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Bushnell Center for Performing Arts

166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106
860-987-5900, 888-824-2874
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Ranked #5 of 41 attractions in Hartford
Type: Theatres
Traveller Description: The Bushnell theatre is Hartford's premier theatre destination. Many traveling productions of popular Broadway shows stop in Hartford. Some shows... more »
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56 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    38
    14
    3
    0
    1
Date Rating
East Coast
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013

"The Bushnell" is always a pleasurable place to see a show! We like both the old theatre and the new annex. I wish they had more shows! The "cafeteria leaves a lot to be desired, even though it is connected to the "Max" chain.

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See 4 more reviews by Traveler_200950 for Hartford
Tampa, Florida
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Saw performance and enjoyed the theater and show. Acoustics were great and seats were comfortable. However, we sat in the upper level and the steepness made it tough to focus, but that was our fault for purchasing those tickets. Overall, I would go back again.

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Enfield, Connecticut
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Nice to have a world class theater close to home. Always a good mix of shows. Beautiful facility and well run.

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See 3 more reviews by mjlally for Hartford
Newington, Connecticut
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

I am not even going to talk about the performance and how that could have been improved. The big problem was the seats, and the space between aisles. I am 5 11and I was wedged unable to move. People moved from seat to seat trying to find space. I finally decided on a 45 minute walk to find the bathroom... More

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Avon, Connecticut, United States
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 March 2013

The last show I saw here was the author David Sedaris. It was a bit gritty for some but I , naturally, love it. The Bushnell is beautiful and not too, too large. Even in the balcony I could see the diminutive Sedaris.

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See 2 more reviews by Linda D for Hartford
Connecticut
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 March 2013

This is on par with any theater in New York or Boston! You can't see a bad show here whether classical performance or off Broadway show. Excellent!

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East Hartford, Connecticut
Top Contributor
128 reviews 128 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 56 cities Reviews in 56 cities
72 helpful votes 72 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 March 2013

My family has gone here many times for shows. It is a beautiful theater and they have some great shows. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is for the size - if you are in the balcony seating, you are a good distance from the stage. The acoustics are good, but you need binoculars if you want... More

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See 2 more reviews by KDAA for Hartford
Southington, Connecticut
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2013

They have a good variety -- symphony, pops, Broadway Shows, lecture programs, individual artists performing, and children's programs. The Mortenson Hall is a beautiful large theatre that features the largest ceiling painting in the United States. The Belding Theatre is a smaller venue with excellent acoustics.

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Meriden, Connecticut
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 February 2013

I only gave this an OK rating because myself and the party I was with agreed that sitting further back it was hard to hear what was actually being said on stage. This took away from out total enjoyment.

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East Granby, Connecticut
Top Contributor
68 reviews 68 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 February 2013

Great place to see plays. I have seen so many great shows - Hair Spray, Phantom, Lion King, etc. without the hassle of going into New York City.

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See 2 more reviews by Jo-AnnAlbano for Hartford

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