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| - My first impression when walking into the Gammage Auditorium earlier this week was, "WOW, it's huge!". I found it a little confusing at first to find exactly where my "Portal" was, but once I realized that odd numbered sections were on one side of the lobby and evens were on the other side, I found it much easier to navigate. Once you get past the initial ushers who scan your tickets, I didn't see many people helping find your seat. In fact once I got to Portal 10, there was no one outside the door to help direct you to your seat, which I found slightly odd, but perhaps they don't feel like it is necessary since it's a pretty easy theatre to get around. The lobby is large and there were drinks/snacks for sale as well as merchandise.
I bought a ticket for opening night of "A Chorus Line", part of the "Broadway Across America" series, last minute and not knowing the theatre decided to go cheap and sit in the balcony. I was in row 2 toward the center, so my seat wasn't horrible and I had a good view of the stage. However, since the theatre is so large, I felt very removed from the action. I've sat in balconies in other theatres and have never felt so far away from the stage. Next time I go to the Gammage, I plan to sit in one of the lower sections and recommend that for anyone planning to see a show there. I did hear the people in front of me complain about the first row seats and they looked like they were sitting on the edge of their seats to see better as there was a railing in front of them.
I think the Gammage is the most attractive building on the ASU campus and feel fortunate that such a place exists in Tempe and the Valley.
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