The Ahmanson presents a wide variety of dramas, musicals, comedies and classic revivals—and since its 1995 renovation, there's not a bad seat in the house. (Depending on the performance, 1,600 to 2,200 butts can be accommodated.) Besides being a hot spot for William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, Tom Stoppard, Arthur Miller and Tony Kushner, the Ahmanson has staged world premieres from Neil Simon, Wendy Wasserstein, August Wilson and Edward Albee. The Center Theatre Group is the home troupe at the Ahmanson as well as its sister/neighbor the Mark Taper Forum and its Culver City outpost the Kirk Douglas Theatre, but many popular touring shows play here as well. Patrons can see everything from Matthew Bourne's tutu-free ballet productions (his "Cinderella," "Swan Lake," "Car Man" and "Edward Scissorhands" have all played engagements at the theater) to world-renowned shows like "The Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets." The Ahmanson's also where Hollywood's true thespians step off the silver screen to flex their drama muscles: Katharine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Jack Lemmon, Charlton Heston and Angela Lansbury are just a handful who've graced the stage with their presence.

Address: 135 N. Grand Ave.
Cross Street: Temple St.
Phone: (213) 628-2772
Phone: (213) 628-2772
Hours: Box office: Tue-Sun 12pm-8pm
Cost: Varies
Parking: Valet and lot
Tip: When you visit the central box office, in front of the Ahmanson, parking in the Music Centers garage will be validated for 30 minutes. There are often lines between 12pm and 1pm, just after the box office opens. You can avoid those lines by visiting after 1pm and up to two hours prior to curtain time.
Such A Deal: The Hot Tix program replaces all previous discount offers, including rush tickets. Hot Tix sets aside 3% of a show's tickets and sells them for $20 by phone or in person the day tickets go on sale. If any Hot Tix remain unsold after the first day, they become available again the day of the show.
Contact Info: 213 972 7401 x 2