On almost any weekend night, the glittering lobby of St. Paul's Ordway Center buzzes with a dynamic mosaic of patrons who've come to see shows on its two stages.
One year after it opened a $42 million concert hall, the Ordway is more than living up to expectations. About 300,000 patrons walked through the doors last year — up from 270,000 in 2012, the last year it had two halls in operation.
This week promises to be another busy one, as the high-kicking musical "A Chorus Line" begins a two-week run Tuesday in the 1,900-seat Ordway Music Theater while the new 1,100-seat concert hall presents Russian piano phenom Igor Levit on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra plays Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony Friday and Saturday.
Just as important as the higher numbers is the variety of patrons, Ordway officials say.
"Culturally, we have a wider representation of art in the venue because we have more opportunity to present things, from a Martin Luther King celebration to an Asian dance company to [choral group] Cantus," said Ordway executive vice president Chris Sagstetter. "The Ordway is truly a welcoming place for all."
To that end, the venue now allows guests to bring beverages into the performance spaces. Patrons are spending 30 percent more on average for concessions, she said.
The new hall is not just a social force, but an aesthetic one as well. Those who use it sing its praises, pointing out its superb acoustics, clear sightlines and the intimacy and warmth of a performance space designed by Twin Cities architect Tim Carl.
"It's one of the best concert halls in the country, with amazing sound all over," said Cantus singer Matthew Goinz.