George Washington University - Lisner Auditorium

Built during World War II, George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium has hosted everyone from Ingrid Bergman in "Joan of Lorraine" to Pink Floyd. It is home to the university's theater, dance and music departments as well as the university symphony and band. GWU books a Performing Arts Series of visiting artists and the Washington Performing Arts Society brings in additional performers. The Washington Concert Opera stages a spring and fall production and Opera International stages its annual offering here. This is also the home of the Pan American Symphony Orchestra; and, every December, the Washington Revels put on the singing, dancing, audience-participation festival "The Christmas Revels."

Lisner seats 1,490 in two sections on a single floor. The orchestra section is the front area and the terrace is the area farther back. The front row of the terrace is the equivalent of only the 15th row and -- because the rake of the floor in the orchestra section is so shallow -- it is almost directly at the level of the stage. This is row AA and it has the best view in the hall, which may be why presidents -- of the university or of the United States -- are seated there when they attend.

-- Brad Hathaway