Merriam Theater

250 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA

Related:	hiway theater
Address:	250 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
Phone:	+1 215-893-1999
Site:	kimmelcenter.org
Rating:	3.8

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 17

Nadirah Shakir

The staff are excellent! The kindess of the staff cannot be measured. The Merriam Theatre is an older theatre as many, with seats for another era (narrow) and parking is difficult -- but my evening at Merriam was memorable b/c of the staffs kindness. After not seeing the Alvin Ailey Dance Company in 25-yrs, the wall-to-wall traffic to get into Phila had my nerves on edge. And, finding a park during "Restaurant Week"--Oh, my Goodness! But, the staff of the Merriam were such a pleasure to my soul and heart on 2/1/2013. Even with the cheaper seats in Family Circle, my experience one in my memory banks -- Maybe it was my age and determination to get to the Family Circle and be sitted -- but the usher directed me to an empty box seat! The joy in my heart and soul is unmeasureable for the kindness of the staff of the Merraim Theater. My friend was handicap and could not go any farther -- the House Head found her a desireable aisle seat in the orchestra section. Thank you to the staff of Merriam Theater for such kindness.

Stacy Cann

Visited the Merriam Theater and had the worst experience. Seats are way to small and tight. The guy next to me knee was touching my leg because the seats were so tight, 20 minutes into the show it became awkward for the two of us so he got up and stood in the back of the theater until intermission. Also we were on the upper balcony and were not able to see the images on the screen behind the stage which was used for the storyline. Oh and did I forget to mention my husband had to use his iphone as a little in the mens room because the line was broken. We became so frustrated that we decided to cut out early and hope to catch at a better theater. # datenightrunined :(

C Holmes

As a suburban resident, who frequently travel into Philadelphia to attend various concert/performances held in the various venues located on the Avenue of the Arts, the Merriam Theater is a well known and popular venue for jazz concert/performances. Ive been there a for several years now and Ive always enjoyed my visit every single time. Although the venue is an Old & Grand ornate, the acoustics are great for the performances. The seating a bit snug, but plush & wont affect enjoying the performances in the Merriam. Go early* , to explore the food spots available after the performances too.

Debbie White

Good venue. We were at a rock concert and while the theatre is vintage and we loved it, it could not have been built for music. This said we had a great night and the show was AMAZING! Beer was priced reasonably for a concert. Everybody we encountered working that night was so nice. FYI: if you cannot climb stairs get seats on the lower level. Ladies bathrooms upstairs are small, besides having 4 stalls they are architecturally small. The upstairs mens room had 2 urinals and 1 stall. But go to a show there if they are hosting something you want to see. It is old but its lovely.

Doug Stuff

Like most of the other reviews here....the seating is terrible. I am 6 & 210 lbs and I could barely fit in the seating area. The seat width was OK but the leg space was designed for someone 5 or smaller. Lucily, my wife sat to my left and my daughter to my right so I kinda angled my legs. My mind was paying more attention to my discomfort level than enjoying the show. I know replacing the seats will reduce the # of seats but I would never go back there for a show again. Just not worth the discomfort.

Erin Taylor

It was an amazing experience. The staff was very friendly and responsive, the acoustics in the theater were great as well. Many people have said above in their reviews that the seating was tight and the theater could do with a renovation. While that is true, we should remember that the theater was built in 1918, and though they have made small renovations, the reservation of the architecture and the history of the building is key.

Christian Clark

Great performances in the heart of the city. The venue is a little dated, especially when compared to the Kimmel Center, but dont let that stop you. Balcony (front rows) seating and the family circle are prime when you want an alternative to the lower level but still a full view of the stage. Ticket prices are usually reasonable but as you can imagine, that depends on the show at the specific time.

Brett Lewis

I saw Stomp this past weekend at the Merriam Theater. The show was fantastic and the acoustics in the theater we good. However, the seating is cramped and uncomfortable. The theater could use a renovation. The staff was very responsive. There was an extremely rude lady that was taking phone calls on her cell while the show was in progress. The staff immediately addressed the issue.

Michael Reilly

Went to see the "Tim and Eric show" let me say the staff were nice. Unfortunately the seats are gross and sooooooo uncomfortable couldnt pay attention because I wanted to concentrate on getting comfortable the entire time. It was also so hot I was sweating and there are no railings to get to seats above the main level.

The comments about the tight seating are not exaggerated! If you are over 5-6" tall and/or weigh over 200 lbs, your legs will be jammed into the seat (or head) of the person in front of you. I can never go back. I am only making this rating because of the seating situation. If I was a petite person, i would return.

Jerry Thompson

Have to agree on very tight seating. I am only 5 11 and had a problem sitting straight up in seat had to keep legs tilted to be comfortable. Would of given it 4 stars if not for this. Theatre is small and cozy and very few seats you would not have a great view of stage. Great service friendly staff.

Dee Brown

I attended a play at this theater, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, this theater needs a total overhaul. The seats are small school auditorium chairs and the paint is peeling off the walls. Its a very old building and needs a huge renovation. They also need a new sound system.

eric X

First thing that came to my attention was the filthy hvac vents on the ceiling. I then noticed the cob webs floating from the overhead chandelier. Murals are so dirty to the point they are becoming un-viewable. Close for needed time and give the place a good cleaning.

katrina simmons

The prepaid parking is not accurate and a scam. You pay for prepaid parking and when you arrive your parking spot is not held. It was full when I arrived. I was told I was going to get my money refunded back to my visa check bank card, and it was not refunded.

Vonnie White

Horrible! Needs a upgrade. Seats are to tight. Cramped hallways. Im in the bacony level and its so steep I cant walk down with out help, but the staff are not allowed to help...Smh! I will not be back...oh the show..."The color purple is ok" I will not be back!!

Ben Smith

Disappointed in this place! From the very dirty bathroom to the obnoxiously long line for refreshments to the grade school sized seats, this theater was ridiculously overpriced. Philadelphia deserves better!

Courtney Muhammad

I have been here numerous times, but on this visit, i found the employees lounge, and had the best conversation with one of the employees, plus i found affordable snacks in the vending machines!