Kimberlee Buck  |  Contributing Writer

If you are a playgoer, you are going to love this one. Searching for a fancy getaway for a day? Look no further than Culver City’s own Ahmanson Theatre.

Recently my mother and I went there to see a play called “Race” for her birthday. We sat in the most comfortable, plush, inexpensive box seats that a college student could dream of. It almost made me want to fall asleep, but I paid for the tickets, so I quickly removed that thought from my head.

After we got situated, I opened our snacks before the lights went down; that way it didn’t make a lot of noise. Then the play began.

Throughout the play, the characters discussed the issue of race and lower-class society. We went through a roller coaster of emotions as we watched the show.

So I ask you, why not treat yourself or someone else to an evening at the theatre?

Ahmanson is a fairly small and intimate theatre. It has produced over 40 years of a wide range of plays: musicals, comedies, dramas and classics, categories everyone can enjoy.

The theatre has presented Broadway hits such as “Jersey Boys,” “Sweeney Todd” and “My Fair Lady.”

Here are your guaranteed steps to have a good time:

  1. Get there early!

Parking is terrible with nearby restaurants, eateries and a police station nearby. It doesn’t help that there isn’t a parking lot specifically for the theatre.

2. Pick up your tickets from will call (unless you printed them offline).

This step is vital; no ticket, no show.

3. Get snacks!

Let’s face it: No one wants to sit through anything without munching on something. Although the theatre does provide beverages and packaged snacks (overpriced, of course), some people get eats beforehand. This way, you don’t have to spend extra money or wait in a long line. But don’t let the theatre crew see you bring in your snacks because this is not allowed.

4. Enjoy the Show

This is a direct order! You must laugh and cry a little.

After the show, if those snacks didn’t fill you up or you aren’t ready to go home, feel free to stop by the local food and ice cream places. There is a variety of cuisine and treats, including fast-food restaurants and dessert stops.

Here are some of the theatre’s upcoming plays:

  • “Trip to Bountiful”: now showing
  • “Blithe Spirit”
  • Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella the Musical”
  • “Matilda the Musical”

For more information on release dates, upcoming plays and tickets, visit the theatre’s website.