Akron Civic Theatre

Address:	182 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
Phone:	+1 330-253-2488
Site:	akroncivic.com
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 17

A Private User

Spectacular, almost fully restored / renovated silent-era, Eberson designed "atmospheric" Loews vaudeville & movie palace with its original (and also restored) WurliTzer theatre pipe organ. The auditorium is styled to evoke a summer evening, outdoors "in a Moorish garden." Patrons are seated under a simulated night sky, between the "exterior walls" of "surrounding buildings," which feature classically styled statues and (fake) greenery. The sky-like ceiling features many twinkling "stars" and projected, slowly "drifting" "clouds." The WurliTzer (with its console rising from the orchestra pit on its original, quarter-rotating elevator,) is occasionally featured in concert, or to faithfully accompany vintage silent movies, ...but more often its played merely to provide entrance and intermission music for select shows. Since its resto-vation the theatre has been kept impeccably clean, in part by never selling popcorn. :o/ The theatres still recent renovations included sensitively styled additions which house patron elevators and modern restrooms. If youve never been in or seen the place, its worth the price of admission to merely do so.

Jesse Jeavons

One of the greatest and most immersive sit-down venues I have been to. I especially love the moving clouds and stars on the ceiling. The detailed arch over the front stage it amazing and easy to get lost looking at. There is a good amount of space between each other when sitting and plenty of leg room making it very comfortable. The only draw back would be the acoustics of the theater. I saw ZoSo: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience, although the show was absolutely amazing. It seems like the closer you sit to the stage the more piercing loud and "rung-out" it sounds. Alcohol and food it very reasonably priced. The night I went a large Budweiser was only $4 and higher percentage liquors were $6. Parking was free, but the lot was nearly impossible to get out of due to a steep incline and lack of snow removal. Would definitely recommend to a friend and I will return for another concert in the future!

A Private User

This theater is absolutely breathtaking. There really is no way to describe it without simply posting a picture; the theater and entryway are so ornate I cant think of another building in the area as beautiful. I go here probably twice a year for one event or another; they have concerts with professional musicians, movies, shows, community events, even high school graduations here. The interior is designed like being in a Spanish courtyard with walls and statues around the side and what appears to be the sky above with moving clouds and twinkling stars. Fantastic! And if you like the Civic, try the Palace Theater in Canton - just as beautiful.

Johmathan .B. Swift

The Akron Civic is akin to the great Landmark Theaters such as The Pantages Theater in Toronto and the Landmark in Syracuse N.Y.. For a live performance theres none better. The acoustics are stellar. Every and any seat in the house is a sonic wonderment . The interior is lush with artwork ,and the craftsmanship used in building these monuments to the arts is a must experience . Its a royal privilege to have one of these venues still left here in Akron. If you are visiting or are planing to go to a show here in Akron, or of any of the other Landmarks mentioned, hesitate no further . The Akron Civic is a masterpiece in sound and structure.

Barb Wheeler

Im going to express my extreme displeasure with the Akron Civic Theater which makes me sad because I grew up going there and love the venue. I recently purchased two tickets for a show. When I got the confirmation email, I realize there is an added expense of $21.60 for their service and processing fees. I even opted the "print at home" option rather than paying to have them sent to my house. Does anyone else think that is crazy? For TWO TICKETS?? Buyer beware!! Dislike Civic Theater...dislike!

Ron Graham

For several years, I volunteered for First Night Akron as the emcee for this venue, so I have seen what it offers up close: a classic backdrop with excellent acoustics, and seating clean and comfortable. About the only thing I could wish for the Civic is a bit of a dance floor. Sometimes its needed. But it is the place to go for a Beatles tribute band concert or a Three Stooges film festival.

TJ V

This is an awesome, unique venue in downtown Akron with a ton of history. The interior of this place is incredible, and they get some great acts to come through (although not often). This is a great asset for the city, and I hope to see it around for many years to come. If you get a chance, see a concert here. It has a great vibe.

Roger Vaughan

It is a very beautiful and nostalgic piece of Akron, Ohio. The seating is great with no bad seats in the whole theater. The outside looks like it is a run down building, but the inside is still as beautiful as when it was first built. It has been used for many graduating classes in its time and they continue to use even today.

Alex Rae

The theater is an amazing venue, no matter what the show is going to be. It is large enough to seat a large crowd, but not overwhelming. The auditorium is beautiful and has a classic theatrical look and feel. The ceiling is a nights sky, with clouds moving across the sky when the lights are dimmed.

Gary Baddorf

This historic theater is always memorable. I love just looking at all the details on the walls and ceilings before the show. I will note that there are balconies 1-4, but they arent different levels. It would be more clear if they labeled them balcony sections 1-4, or just sections 20-23.

James Martinez

“Very unique architecture and art style” I was there for a screening of the Holy Grail and the screen and sound system were nice for that purpose. The architecture was the highlight, theres a lot to look at. Its nice to see some old theaters like that still exist in Ohio.

jerry brown

This place is absolutely BEAUTIFUL inside!!! My wife and I have attended concerts as well as the Red Mask of Death Masquerade Ball here and we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves every time! It is truly a gem of history tucked away in downtown Akron!!

Jen Sim

Great theater! Lots of different events at this venue. Its small for theater, but a great feel. The stage is perfect viewed from nearly every angle. No posts to get in your way. Really a lovely old feel place. Highly recommend the venue.

Jessica Iusi

The theater is gorgeous! Needs some plaster work but still stunning. The only problem is as we sat first row in balcony 2, we watched a total of 3 people tumble down the bottom step due to lack of floor lighting. Otherwise, lovely theater.

Andrew

I havent been there since my grade school days and I was extremely impressed by how nice the theater was. It is easily comparable to some of the playhouse square theaters in Cleveland. Also the show was great and will likely be back.

Jocelyn Roueiheb

I once saw a re-enactment of "War of the Words" here as well as some recordings of some great NPR shows here. This gorgeous theater also hosts a number of concerts and Ballets here. a wonderful cultural oasis in this industrial town

Christopher McGuire

A classic styled theatre badly in need of TLC. The reason for the review isnt that they need money, it is that the sound system was so exceedingly poor we truly didnt enjoy what would have otherwise been an excellent performance.