Kelly Strayhorn Theater

No clue why I've never written a review. All I can say is what a fitting tribute this establishment is to its namesakes.Have attended quite a few events here with nothing but the best of service and enjoyment.

I came here for the Edgar Allen Poe Soeakeasy cocktail experience last Saturday. You had to go inside the lobby and get a blue wristband and then go back outside to wait in line to get in the theater - not sure if that was a Kelly Strayhorn thing or a EAPS thing. My friend and I were lucky to snag two front row seats on the far left so we had a great view of the stage. The seats do lean back a little bit which is nice. I would come back for an event here.

I got to experience this charming little theater during a short film festival. The seats were very comfortable! They also actually lean back which is a nice touch, however, some of the chairs were very squeaky and could be heard periodically through out the show. Over all had a great experience and look forward to going to more events here.

Interesting theater. Upon entering, the lobby is decorative and enticing. It makes you want to see the inside of the theater for more ornamentation. Alas, the actual theater section doesn't look anything like the entrance or lobby. Its walls are dark, as if darkened on purpose with no detail, no features. Just confused by this stark contrast, that's all.History per its website and Wikipedia indicate it originally was a silent movie theater called the Regent Theatre in 1914. It went through some periods of being open and closed and renovated. It most recently re-opened as the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in 2002, named after Pittsburgh's own dancer Gene Kelly and composer Billy Strayhorn. It's a nice quaint size seating 350 and the seats are comfortable enough with enough space for the knees.On this particular night, we had tickets to see The Chamber Music Pittsburgh's Pablo Villegas with free tickets won from WYEP radio station. Mr. Villegas is a Spanish classical guitarist and this venue was just the right size in which to enjoy his performance. The sound system was superb.

Named for Pittsburgh greats, Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, this historic theater is a real gem. Originally the Regent, built in 1914, the building was renovated in 2000 as a performing arts center for theater, dance, music and film. I have been to several fundraisers hosted by the Kelly Strayhorn, and they have always been first rate. Also, I recently attended the Kelly Strayhorn's own fundraiser, Full Bloom, which was lots of fun. As a venue, this place is definitely worth your attention, and the staff seems to bend over backward to make sure events go off without a hitch.

I attended this theatre for the first time for the Pittsburgh Shorts Festival. The theatre is nice inside with ample seating. It never got too crowded except in the women's bathroom. The entrance to the bathroom is too narrow and there was a lot of shuffling around people needed to navigate. Besides that, I don't have any complaints about the theatre.

I know I say this a lot, but we really are so lucky to have such beautiful old theaters here in the Burgh. Some may not be used as much as others, but I sure appreciate them. I attended an event here for the first time and was amazed by what good shape the theater was in. I loved the bright red chairs and classic feel. Mind you, I really know nothing of what this theater used to be used for... Although I can imagine very glamorous old movies like Singin' In The Rain (maybe this movie was not so much glamorous, but the namesake says as much). I was surprised by how comfortable it was. The seats are comfy and the leg room is decent. I can imagine by looking around that most seats are decent for viewing a show. They do offer many different events here throughout the year, which is great because it would be a sad fact if this theater wasn't used.I honestly want to look for things put on here now because I like the theater so much. Support your local theater, it really makes the city vibrant, I promise!

The Kelly Strayhorn is a good idea which is poorly executed. The facility has problems: the stairs on the house are too narrow causing trips, the bathrooms don't really have the capacity for over 300 patrons, etc.Beyond the facility you get to the actual 'poorly executed' idea. The staff is extremely un-knowledgeable about the subjects they are producing. For instance none of the programmers on staff have any training in performing arts, they are all visual arts people playing at another field. As a result they don't even know what they are really producing and any experienced person in the field can tell. The sad part about this is they REALLY try. They throw staff and new ideas at every opportunity. Don't expect great performances here, expect a talked up mediocre performance. Audience follows content and they don't have content or the staff that is knowledgeable enough to know better. Check back in in a couple of years. This apple is too green to eat much less pay for.

Not so much a performing arts center as a social-services agency in which the arts are but a vehicle. No.