Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

You'll hit the neon glare of 7th Street before you even spot the marquee, dodging theatergoers in pressed coats while folks smoke cigarettes against the brick. It isn't some tiny basement dive with sticky floors; this is the big grand hall right downtown where the chandelier drops and you're surrounded by gold leaf and velvet.

Don't expect cheap draft beers in plastic cups here. They're pouring wine and cocktails in the lobby, and the line moves fast if you just need a quick drink before the lights go down. The seats are plush, but legroom's tight up in the balcony, so you'll want to stretch out during intermission if you're stuck in the upper rows.

Sound rolls off the stage clean and huge, filling every corner of that massive auditorium whether it's a touring Broadway cast or a symphony night. When the show lets out, the crowd floods the sidewalk all at once toward the parking garages.