The Carolina Theatre

Address:	309 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
Phone:	+1 919-560-3030
Site:	carolinatheatre.org
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 13

Chrisine Brown

This theater is one of my absolute favorite places in Durham. On Fridays they host Retrofantasma, which is a double-feature series that pairs movies at least 30 years old. Jim goes above and beyond to create a great night out; he organizes contests with great movie themed prizes. Before the show, you get to see all the previews of movies that were showing that date the movie was released - nostalgia doesnt begin to cover it, the crowds they draw have wonderful energy! Fresh popcorn, with real butter, and wine and beer by the glass, you can have a full evening out for a lot less than most cinemas. Check out their website for all their film series - there is truly something for everyone. In addition, the large theater hosts comedians and musicians. As more people discover it, make sure to buy tickets in advance if youre excited about something - they are growing in popularity and selling out. Which is wonderful because it means they will stay around!

Megan Sewell

I used to admire the beauty that was the Carolina Theatre until my girlfriend and I attended the Kasey Musgraves concert and were escorted out because we were "too sexually explicit". Mind you, we were never making out or being inappropriate; we were dancing, holding hands and possibly a hand around the waste. We dont make a show, thats not who we are. Which makes the Carolina Theatre homophobic and Michelle Irvine made the call (after an old male guard creepily stared at us the whole time we were watching the show) to have a lesbian couple forcefully escorted out. Never again will I go to a show at the Theatre as long as she is there and I have never in my life been so disrespected. BOO to you and not respecting everyone equally! Michelle Irvine is an old homophobe who should never be in charge of making such calls.

Misty Bernot

I had tickets to go see one of my favorite singers so this review might be a bit biased. We had tickets to go see Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings during the sow blizzard that crippled the Triangle area in the winter of 2014. The show was amazing. We had nose bleed seats but because so many didnt come out due to the weather they allowed us to move down to the lower level. We actually stayed up in the nose bleed seats because they were so good. I dont think there is a bad seat in the house although space can get pretty tight on the upper level. The acoustics were great as well. That is my major concern for a venue and I had no complaints. I would definitely eat before hand as the food is minimal and expensive.

Dana Stone

Still the "crown jewel" of Downtown Durham. Lisa Fischer performed last week to adoring fans. Perfect acoustics, perfect program. I was in the first balcony with a great seat. The elegant concert hall and the historical significance of this venue make it truly unique. The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival thrills every year. I was especially impressed to see Dan Ariely fill Fletcher Auditorium in April. A special feature to the Carolina is the upstairs exhibit and documentary of the de-segregation of the theater, Definitely worth it to spend some time there.

Logan Isaac

A nostalgic return to cinemas vaulted past awaits every visit to the Carolina Theatre. Every movie Ive seen has been a great experience and the independent standing comes through beautifully, from the leather stadium seating to the offering of local craft beer at the concession stand. Because they are supported by local donors and connoisseurs, they dont have to play the usual fare and often substitute blockbusters for timeless classics or cult favorites. I havent been to the main theater for a performing arts display, but its something on my bucket list.

Michael Byers

This theater provides something for almost anyone. Live performances, classic movies, and all the latest art/foreign movies play here. They have three theaters, each with its own size and level of "grandiosity." The staff seems to be trying very hard to make this "the place to be" in downtown Durham. They do not have their own parking lot, so you might have to walk a bit from any of the various free and paid options, but it wont be far and it *will* be worth it.

WRomey Romey

Been to Quite a few shows here. As a professional videographer I have even Taped (when there was still"Tape") shows there. Splendid times , whether a play a concert, comedian or movies /films..its always a good time...I suggest it to everyone ..DPAC is famous but dont forget our other fantastic place for superior quality shows with top-flight staff (polite, friendly, upbeat & pros to the bone)..Come see..

The Marduk Report

Saw Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings here. This is a great venue with easy access to seating and facilities. Parking deck is across the street and has plenty of space. Note that if you have a large of lifted truck, dont go in the deck. I saw someone drive their truck in and rip down the steel bar that indicates the max height for the deck at the entrance. Prices arent terrible, as popcorn and 2 drinks can be had for under $10. Large popcorns come with a free refill.

Matthew Clobridge

Not to be overshadows by its neighbor, the Durham Performing Arts Center, the Carolina Theatre is a renovated piece of Durham history. The main theater is the perfect place for more intimate shows than you could ever get at DPAC. The addition of a couple of movie theaters has brought many independent films and film festivals to downtown. The Carolina Theatre is a perfect example of reviving an important piece of Durham history for the 21st century.

Marc Lee

Definitely one of my favorite venues in town...Has all kinds of historical connections, including being a focal point of the Civil Rights Struggle, and I recently saw George Benson there and this true legend of modern day jazz gave a great performance. I have had several friends work there, and a few still do, and of course it is the main theatre used by Full Frame and other festivals....Definitely a Gem within the community of Durham.

Jason Richmond

One of the best places to go in Durham! (disclaimer, I live in the greater Triangle region so I am sure there are many gems I have missed in the Durham). Their film series showing older movies on the original reels are fantastic. I was able to watch Vertigo during their Hitchcock series. They also play many of the smaller release contemporary movies. Basically, if you like retro movies or artsy current movies, this place is amazing!

Patrick Charbonneau

Salle de cinéma historique qui présente des films de répertoire et des nouveautés à plus petite distribution. Endroit sympa où lon peut prendre une bière en visionnant un film cake dans un siège moderne et confortable.

Tina Marie

Seating the theater is set up quite nicely. The balconies have stadium style seating so your view is less likely to be obstructed by someone tall. Unfortunately, it was quite distracting to have patrons constantly moving around to use the restroom or purchase drinks. But I suppose that will happen when you serve beer. For the best view of the entertainer, I would sit in the orchestra section or first row of balcony 1.