Comments on: The Splendor of Raleigh’s Little Theatre and Rose Garden

By: renpark john

renpark john — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:49:09 +0000

Really enjoyed this article and the related comments in the year since it was published here! When I first heard that downtown Raleigh was getting a new amphitheater, I immediately imagined a copy of the Rose Garden (Stephenson) amphitheater, complete with downtown office workers and convention center visitors lounging and lunching in the sun…maybe enjoying an occasional free afternoon concert or play (or rehearsal).

Of course reality is a nearly flat and mostly concrete area, fenced and pad-locked when not in use, and permanently wrapped in blue construction plastic. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad for the downtown amphitheater, and will even visit it (if they ever have any jazz, classical, world music, or theatre). But it is no Rose Garden amphitheater. I know, I know – it was a $$ thing, right?

By: Raleigh Boy

Raleigh Boy — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 05:14:37 +0000

magan — I’ve attended several weddings at the Rose Garden over the years. Fees are probably nominal. Here’s the contact info — http://raleighlittletheatre.org/about/rosegarden.html

By: magan

magan — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:22:14 +0000

can someone get married at the rose garden and if so how much would it cost.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Mon, 24 May 2010 13:55:49 +0000

I just directed a show in the amphitheatre, and it was such an awesome experience! Around the time the sun starts to set, the birds start chirping. Sometimes we would all get very sweaty at rehearsals because of the high humidity. Other nights, we could see our breath because it would get so cold in that little valley. There was frequent use of sunscreen, bug spray, and Claritin. It’s very hard on the staff, it’s hard on the actors, and it was hard on me. But I think it’s worth it to continue to produce shows there. It’s an historical landmark, the plants are spectacular, and as an audience member, it’s a great place to bring a picnic and listen to music and words under the stars.

I was worried about theft out there, but according to some of the veterans I talked to, there has been some theft and vandalism, but it has not been frequent. We did have 7 baby birds to work around during light hang. We had one friendly drunk watch a rehearsal and cheer loudly, and one harmless homeless person who changed clothes and bedded down in the wings while we were focusing lights late one night.

My dream would be to find a corporate benefactor to sponsor FREE Shakespeare in the park every summer!

By: Reciproxinnet

Reciproxinnet — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:42:07 +0000

The reason shows are not held as frequently in the Amphitheatre is–weather! It is very expensive to mount a show (obtaining the performance rights–which have to be paid by the capacity of the theatre, not by actual ticket sales, so think of what it costs per show for that amphitheatre!–sets, costumes, props, (often) paying an orchestra, and they also have to pay for security…and then, sometimes it can rain a whole weekend, and there go those shows and the ticket sales. Usually they can only afford to do two weekends for an outdoor show outside, and if one or part of one is rained out, it’s very expensive. Also, even without rain, often it is simply too hot or too cold, which keeps the crowds away. We have become a spoiled species and want climate control everywhere!

Also–as a veteran of several amphitheatre shows myself, I know that items are frequently stolen from out there–set pieces, lights, and such. It just becomes a grand hassle to deo something out there, so they’ve started using it for smaller endeavors (or for Shakespeare, which has no performance rights, and somehow it just SEEMS right to be watching Shakespeare outside :)

By: Lee

Lee — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:16:46 +0000

The street (Gardner/Pougue) that almost circles around the Rose Garden was the actual track that went around the old fairgrounds.

By: richardfoc

richardfoc — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:30:00 +0000

They hold Drag Bingo events in the amphitheater from time to time. Always a good time.

By: ariel

ariel — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:11:29 +0000

the Rose Garden is magic. you know what makes it even more magical? flashlight freeze tag in the Rose Garden, which happened quite a few times way back in oh-nine and will be happening again in ‘ten.

By: Oberon

Oberon — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:18:26 +0000

Midsummers Night Dream. I was a fairy in that production. It was great fun. And Oklahoma. A horse on the ampitheater stage. What a hoot.

By: Michael Click

Michael Click — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:55:57 +0000

Love the information this site provides! I proposed to my wife at the Rose Garden as well. We have not been back there in a while but will certainly make a trip this year! Thanks GOODNIGHT RALEIGH!