The Brown Theatre

The W. L. Lyons Brown Theatre, originally called the Brown Theatre, is a restored theatre dating back to 1925 that seats approximately 1,400 patrons in Louisville, Kentucky. It is one of three venues owned by Kentucky Performing Arts. We attended a performance of The Pirates of Penzance. which originally on December 31, 1879 on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The theatre is located adjacent to the famous Brown Hotel, which is I have reviewed separately This review solely reflects the Theatre and the performance.We had sets in the Balcony area to the far right of the stage. All in all a positive experience. The hilarious antics in Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirate of Penzance. Troy Cook gave an amazing performance as Major-General Stanley. Frederic was played by Martin Bakari with Mabel being played by Brennan Blakenship, each gave a award winning performance in the respective roles adding amazing depth to the characters that they portrayed. They are truly gifted performers.There was also an after party, Party with the Pirates, which the benefits go to support Kentucky Opera Center for Cultural Health. We did not know in time, and unfortunately were unable to attend this side attraction. WARNING: to all retired and active LEOs/LEOSA this theatre does not permit ANYONE carrying a weapon inside. So be aware of this just a point that may lead to a issue when visiting if you are not aware of this prior. THEY MAKE NO EXCEPTIONS. Also valet parking is HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Also please note if you pay for valet parking at the Theatre and are staying at the Brown Hotel (Next door) they are not the same, so make sure before assuming that you have paid for valet parking at the Theatre.

A beautiful theater. We have been there to watch Louisville Ballet a number of times over the past few years. We haven't ever bought food or drinks, so I can't speak to that experience, but the ushers and staff have always had a smile and been so helpful. Make sure you use the restroom on the ground or lower levels BEFORE going up to balcony seats, there isn't one up there and it's a lot of steps to do when you're in a hurry to make it to your seats before curtain.

This is such a great place to go and see an event, mostly.Everyone who works there is super awesome and it's a rather intimate venue so that's cool.The concerns are lack of accommodations for people who are differently abled such as only one elevator, and you may still have to do stairs to get to your seat if you're in the balcony. Also, if you sit on the floor downstairs, it's difficult to see over other people's heads because of the slope. Still I would highly recommend this place. It's awesome. I really enjoy watching the ballet here!

What a magical experience to attend a female comic stand up show, Heather McMahan. The theater is nostalgic and you can feel the energy there. The crowd was fun and lively. Staff and volunteers to assist you, 3 bars, bathrooms on street and lower levels and comfortable seating to see a fun show. Heather was excellent, really funny and the venue is just so cool. Theater space from the past with renovations. The parking garage is past the main entrance to the Brown Hotel on 4th street and an easy walk to the theater. Bars get crowded so plan accordingly.

I visited the Brown theater for work conference this week. I have never been to the Brown theater and I've always wanted to check it out because it's one of Louisville's oldest theater/hotels it's got a lot of legacy and legends in golf just mythology behind it. It's very old you can tell but it is kept up nice seats were comfortable small close together seats but that's OK it was a good theater with a lot of cool public art and statues inside.

We went to see Joe Gatto of Impractical Jokers fame and he was funnier than I thought he was going to be. The show was great, even the opening acts and those guys could have probably stretched their shoes out and been the main event. The theatre is old and has an old timer feel to it which I like, the down side of old theaters is the seats are very small. Also, some drunkard in the row behind us spilled his beer which poured down into our row and soaked into my wife's purse which is gross. She had to put her large purse on the floor due to the lack of room in the seats for comforts sake. Parking wasn't ideal and homeless people were all over the place, in front of and around the theatre. For the right show we would definitely return but my wife will pack lighter so her purse won't have to sit on the floor.

Obviously, a theatre experience is going to be greatly influenced by the performance taking place there. Breaking that aspect out as best I can, The Brown Theatre is a very nice place to see a show!I've been to a few performances here, comedy and musical acts, and the staff is always friendly and helpful, the room always tidy and classy, and the venue easy to navigate. There's hardly a bad seat in the place!

Excited to revisit The Brown! Since the 1925 opening with seating at approximately 1400 including the balconies. Best seating area is lower level? (Theater sections B&C ) My last it had been a few years ago previous to the 1998 rededication. After learning of Artist and comedian Kathleen Madigan was performing I booked 2 tickets. I wasn't able to book thru a outside vender so I contacted the box office a few days before the show. Such friendly and attentive to service. Easy peasy! The gentleman found two seats and given best info for parking. As we arrived we walked a short distance to the lobby as we entered I found I had taken a different entrance which was the Brown Hotel easy to do the names are the same Beautiful place yet that's to be another review. On to the theater! Upon entering the spacious foyer the Will call tickets easily available. With our tickets in hand we next visited the bar. Note: Extra temporary bars set up for the larger crowd. After being ushered to our seats the room seamed smaller then remembered. The place was beautiful The acoustics are great. The seats are so comfortable. The show was awesome! The entire experience was memorable. Looking forward to visiting again.

I attended two events at the Brown Theatre in less than 48 hours. Most of the shows I attend are at other venues but I forget how great The Brown really is. PROS:- Intimate space - Great acoustics - probably one of the best sounding rooms in Louisville- Reasonable drink prices- Wonderful staff members that are incredibly helpful- Parking available in lots nearby so it's an easy space to get toCONS: - There are not many restrooms- There is not much space between rows. If someone has to get up and walk past you during the performance -- they are basically in your lap. A gal in the row behind me tripped on something an spilled red wine all down my back and my chair. An accident, for sure, but the small rows probably were partially to blame. - If people stand during the show it can be hard to see

What you need to know about the Brown Theatre is that for a venue of its size, it has the best sound in Louisville.I don't think I can count how many shows I've seen at the Brown Theatre, there are just far too many. Setting aside issues with performers (I'm looking at you mid-2000's Ryan Adams), I have never had anything less than an excellent experience there.The staff is always helpful if you need a hand finding your seat or if you have an issue with your seat. The restrooms are convenient and most times there is a bar with a very nice selection, if that is your thing.I always look forward to going to the Brown Theatre because I know is going to be memorable. Most recently I was there for The War on Drugs and sat front row center. Easily one of the best shows I've ever seen there.Cheers to the Brown Theatre for being world class AND located in Louisville at that, see you again soon.