Byham Theater

Address:	101 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Phone:	+1 412-456-6666
Site:	trustarts.org
Rating:	4.5

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 37

David Walker

Entrance to the Byham Theatre is near the corner of 6th St. and Fort Duquesne Blvd, next to the Renaissance hotel. Theres also a box office next door to pick-up your Will Call tickets, and it opens two hours before the show. The theater itself opens one-hour before the show, and seating usually opens 30 minutes prior to opening curtain. There are several obstructed seats, including in the box-seats, so pay very careful attention to where the columns are on the websites seating chart. Restrooms are in the basement, and not nearly large enough to handle the audience during intermission. Lots of people coming back after the second-half of "A Musical Christmas Carol" had already started. Theres also a coat check in the basement. The theater itself is much smaller than Heinz Hall, has wood-slat floors, and is quite ornate in an old-world European sort of way. Reminded me of a small theater that I ran across in Austria once. There is also a special needs office at the top of the entrance ramp on the right, with Braille, closed-caption, and large-print programs for those that need them. They sell candy and treats in the main lobby, so expect lots of wrapper crinkling during the performance, which was near rampant during this show. Theres also a small bar for alcohol and mixed drinks. Expect to have your ticket checked numerous times by numerous staff; from the entrance door where they scan your ticket, to the entrance to the main hall, and then again at the entrance to the theater seating area. It was tedious. And if its a "family oriented" show, expect to have kids talking during the entire performance, their little voices carrying across great distances in this small venue. Sound quality in the upper tier is not great, especially if there is dialogue and singing at the same time: they compete for your attention despite the low key in which the singers are trying to sing, it nearly drowns out the actual spoken dialogue. Ive been to both the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts and Heinz Hall, and this theatre is a small gem in the Cultural District. Parking is readily available in a 5-deck parking garage directly across the street from the Byham, or a block away across from Heinz Hall behind Starbucks.

Tom Pendergast

My "grumpy old man" is coming through here, sorry. The acoustics and sight lines are above average, of course. What isnt unfortunately is the seating comfort. If youre spoiled by big cushy movie theater seating you might want to think twice here. Plus the big letdown was the on-line seating chart. I wrongly assumed there was a side aisle so I went for those two end seats. BZZZZ, nope. We had 20 people to squeeze by, not a good way to be seated.

Christopher Snellgrove

Place was small, but could see everything from every seat. The rows are WAY too close together, but thats the only complaint I have. As someone who is 6 2", my knees were jammed into the seat in front of me. But, being 110 years old, I guess that was not put into account. Overall, no real issue.

Youssef Hamami

Second time coming here. Always enjoyed it. The theater is small enough that even if you are sitting in the back rows you still can enjoy the show as much as if you are sitting in the middle. Beautiful venue, nice atmosphere, and beautiful paintings on the walls. It transports you in time.

Sue Riggle

My daughters & I came to see A Musical Christmas Carol and we loved it!! We were lucky enough to get great seats close to the front that were not only good but, roomy for our legs!! Im very glad because my knee has been very bad with arthritis! Would love to go there again!!!

Travis Reitsma

Didnt go to the theatre, but a valet named Geoff found my wallet outside the building and went out of his way to return it. I was travelling from Windsor, ON, and losing my wallet would have been a nightmare. Go to this theatre and top the damn valets.

Judith Haseleu

Lovely theater. Restored decor of original theater. Good acustics. Downtown Pittsburgh. Cultural Area. Restaurants Clubs Bars. Trendy crowds. Parking available. Public Transportation. Hotels. Daytime shopping. Fast food. Places of worship.

Chuck Arnold

This is a grand, fairly well kept theater. Its a fine place to see a CLO production of "A Musical Christmas Carol." I liked the part when a cast member yelled at my friend Tim and told him to wake up, its almost over! Hilarious.

mark rehn

A lovely structure, but it needs some remodeling and upkeep. The stage has featured lovely shows of all kinds. The seating is nice legroom on the main floor, but the upstairs is for people of a lesser stature. Enjoy the show!.

David Heathcote

Pittsburghs theater district gem. I dont think theres a bad seat in the house. Good selection of shows coming soon. Close to parking. Theater is old style classy and looks great. Seats are comfortable for your average person.

Damon Howard

This is a great place to see a live show. Parking is available in the area. The theater is also pretty of friendly. I have seen Super Why here and Daniel Tiger. All of the seats in the house are good.

Jon Lyle

Love this old theater. Just not the little old ticket police officers! When the theater is half full let us sit where we want so we can be comfortable and not feel like sardines please.

Guinavere Myers

I had an amazing time at the musical Disenchanted! This is an older theater, not a ton of flair yet somehow still magical?!? The staff are nice and helpful. I will be back lol

Mikhala McMasters

I came to this theater to see a show and had to come straight from the airport due to a flight delay. They absolutely would not accommodate my bag. It was very frustrating.

Maxim Tsupko

This venue is a little shabby (paint peeling from ceiling in places) but that just adds to its charm. I did not think a concert hall could be cozy but this place is.

Michael Wolkiewicz

Came here with my daughter and my boyfriend to see Suessical. I love this place! It has such an old-school, classical feel!

Ken Kubala

Older medium size theater in downtown Pittsburgh that holds various types of shows. Acoustics are ok, seats are ok.

Mandy Hartman

Omg! This place is gorgeous! Knowledgeable and friendly staff, beautiful venue! Not a bad seat in the house!

Christopher Chirdon

I like that the Byham does less traditional theatre and is willing to host odd and occasionally edgey shows.

Dan Hall

Great venue. Not a bad seat in the house with parking and transportation available right outside.

Lawrence Robinson

Seats are from a different era in America. Im average tall and barely fit - my knees were jammed.