at an event like this. I dressed up a bit but realized that there were a mix of people wearing from casual to really dressed up. So wearing what you feel like unless noted on the ticket or invitations.
Only complaint is the parking. If you can't find street parking, then the only available place close by is a green P. The garage gets really packed because everyone at the Sony Centre is leaving at the same time. We literally had to wait for traffic to move out before they would let us out of the parking garage. I spent 20 minutes in the garage before I hit the traffic just outside of the garage. Next time, take a cab or get there early to find street parking on Front Street. -
Review from john l.
Toronto, ON
10/16/2011
I've seen two rock acts play here - Radiohead and Queens of the Stone Age. It was bit of a novelty since this place is more for musicals and opera, right?
Not the greatest to see a really ripping band play and you want to rock out. Definitely more for mellow bands (I'm thinking classic rock bands who are doing reunion tours.) -
Review from Denise S.
12/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been to the Sony Centre a couple times this fall since the renovations. I have to say, I was a bit underwhelmed. It is basically the Hummingbird Centre, except with Sony demo stations in the main lobby, nicer seating area at the bar upstairs, and cup holders in the seats. I kid you not. Cup holders. The theatre is still less than ideal -- acoustics are not great and the orchestra seating goes too far back (if you are in the last few rows, you will need binoculars!). Basically, it's the opposite of intimate.
Since the National Ballet of Canada and Canadian Opera Company took up residence at the Four Seasons Centre, the Sony Centre has been having a bit of an identity crisis. I suspect the Silvercity-esque cup holders are meant to make the theatre seem less high-brow ("It's not art, it's 'entertainment'!"). At the same time, programming such as Robert LePage's "Eonnagata" isn't terribly accessible, judging by the abundance of empty seats when I was there. The programming, although admirable in its diversity, is pretty random -- from the Kirov Ballet to "Merchants of Bollywood". I feel like ticket sales have not been great this year, but hopefully with time this venue will find it's niche and an audience. In the meantime, I'm taking advantage of their $15 under 30 rush seats (they email you about 1 week before a performance and you can buy online or in person)!Listed in: Art Matters
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Review from Lori D.
Toronto, ON
5/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very nice auditorium. Not to big n personal. Can get chilly
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Review from Kat F.
2/9/2010
This venue has changed names an unsettling number of times. I had just gotten used to calling it "The O'Keefe Centre" and then it became "The Hummingbird Centre" and now it's a brand name. What was so wrong with Hummingbird? It was lovely. Personally I'm done with referring to venues by their "it" corporation names - so I'll continue to call this Hummingbird the same way I call it Skydome. Cool?
In June 2007 I scored SAME DAY tickets to see Radiohead here. I had formerly been on a three month long Radiohead moratorium, painfully upset that I had been en route to Buffalo for a shopping trip when the tickets went on sale (I swear I'm a diehard fan, but seriously, what was I thinking!?) and buying tickets by phone via Ticketmaster's 1-800 is so 1996. I missed out and spent the months leading up to the show alternately weeping and plotting the death of my ticketholding acquaintances.
Fast forward to the day of the show, and a row of tickets opened up via Hummingbird's website. This is the same spiel as with Massey Hall - shows are never REALLY sold out. Check the venue websites in the days leading up to the show - they often release entire rows of tickets. I scored fifth row pairs directly in front of Jonny Greenwood's electronic wonderland. Cue 90 minutes of gawking/swooning/near fainting.Listed in: Toronto's Best Music Venues
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Review from Vanessa G.
Toronto, ON
9/21/2008
I went to see Feist here a couple of months ago and the show was absolutely amazing. This place is much much smaller than the ACC or the Skydome but I think that's what makes it so fantastic. If you're lucky enough to get a big artist to perform in a small venue, it makes the show that much better.
The atmosphere is very warm and intimate - people are quiet and sitting down and really enjoying the music for it's artistic value. I got the sense that I was in her living room just watching her jam on her guitar.
The venue is steps away from Union station, there are several bars located on the top and bottom levels of the Sony Center. It's also right next to the esplanade, which means there are tons of great places to grab a drink after the show.
If you can see an artist or performer here, I highly recommend it! -
Review from Lynda W.
Toronto, ON
9/3/2008
I went here for the James Blunt concert earlier this year. Pretty lovely theatre, seats are comfortable and nicely spaced out. I sat in the orchestra seating, so we were pretty close. The staff there were pretty accommodating. I can't really say anything bad about my experience.
Except maybe the price of the snacks there. It's a classy joint, they sell wine, by the glass... hmmmmmm...
Parking is a bitch there.. there's a lot of underground parking that's cheap after 6pm, and of course green P parking is free after 9pm.
