State Theatre

609 Congress St #200, Portland, ME 04101, USA

Address:	609 Congress St #200, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Phone:	+1 207-956-6000
Site:	statetheatreportland.com
Rating:	4.4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 18

A Private User

We saw Emmy Lou Harris in concert in July 10. She was terrific, and we thought the acoustics were fine. The State Theater is an interesting old building. Our seats were in the balcony, which was very hot and stuffy. (Downstairs may have been a little cooler, but dont expect air conditioned comfort). Also, Id picked seats in the front row of the top section, hoping to have better sight lines without heads in the way. This backfired- there are railings in front of this section that cut across our view, and made for constant head-shifting from one of our seats. Another time I would go for aisle seats downstairs, if available. One management complaint: I bought a bottle of water at the bar and was handed it without the cap. I asked for the cap, since I didnt want it spilling if I set it down (especially at $3 a bottle) and was told that they couldnt give it to me because of "management policy." WTH?

cheryl tibbetts

I was fortunate to see Old Crow Medicine Show last night at The State. This show including the backup bands were fantastic. Musicians that are so talented and put 110% into entertaining the heatstroke crowd. What could have been an excellent night turned out to be concerning due to the lack of airconditioning or any air exchange inside the theatre. One girl in front of me passed out due to heat exhaustion. My friends and I were forced to watch the show from the lobby so that we could get some air and pour water over our heads. What is wrong with either not letting so many people in or make sure you have the proper facilities to put on such a show? I am surprised that the City of Portland Code Enforcement has not stopped the State from putting on any shows until they rectify this alarming situation.

Brianna Carney

We have been waiting for for 4 hours in the pouring rain to see Melanie Martinez and handsome ghost! Since the line was getting extremely long, due to a sold out concert, they started a new line. People who were just showing up got in a new line. We asked security if they were going to get in at the same time or after, like we assumed but we wanted to double check. They confirmed that both lines were getting in at the same time. All they are doing is setting up a situation for people to get hurt and many fans are very upset about it. We need to fix this. The security guard is saying there is nothing they can do, but I disagree. We need to fix this immediately!

Patrick Simpson

Beautiful old theater, but its age certainly shows in some places. Theres no AC, and even though it was 67 outside, it was roasting in the seating areas due to limited air flow. The seats are also a bit cramped which isnt normally much of an issue, but is compounded by the heat. If you would like water, you can wait in line to fill a 4oz. Dixie cup. Water was not easily accessible. We will certainly go to the theater again for the right event, but the venue is not the most comfortable.

luke brown

I went to see Toots and the Maytals this past august, its a medium sized venue with an awesome seperate area for the bar which is brilliant. I love how security wasnt obsessed with cracking down on everyone for petty crap like at other venues. Although like another review wrote its got hot as Satans biscuits in there. But then again everyone was dancing, signing, and rightfully smokin tha ganj!!! Jah Bless!!

A Private User

Poor acoustics and poor ventilation. If you like black lung come to the State where Maines no-smoking policy is completely ignored. Place smelled like a bong full of sweat. Security shook down everyone and narced all the joints, pipes etc, at the door and even posted men in the toilets to prevent the illicit potheads, but did NOTHING about the 100s of cigarette smokers openly lighting up.

Joey Carberry

Right in the center of the Arts District, this historic theatre boasts a wide range of performances. All seating has a good view to the immaculately constructed stage, although the seats were made for small dwarfes, since the leg room is non-existant. Keep in mind though, no food or drink in or out, and your bags and purses will be searched on entry. Enjoy the show!

Connolly K

Of all the venues Ive been to, this is hands-down my favorite... so much so that I routinely travel from out of state to come to performances! Great selection of artists, prime location, reasonable prices, clean facility, friendly staff, spacious standing room and ample seating opportunities! Wish Tegan and Sara would preform here more often! Always a great show :-)

Vito Barravecchio

The food was okay. But my wife got some dumplings that were extremely hot. And when we asked them to take them back they simply rinsed them off And they steamed them because they were out of food. They tried to pass these off as new dumplings and finally had to admit what they did. They ended up taking them off the bill. We will not be going back here.

Zachary Goater

Listen, if youre looking for your favorite easy chair, your favorite cup and the temperature youve grown accustomed to in your living room: this is not a good venue for you! Being a concert venue, it has its quirks but a great many amazing artists have played here to diversely sized audience. The State Theatre is a Maine institution.

Nick Giffin

I really enjoyed seeing Tegan and Sara here. Other reviewers pointed out, and it was true when I was there, that it was warm inside. The day I was there was cool and pleasant outside but uncomfortably warm inside. Despite the heat, the venue and the acoustics were great, and its a place Id visit again.

j smith

It is a nice looking theater but if you are over 61 dont plan on getting seats for the upper balcony out of any place I have ever been this has by far the worst seating there were multiple people that were over 62 who were forced to stand for the entire show due to the lack of leg room

Shifty Dipstick

The place was pretty clean and nice, but the speakers were OBSCENELY loud. That may be a positive for some people, but its not for me. Also, at concerts if people decide to start smoking the place fills up with smoke REAL fast, so if youre not into that, youre outta luck.

Dylan Struble

Saw the Decemberists here recently. Got so hot I nearly fainted. If someone gets heat stroke, this could be a legitimate law suit. My suggestion? Install better air conditioning. The show was miserable in that place because of the high temperature.

Tim Josephson

Saw Girl Talk w/the open dance floor in front of the stage: awesome. Saw Jeff Tweedy for a smaller sounding show w/seats: awesome. Bar is a tad pricey but drinks are nice & strong. Great venue, will definitely make the 2+ hr trek for shows again.

The Product Pixie

100% best place for a intimate concert, o had my first concert there, I brought my son to his first concert their. I was so happy when they reopened it and renovated it to its original glory. They have such beautiful art and architecture.

Zach Taylor

Great old school music venue. Perfect for bands that pull crowd of a few thousand, and perfect for fans who like intimate venues. Like all older venues its a bit cramped and weathered, but to some, myself included, thats added value.

Jen George

The floors were so filthy, my shoes stuck to it. That was before the performance began. There is little seating, and you have to wait in one long line wrapping around the block for a show, even if you need the will call booth.