e recently saw the live broadcast of Prairie Home Companion at the historic Fitzgerald Theater. What a gem! Beautiful, ornate, and charming. Absolutely a delightful venue- intimate, great sight lines, great sound.
Its fun to see anything at the charming and historic Fitzgerald, and you absolutely should make a point to go see Garrison work his magic there. Its a special experience to see Prairie Home Companion on its home stage. Follow the show's Facebook page or web site to know when tickets go on sale, mark your calendar and and buy them that day - they sell out fast. The theater is so small that there really is not a bad seat. If you are lucky (and quick), you might be able to grab the "Box Right" or "Box Left" seats, like we did, and enjoy a bird's eye view of the show. As you savor your wine and a tasty Nut Goodie bar from the concession stand, all those down below will be looking up and wondering if you are some kind of Winter Carnival royalty or something. GK came outside after the show (in the cold!) and mingled with the crowd for 30 minutes, talking with people and posing for pictures. Thanks again for another fantastic evening, Garrison, your Minnesota fans love you. Hope to see you again soon.
Had a great time at the concert in a beautifully restored theater. The reason for writing the review is to advise others to avoid parking in the ramp on Exchange diagonally across from the theater. It takes forever to get out because there is only one person working. There is no pre-pay option or machine, so everyone has to stop at the cashier. There may have been event parking of $6 because that is what I was charged, but there were no signs.
This is place where you go for Garrison Keillor shows! Check the website to see when he's in town. When there do allow time to novice the theatre and it's own history.
Time travel to the '20s and old time radio. A fun, pleasant evening that felt like sitting in the living room with friends. Handicapped travelers - assistance/accommodation is available, don't hesitate to ask.
I was here with a work group to see an interview by Malcolm Gladwell. The theatre is very cozy, and you feel up close even in the back rows. Comfortable seating, and beautiful details as well.
Went to the October 4 performance/broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion at the Fitz. The Fitz is a lovely, refurbished old theater. My biggest complaint is that I had to wait in line to use the ladies room before the show...and again after the show! I suppose they're limited on space and it's not easy to add a bathroom. On the other hand, they do have a room downstairs that is currently set aside to sell PHC-related books, CD's, etc. that IMHO could be commandeered. But this is certainly a nice, intimate venue to see a show.
At 114 years old the Fitzgerald Theater located in the heart of downtown St. Paul still has its charm. Host to national concerts and touring events, it continues to be home for Prairie Home Companion heard nationwide of Saturday afternoons on NPR. Seats about 1,000 and the chairs are a bit uncomfortable for a longer show. definiteley worth a visit for a show if something catches your fancy while in St. Paul, MN.
As a long time radio listener, this was a very special birthday present to see the master in person on his home court. OMG, I was not disappointed. I did not expect that Garrison actually starts the show 7 to 8 minutes before it goes live on air and then stays on stage for another 10 minutes after the show concludes on radio. We were in the 1st balcony and sight and sound was fine. I felt I was transported to the days I came home from school and had lunch with my grandma while she listened to her radio shows. For that reason, I had expected an older audience but that was not the case. Clearly younger folks are enjoying Garrison's home spun humor and I think that is great. After all these years, it amazes me that Garrison can still bring in great talent to perform. This show had a well known blue grass singer Rhonda Vincent who played 3 excellent sets and a fourth after the show went off the air. What a talent. So, in leaving the Fitzgerald in -5 degree weather, who is outside greeting the audience but Garrison himself. Yes, I got to shake his hand and it was a gran finale to a wonderful evening.
I LOVE this theatre. It is beautiful inside. All seats are good seats. The auditorium is decorative. The theatre has UNIQUE OLD CHARM. The Fitzgerald Theatre is conveniently located next to the Green Metro Train Line.