Theatre in the Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Theatre in the Park offers a diverse range of productions, from beloved classics like 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' and 'Dracula' to more adult-oriented fare like 'Forbidden Broadway' and 'The Father'. It boasts a community theatre vibe with friendly staff and clean facilities, and receives high praise for acting, direction, and set design in many of its shows. However, parents should be aware that some modern adaptations, specifically the contemporary rendition of 'A Christmas Carol' with Elvis impersonations and Covid references, have been strongly disliked by patrons for straying too far from original storylines.
Key Highlights
- ✓High-quality performances with great performers and singers (e.g., 'Forbidden Broadway', 'The Father').
- ✓Enjoyable productions such as 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' and 'Dracula'.
- ✓No bad seats; offers great views from any seating position.
- ✓Friendly and helpful staff and volunteers.
- ✓Clean restrooms are consistently maintained.
- ✓Features superb acting (e.g., Ira David Wood, Evan Rachel Wood) and brilliant direction in specific shows (e.g., 'The Father').
- ✓Gorgeous set design, particularly noted in the black box space for productions like 'The Father'.
- ✓Occasionally provides free seasonal treats, like Halloween cookies and cupcakes.
Standout Features
- ⭐Excellent sightlines from all seats ('no bad seats').
- ⭐Warm, welcoming, friendly, and helpful staff and volunteers.
- ⭐Consistently clean restrooms.
- ⭐High production quality, including superb acting, brilliant direction, and gorgeous set designs for many shows.
- ⭐Offers productions in a 'black box space' providing an intimate theatre experience.
- ⭐Seasonal perks like free cookies and cupcakes during themed events (e.g., Halloween).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Before booking, specifically research the content and style of any 'classic' productions, especially 'A Christmas Carol', if you prefer traditional storytelling over modern adaptations.
- →Engage with the friendly staff and volunteers for any assistance or information.
- →Consider attending during seasonal events for potential free treats.
- →Research individual show content for suitability for younger children, as offerings vary widely from adult dramas to family-friendly tales.
Things to Consider
- ⚠The modern rendition of 'A Christmas Carol' has been criticized as 'the worst ever seen' by a reviewer, citing a ridiculous storyline, Elvis impersonation, and Covid references.
- ⚠The updated 'A Christmas Carol' has been running for multiple years despite negative feedback, leading to calls for it to revert to Dickens' original story.
- ⚠A reviewer almost walked out twice during the modern 'A Christmas Carol' production due to dissatisfaction.
Price & Value
Specific pricing is not mentioned in the reviews. However, one reviewer indicated that the modern rendition of 'A Christmas Carol' offered poor value, stating 'I can't believe that anyone would pay to see it'. Value perception varies greatly by show content.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Seating is designed such that there are 'no bad seats' and 'great view from any seat', which may imply good general accessibility for viewing angles.
- •Clean restrooms are available.
- •No specific accommodations for wheelchairs, sensory needs, or staff training for special needs children are explicitly mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No general food or drink policy is mentioned. However, free Halloween cookies and cupcakes were distributed during a specific event, suggesting occasional complimentary treats.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information mentioned regarding parking availability or cost.
👥Crowd Levels
- •No information mentioned regarding crowd levels or peak times.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features or measures are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you dislike modern interpretations of classic stories, specifically avoid the current rendition of 'A Christmas Carol' due to its updated storyline, Elvis impersonation, and Covid references.
- • Avoid bringing very young children to productions like 'The Father' or 'Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits' as they are generally geared towards teens and adults.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
A Christmas Carol 2025
Raleigh: December 5-7, 2025 | Durham: December 10-14, 2025
Tickets for Raleigh on sale September 26th via Ticketmaster.com. Tickets for Durham on sale July 18th via www.dpacnc.com or 919-680-2787.
A musical comedy adaptation of the Dickens classic, performed annually since 1974. Named one of the 'Top 20 Events in the Southeast' and 'one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theatre history.' Regularly sells out. Performed at Martin Marietta Center for The Performing Arts (Raleigh Memorial Auditorium) in Raleigh and DPAC in Durham. Raleigh Schedule: December 5: 7:00 PM December 6: 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM December 7: 2:00 PM Durham Schedule: December 10: 7:30 PM December 11: 7:30 PM December 12: 7:30 PM December 13: 2:00 PM, 7:30 PM December 14: 2:00 PM
📅Booking Policy
- • Please notify the box office when reserving your tickets that you will need ADA seating.
- • If you are requiring audio description services, please contact our box office at least two weeks in advance of the performance date.
🚗Parking Information
- • Free parking available.
- • New parking construction completed, gravel lot has been paved and landscaped.
What People Say
What's Great
- Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 4 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Lori Fenty
a year agoSaw Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits. So funny, great performers/singers. Loved the show. Looking forward to seeing more shows. Also saw The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
wendy petrohoy
3 months agoI saw Theatre in the Park's A Christmas Carol at the DPAC this past December 2024. I also saw it in Raleigh in 2021. This is the worst rendition that I've ever seen!! While I can appreciate trying to make it relevant and modern, this story line is so ridiculous and to continue to do it year after year is incredulous. I can't believe that anyone would pay to see it (I almost walked out both times) let alone win an award. After so many years it is time to end this nonsense and realign the show with Dickens original story line. End the Elvis impersonation, Covid references and other garbage!
Denise Rhodes
a year agoGreat show! Legend of Sleepy Hollow. There are no bad seats. Great view from any seat. Community theatre vibe. Staff and volunteers are friendly and helpful. Clean restrooms.
Samantha H
5 years agoI loved this place. I look forward to going back. I’ve never been to a play sadly but saw Dracula the other day here. It was a lovely theatre with very warm and welcoming staff. They even gave out free Halloween cookies and cupcakes! I loved the play and was inspired by the entire experience.
Kirstie Spadie
2 years agoTheatre trifecta with the Wood Family dynasty seeing The Father. Really enjoyed returning to live theatre at Theatre in The Park. Ira David Wood and Evan Rachel Wood superb acting, brilliantly directed by son, Ira David Wood, gorgeous set design in the black box space. The Father runs through Aug 21. Don’t miss it. One of the best live theatre companies in Raleigh with devoted theatre fans!