Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

Address:	237 7th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Phone:	+1 412-456-6666
Site:	trustarts.org
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

David Walker

My first visit to the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts was for "A Gentlemans Guide to Love and Murder". The main front doors opened an hour before the show, but since this was a straight from Broadway show, the actual theatre seating area didnt open until it was released to the Benedum Center, which was about 30 minutes before showtime. Before that, no one was allowed in. There really isnt a bad seat in the house, even from the highest nose-bleed section to the last row under the balcony. They have concession stands and bars, but I found it quite annoying that at the beginning of the performance people were still (loudly) unwrapping their goodies and making chomping noises. The upper level restrooms fill quickly at intermission, and there is another restroom below the main floor entrance lobby (the one with the giant chandeliers). As for the theatre, its simply stunning. Darker than the brightly-ornate Heinz Hall down the street, this venue is no less breathtaking in its own right. Definitely recommend seeing any show you can here. Looking forward to my next visit for The Nutcracker.

Tight seating, ushers are ignorant. Hottter than heck inside, 10 bucks for a beer in a sipee cup. Dont waste your money! Security? These cops are partly to blame for why no one respects police! Alot of over-weighters sitting in small seats =no room! Drinks are way overpriced, theater is old, but well kept. Show was late because of poor entry procedure. 89 degress, and stood outside for 40 minutes. Bartenders were nice, staff, and kids they have working in yellow shirts were very ignorant, and condescending. First two comedians were funnier than rock, imo! Chapelle at Carnegie Music Hall blew Chris rock away! The other big inconvenience, was that there was no fore-warning of any kind printed on my tickets that pertained to anything about cell phones. Chapelle had his disclaimer printed on tickets that stated absolutely no phones. If youve never been to bendum, than how are you to know the policy about phones? All it takes is to print on ticket. Keep that in mind for less hassle . Staff was much friendlier at Carnegie hall!

Dan Coleman

My wife took our Youngest Daughter about 15 Years ago to see The PBTS Version of "THE NUTCRACKER" & they BOTH were so THRILLED & HAPPY w/ the Stage Production! They had NEVER seen a Ballet before & they were both ECSTATIC w/ the BENEDUM CENTERS PRODUCTION of the CLASSIC Dance! I grew up going to the theatre when it was KNOWN as the "STANLEY THEATRE" & the main course of the day were HOLLYWOOD MOVIES! I saw "PLANET OF THE APES", "OUR MAN FLINT", "IN LIKE FLINT", "THAT DARN CAT", "FANTASTIC VOYAGE", "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS", "GUESS WHOS COMING TO DINNER", "THE LION IN WINTER" & MANY MORE CLASSIC MOVIES! The BENEDUM has been BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED & it DESERVES to live on for MANY MORE Years to come! There ISNT a BAD seat in the Center! Also a PROUD MOMENT for me is that my FATHER was a MANAGER at the FORMER "STANLEY THEATRE" in the 1940s, & later at the LATE "WARNER THEATRE" on 5th Avenue! My mother was an Usherette at the WARNER & thats where my Parents met & FELL IN LOVE!

Dennis Helmick

This venue is absolutely beautiful! There are a few parking garages nearby. There are quite a few places to grab some food nearby as well. Drinks here are somewhat expensive but the bartenders are always great. The new bar area upstairs is beautiful. Patrons of this establishment are a different story. Every time we go people are dressed very casually....very. People talk during the show and are on their phones. Sadly as a whole people are becoming incredibly rude and self centered. Once we had to express our concern with an usher. When we went back to our seats the rude woman started to complain nonstop about who said something. We had to move our seats. Amazing place and amazing performance but the audience can ruin the experience.

Buddy Clem

This beautiful historic theater is less than a block away from parking lots and the Wood Street subway station. A short walk from the historic "Three Sisters Bridges." The theater takes you back in time with intricate details like fine woodwork, magnificent plaster ceilings, gold leaf, and a massive chandelier. The theater is large enough for national acts, but still small enough to feel intimate as it holds only 2800 people. The acoustics are phenomenal! I watched a KANSAS concert, and they didnt have to play loud to sound great. Go if you ever have the chance.

Matthew Day

By far one of the most beautiful theaters Ive ever been in. The architecture and lighting help transport you back to an era gone by while simultaneously taking your breath away. The seats are comfortable enough, but if youre taller (like me) you are going to be a little squished for leg room. Keep that in mind before you choose seats. All employees are helpful and kind, so I always try to see shows here when I can.

Grant Cupp

Went to see the lion king, printer malfunction right before I left so I couldnt print off my tickets. Terrified I would not be able to attend 15 mins prior to the show, I approached the Benedums box office. The box office personnel were so helpful and polite and got me my tickets within 2 minutes (about 15 mins before show time). The Benedum staff were very professional and the Lion king was awesome!

Bryan Hood

They bring good shows, but I cant enjoy them at this venue. The seats are so crowded that I can barely move and I have no room for my legs. Im 62", which is not particularly tall for males in this country. Being so cramped up makes it very difficult to enjoy the show and I find myself looking at my watch wanting to stand up and get out.

Dan Tucker

Beautiful theater. A nice (though not in keeping with the rest of the facility aesthetically) bar and extra restrooms were added to the second floor. A couple of good beers. Very nice acoustics, very historical feel to the facility. Very professional staff. Have seen lots of shows here, very nice every time.

Projectile Objects

The historic Benedum Center offers a place in my heart and the history of a city. Throughout the ages, this place has been a staple for the performing arts in the Pittsburgh area. Their show calendar is worth checking out while youre in town and even the "cheap seats" feel like your getting a great deal.

Susan Anthony

Matilda - obstructed views!! seats to the left and right of the stage are terrible!! Bad form on the part of the Benedum for not sharing this information. Could only see two thirds of the stage as it stood, but when the show went deep to the back of the stage we could not see a thing for quite some time.

Adam Lewis

Yet another awesome place in the cultural district. I cant recommend the Benedum enough! I highly suggest becoming a member of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, they will keep you informed of all the amazing shows that come through Pittsburgh and give you early access to tickets as well!

Sheila Epper

I loved the experience and the play was amazing. However, the poor girl in the lobby selling drinks was having touch screen difficulties that also effected her card reader. Sadly for her, not all people where as understanding as I was. The lines were also disorganized and unclear.

james begell

Very nice venue. I saw the Book of Mormon here, and sat two rows from the very top on the second level and didnt have an issue seeing or hearing the play. Its located in the heart of downtown, so its also easy access to bars and restaurants that I would suggest checking out as well!