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Gerd Wuestemann loves to brag on the "little theater" at the Acadiana Center for the Arts.

The James Devin Moncus Theater at AcA only seats 300, but its world-class acoustics, lighting and staging are the envy of many.

It leads the pack of best seats in the house when it comes to local entertainment. The intimate atmosphere and endless stream of local and national talent make it one of the best places to pull up a chair for an evening out.

But AcA's state-of-the-art theater is not alone. Here's what makes it and a few other spots good places to sit and enjoy the show.

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1. James Devin Moncus Theater

Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion St., Lafayette

This theater is literally suspended on acoustical joints, which blocks any outside noise from entering. The magic was demonstrated four years ago on opening night. A fire truck, with sirens wailing just outside the glass walls, could not be heard by the audience.

These cutting-edge acoustics make interesting concerts.

"We had Johnny Lang in the theater," said Wuestemann. "He was playing pretty loud at times. But even when it's really loud, it doesn't overwhelm the room. The walls just kind of disappear.

"But he would sometime step away from the microphone and play completely unplugged. You can still hear every nuance. That's what makes the experience so special in our little theater."

2. Richard Sale Barn

1307 Henry St., Abbeville

In 2007, Johnny and Kathy Richard turned the family's animal auction house, built in 1937, into an intimate performance venue. The Richard Sale Barn in Abbeville is now one of the area's best-kept secrets.

Monthly concerts in the spring and fall help turn back the hands of time in this wooden amphitheater, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1997. Get there early, or order tickets online, as the Sale Barn only seats 100.

Kathy Richard has regrettably had to turn late arrivals away. But the goal is to keep the experience small and personal.

"It breaks my heart to turn people away, but we don't want to over-stuff the crowd we have," said Richard. "We always want them to be comfortable.

"One of our appeals is there is no green room. During the intermission, the audience gets to talk to the musicians one on one. Even after the show, they get to really interact with them, get their CD signed or take their picture with them. That also makes it an intimate experience. Musicians get into meeting their fans."

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3. Cité des Arts

109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette

The Richard Sale Barn is not the only historic structure enjoying new life in the arts world. Cité des Arts, an incubator for music, performing and visual arts, film and more, was once the former bus station and part of the old Evangeline Hotel.

Music and dance lessons, arts camps and bluegrass jam sessions are also part of Cité's local outreach. Cite's year-long Arthur Miller Festival celebrates the 100th birthday of the American playwright.

Cité and its cozy theater also serve as the prime stage for local actors with plays constantly on the calendar. "Death of a Salesman," "Upstairs: The Musical" and Silverbacks Improv Comedy have been among the recent productions.

4. Whiskey River Landing

1365 Henderson Levee Road, Breaux Bridge

Dancehalls once were a dime a dozen in south Louisiana, the cradle of Cajun music, zydeco and swamp pop. But today's endless entertainment options have reduced the halls to a mere handful.

Whiskey River Landing in Henderson helps keep the dancehall tradition alive with Sunday afternoon Cajun and zydeco dances that are legendary. A Sunday outing to Whiskey River is worth the trip, even if you're not a dancer.

Built on the levee overlooking the Atchafalaya Basin, the club offers an arresting view of the nation's largest river swamp – directly behind the bandstand. The view, the lively music and a cold brew or two will let you know right away you're not in Kansas anymore.