Great local theater group. Thoughtful productions, quality sets, skilled actors and a wonderful…read morevenue! There is street parking right on Green Street, as well as a lot diagonally across from the Mendenhall Center. The front door of the Mendenhall Center is on Green Street and opens into a comfortable lobby with seating, some tables, and a handful of vending machines along the back left wall. Restrooms are through the door to the right of the vending machines. Just in front of the vending machines is a cool spiral staircase (hard to tell that's what it is until you're right up on it, that's why I'm mentioning it!) that leads to the second floor where the New Century Theatre box office and theatre entrance is located. There is not a bad seat in the house, but I will caution you that shoulder room can be a bit tight so either surround yourself with friends or get ready to meet your neighbors :) Oh, and the theater is VERY air conditioned so you may want to bring something with sleeves even if it's sweltering outside.

From the owner: Sam Rush and playwright Jack Neary founded New Century Theatre in 1991. NCT's artistic goal is to…read moreproduce new works, area premieres and classic dramas and comedies that may not have been produced in a while. Since its inception, NCT has been in residence each summer at the Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts at Smith College. NCT is an Equity theatre that takes pride in providing employment opportunities for area professional actors, designers and technicians. NCT is a training ground for many students and emerging professionals who gain valuable experience by working on our productions.

The Academy of Music is a lovely, historic and intimate venue. There is so much history here, there…read moreare so many stories--I think my favorite is Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton attending a James Bond film here. The truth is, I attended a show here by accident. It was the weekend of The Back Porch music festival and I intended to see the show of Maine musician Griffin William Sherry. It was super difficult to get anyone on the phone, but I finally did, and was told that Griffin would be among the musicians playing at the Friday night show at the Academy of Music, which was also going to be a tribute to Willie Nelson! How exciting! So I hung up the phone, bought tickets, booked a room at Hotel Northampton, and then drove down from Maine on a Friday after work. It was a beautiful venue, and a marvelous show, performed by a who's who of western Mass musicians. The only downside was that Griffin William Sherry did *not* play in the Willie Nelson tribute. His show was at The Parlor Room, at the same time as the Willie Nelson Tribute, so we missed it. Very disappointing *and* although I wish the person I spoke to on the phone gave accurate information, we saw a pretty amazing show at a lovely venue, so four stars.

I loved the historical and classic vibe of the Theatre. The upper section gave me a bit of vertigo…read morebut it's a pretty common set up. It was big but still felt intimate. Great location - so many awesome bars and restaurants in the area (shout out to Packards and The Tunnel Bar). Parking was easy to find (and free since it was Sunday!). Minus one star because the traffic flow wasn't super well organized - you have to wait in line for drinks where people are shuffling around to find their seat section. It also did not feel accessible for those with mobility issues. Not sure if they have an elevator (didn't see signage) but the basement was a bit of a haul down the stairs (especially coming from the upper level).

Dancing is an amazing workout for your entire body. It's also an incredible discipline for your…read moremind. This place offers a welcoming and supporting atmosphere for you to better your technique and truly enjoy the art of dance! I started dancing when I was 4 years old with Lesly Makings, one of the main ballet teachers at Northeast American School of Dance. I eventually moved away from the area and am now back. I've taken dance lessons from numerous teachers in different parts of the world but Lesley is simply the best. There is no drama about the art of ballet but rather she teaches a straightforward class with a focus on bettering your technique and advancing your overall personal abilities. Her classes are a mix of ages... the Tuesday night, Friday night and Saturday morning classes range from highschool students to women in their mid fifties. There are even a number of men that occasionally join the class. Everyone has different levels of experience but the choreography adjusts simply to your own abilities. It's a very positive atmosphere for you to feel comfortable in. Overall the school seems to have very interesting class offers so in the case that ballet isn't your thing, there are definitely options to explore. I highly recommend trying out ballet though even if you're just a little bit curious - this is the perfect platform to do so. It's a great alternative to going to the gym and trying to tone with machines and an excellent way to better your posture and confidence. I believe there is a beginner intro if you're not sure how your coordination would apply to ballet. Give it a try!

We have LOVED the Iron Horse for years but although I am certain the show will be excellent tonight…read more the overall experience is way below par. Food was mediocre , you had to order by app but you had to go up to the bar to order drinks As usual the tables are very crowded together which makes getting up very difficult. We will come again because of the music but won't eat here again unless they figure a better way to food and drink service.

Renovated, beautiful music hall, all table seating, great vibe. Feels like the Community gathers…read morehere to enjoy the shows.

Senior Citizens who sing and entertain with a verve of people half their ages.Their performances…read moreare a confirmation of a commitment to being the best they can Be. For a Truly Enjoyable Experience attend a Young at Heart Performance.

if you feel listless, go see these 80 yr olds sing their hearts out. They really are elderly guys…read moren gals who will have you laughing and crying - because they know so much more than us. I wanna be like them! Just saw the documentary and it is SO inspiring. If you like music, inspiration, and perspective, go see the movie (Young@Heart) and then find out when they tour in your area.

Great place to meditate and meet others who are interested in a contemplative lifestyle. Beautiful…read morespace right near Haymarket and across from Thorne's

This center has been around the Northampton/Amherst area since about 1977, I hear. If I had known…read morehow much they offer, I'd have explored it much earlierthan I did. Although I've just been exploring for a short time now, this is my take: Warm, empowering, and deeply penetrating approach to meditation, and its affect on society, one's individual life, and the arts. Free (!?!) meditation instruction is available, both beginning and ongoing, if requested. I attended an open house, which seems to be a monthly thing. I meet with a meditation instructor that I clicked with, about once a month, to talk about my practice experience. Their web site shows the diversity and accessibility of their program offerings. Well worth the effort to check it out.

Tom Rush and his associate, who was great. Nice people! Great show! Intimate setting. We loved it!read more

Great new performing arts venue in Florence MA. Situated in a church conveniently located to…read moreNorthampton Ma.

Truly awful. Horrible smell, rapey vibes and crappy sound system. Why anyone would go there…read morewillingly is beyond me. Steer clear!

This is what someone who I assume really likes the basement said to me regarding my thoughts on how…read moreuncomfortable this place can make me: "i would offer to dislodge the urban outfitters brand stick from your ass but it seems to be firmly wedged in there with a mixture of smug elitism and yearning for your "college radio days". the effort you put into this backhanded review is off putting to say the least and leaves one to wonder why you continue to patronize establishments that you deem to be so mainstream and played out. Unfortunately, the air of hipsterdom supposedly affected by the basement pales in comparison to that in which you seem to languish."