Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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When we moved to Durham 10 yrs ago, we made pretty frequent trips to Raleigh and Cary. I'd schlep out there to Target and Kohl's, where I like to shop. We'd go to the farmer's market. And I made the journey to Raleigh Memorial Auditorium to see a number of musicals, my favorite pasttime. How wonderful that in the time I've lived in Durham, I can now hit Target/Kohl's a mere 5 min away. I can go to the bustling Durham Farmers Market. And absolutely nothing makes me happier than seeing a musical at the DPAC - as many have noted, it's a beautiful and well designed facility which I find about 20 times better than Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. I was so incredibly happy after seeing Wicked, and even happier for my free street parking (there's plenty downtown for those in the know of its maze of streets) and my quick zip home on the Durham Freeway.
Hey, NRG, I was at last night's show, too! I sat in row O in the orchestra section. Phenomenal seats! To be honest, I've had a great view no matter where I've sat at the DPAC, but these were especially awesome.
I noticed something new during intermission. There were young ladies circulating in the crowd in the lobby selling concessions from trays. What a great time saver! Rather than waiting in the long line at the concessions booth, I was able to snag some Junior Mints and get back to my seat in less than 5 minutes.
Hey, NRG, I was at last night's show, too! I sat in row O in the orchestra section. Phenomenal seats! To be honest, I've had a great view no matter where I've sat at the DPAC, but these were especially awesome.
I noticed something new during intermission. There were young ladies circulating in the crowd in the lobby selling concessions from trays. What a great time saver! Rather than waiting in the long line at the concessions booth, I was able to snag some Junior Mints and get back to my seat in less than 5 minutes.
I knew NRG was going to be there but you too?!! Darn! We should have all met for dinner!!!
We were in Y. I usually like to sit closer but that was the best that I could get and still be in the center. The seats at DPAC are great, no matter where you sit!
The seats at DPAC are great, no matter where you sit!
I am not sure I would go that far.... We were in the front row of the rear balcony, and it was just too far away, plus it was hot up there (I guess heat rises). You get what you pay for...
I would spend alittle more for the Orchestra or Grand Tier (Grand Tier is where we have season tickets, great view)
Where did we eat?
We ate at Cuban Revolution. I appreciate the feedback people on the forum gave, but we were looking for something close and inexpensive and it fit the bill. We were able to walk right over to DPAC after dinner which was nice. The food was fine, not great, but not bad either. And we were able to keep our total bill+tip under $25. We were there early but after a while it really filled up to the point that when we left it was entirely full and people were waiting for seats, so I guess they are doing ok.
Parking
We Parked in the South Parking Deck next to Tylers Taproom. It wa sgreat becasue it was free and just a short walk to DPAC. I imagine you would have to do a bit more planning if there is a Durham Bulls game going on at the same time, but this was not the case last night.
Seating
We were on a budget so go cheap seats in the Balcony. We enjoyed the show, but I may spring for seats a little closer next time. The temp was good up there for me, although maybe I was kept cool by the fact an vent was right by my seat.
Did you notice?
Right before curtain I tempted fate and ran to hit the mens room. Over the speaker I could hear them announce "1 minute to showtime". As I walked up the stairs to re-enter the theater an usher told me to hurry becasue there would be a 9-minute hold. I assumed she meant they would not let you re-enter once the show started until 9 minutes in. I guess they do this to limit disturbing guests as the show starts. Has anybody seen this before? I made it to my seat in time. Just an FYI if you go.
We had a great time. Too bad I didn't run into Mrs. Steel or Vicki!
I knew NRG was going to be there but you too?!! Darn! We should have all met for dinner!!!
That would have been fun, Vicki! If it's any consolation, I didn't have time to eat out before the show. I walked through the doors of the DPAC at 7:25 - just 5 minutes before the scheduled curtain time!
Fester, I understand your pain re: the heat in the balcony. I used to work in the front office of a performing arts center & ran the house for multiple shows. It's always difficult to regulate the temperature in a room containing over 2000 people! Usually we blasted the air conditioning before the show began, but then we had to turn down the blowers during the performance so the sound did not interfere with the show. After all, the audience pays to hear the performers, not the air conditioner! But after 90 minutes with no air conditioning, the heat of all of those bodies has to go somewhere and, of course, it goes up. It's an annoying conundrum.
By the by, I alter my dress depending on where I'm sitting. If I'm going to be in the balcony, it's short sleeves all the way. If I'm going to sit in the orchestra, I take a sweater because it's usually frigid down there for the first 30 minutes of the show.
Cuban is a good restruant. Menu seems looks crazy but after about 2 or 3 trips we finally got it. They could improve on somethings there but that is another thread. They make it with the money they spent on the atmosphere. My favorite meal there is the cuban sandwhich with the ropa vieja soup.
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