Brand New Seasons, Brand New Theatre

We are just about to burst, we're so excited for everyone coming to see Norma at the newly renovated Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Last week, the staff went on a tour of the QET and were delighted by the changes, mainly to the lobby and the mezzanine.

When you're at the theatre, you'll notice:

~ the lobby ceiling has been removed completely! instead, there's now a 3 story atrium and white seashell-like chandeliers
~ there are 12 more stalls in the women's restroom (always a good thing)
~ a bar on the mezzanine and the balcony levels
~ HDTV screens throughout the lobby









Inside the house, you'll notice:

~ dark wood stepped floors in orchestra seating area (instead of the concrete decline)
~ brand new staggered seats WITH more leg room
~ 100 wide bodied seats along the aisles
~ handicapped seats and companion seats have doubled
~ fabric rolldowns sound reflectors on the ceiling
~ bamboo sound reflectors on the wall that will bounce music back to the audience

The biggest change would be that to the mezzanine seating. Patrons will have to get to the mezz seating from the mezzanine level only. No longer can you access through the lobby stairs inside the house. Not that people would mind, as sitting in the new mezzanine will make one feel like they're watching a performance in the royal box.





Of course, pictures don't do it justice. You'll just have to come down to the opera and see it for yourselves!

~ Ling Chan