Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts

We saw The Thorn at the Moran Theater last night and it was amazing. The venue is very nice and the acoustics are incredible! The staff was very professional and friendly while helping you through security and finding your seats. The bathrooms and concessions were acceptable and very clean. Our seats were fantastic. We sat in the front row loge center (balcony) and you could see the entire stage perfectly. I was in row AAA seat 105 and it was directly center stage. I am very cold natured so if you're wondering about the temperature in the theater, to me, it was very pleasant. I had on jeans, a t-shirt and a hoodie. Even without the hoodie I don't think I would have been cold. If you're not sure, dress lighter and bring a jacket. You can always take it off. I didn't personally go to the concession stand but my daughter spent $27.20 on 3 soft drinks (24oz I think) and a popcorn which looked to be 46oz or 64oz. I didn't eat the popcorn but it looked and smelled like what you get in a movie theater (with butter) and the girls said it was delicious. I don't know if it's always set up like this, but the merchant table (where you can buy t-shirts and souvenirs) was at the far end of the theater (opposite of where you walk in). Most shows I've been to have the tables set up in the middle so that everybody has to walk past them which usually clogs up traffic. With the vendors being set up towards the back, leaving the theater was a breeze. We purchased the parking pass in advance which was directly across from the theater. It's a little congested but we parked towards entrance so it didn't take us too long to get out. I think there is another exit on the side street so if you are parked in the back, I would use that one. Overall, the experience was a very positive one and I would definitely return to the Moran Theater.

We love both the symphony and broadway series. We have never seen a bad performance here and the venue is great. They did a wonderful job updating the symphony hall. Plus now that the riverwalk is finished behind it the venue is top notch.

We had a wonderful time here seeing the musical Mrs Doubtfire. What a professional performance! Clean facility and staff was helpful and thoughtfully utilized (people at main entrance, top of stair checking tickets, at seating entrances to offer help finding right entrance, inside the performance to escort to seat when needed.) Will go again!

I have nothing but great things to say about this amazing center. The ambiance is just right. The acoustics in the auditorium is perfect. The way everything is spread out and laid out is phenomenal. Plus when you go out the back doors there's an amazing view of Jacksonville