My first time at Villanova Theater and it was GREAT!…read more I was so excited to see half-price tickets to 'Nova's theater on Philly Funsavers! I was also thrilled to see "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for Nov because it is traditionally played in spring or summer. Grabbed a very well priced ticket, and took myself out for a mom escape night. I called ahead about parking, and was politely helped so I knew where I could and could not park (which is a PiTA on any college campus). A quick walk up to Vasey Hall (the theater's current home), and a lit marquee shows you where to enter (the side facing 30). Their lobby is standard, with professional ticket box. Ushers greet you with a program. Theater is black box style, with seating on 3 sides of the stage. I was SO impressed with the quality of acting! I wasn't sure what I'd get from a college performance, but this was major cool! I've been to other local college theater productions, and I am impressed every time. As good as local community theater (and our community theaters hire talent from all over). Shakespeare is often performed in themes, time periods, etc. to drive home a classic point with double meaning in the new context, clever duplicity, which the Bard is known for himself. It also shows the relativity of any given play's drama currency to a time or theme, because Shakespeare is always relevant (which is why he is everpopular). The director of this production did an almost all-female cast. Only three characters were male. The females playing male parts were super well done with costume, expression, mannerism, and voice. They exaggerated the machismo a bit, and a bit of chauvinism came through to me, which was so ironic because female actresses cultivated this rendition of the play. I have seen/read this play a ZILLION times, and never noticed this stance could be lifted from the text. When the Athenians are reveling at the wedding dinner, the only female who speaks is Hippolyta, and briefly. This was underscored in the 'Nova production by making the women all sit at their man's feet. This scene is always done to show the Athenian audience's thoughts on the amateur play (a reference to Shakespeare's own awareness of his audience, as well as a reference to the drama that unfolded the night before in the woods, when these lovers themselves were "fools these mortals" to the fairy kingdom, who played them silly). But this director's choice to dress Theseus like a tacky craps player, and raise the volume on the men's brouhaha manner of heckling the wedding play, was further evidence of machismo superiority, which I have never before seen emphasized as such in other productions (all of which did their own unique take on the play). This is what I love about Shakespeare! Additionally, this director took the Titania-Bottom scene allll the way there, per the references in prose. Never saw that either. Oh la la! So funny! Oh, and I can't be sure, but when Bottom gets turned into an ass, I think his hat was meant to look like a MAGA one. LMFAO! It was also interesting that the director had Bottom be a woman when a human character (normally assumed to be a male), and when she turns into an ass, she becomes a man (with a MAGA hat). Again, more innuendo, which the Bard would love, especially because this almost-all-female cast was doing the very same thing across the rest of the play. Note that in Elizabethan times, only males were allowed to act, so all the female roles were done in drag. 'Nova's reverse gender bender is yet another layer of twist, totally characteristic of the Bard's canon. I am an avid Shakespeare fan, and I thoroughly enjoyed this performance! No one can replace Christian Bale for my Demetrius, nor Lloyd for Puck (Evan Matthew Cohen in a "Malcolm in the Middle" episode), but the 'Nova cast did a hella great job just the same! I can't wait to go back to see more from Villanova Theater! Look up the famous quotes from "A Midsummer Night's Dream," you will find familiar lines you hear often in pop culture... and they're over 420 years old! Shakespeare was the man!

A little known gem! High quality theatre at an affordable price on the Main Line. They produce a…read morewide range of plays and musicals. Free parking in the VU Main Lot @ Lancaster & Ithan Avenues. Shows are on par with all professional theatres in Philadelphia (They have been nominated for over 50 Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre since 1995), but the cost is much more reasonable. Perfect for an easy night out on the town, esp. with so many local restaurants nearby. Also home to a renowned graduate program where students can earn their Master's in Theatre, a graduate certificate in practical theatre, and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management. They also just launched a partnership with Ireland's National Theatre, The Abbey. Definitely worth checking out, if you haven't already!

We came to the theatre to see Steel Magnolias. The staff was friendly and the performance was…read moregreat. What a great price for a great night !

Always a pleasure visiting this awesome theater. The staff is always fantastic and the seating is…read morewonderful. The shows are all so good and the prices are great. Love this theater.

I love this little theater with a big heart. Just saw "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" last…read moreweekend - and it was completely delightful. The perfect way to kick off Spring. Entirely volunteer operated, with open auditions, Barley Sheaf attracts some really talented locals, and makes for an economical fun night out!

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the 50th season (wow!) opener "Don't Drink The Water" by Woody…read moreAllen. The performance was well done and really funny - the audience laughed throughout the entire evening. We liked it so much that we're going back to see it again! We've been happily entertained by other shows at Barley Sheaf. It's a charming little theatre with wonderful people and lots of talent!

Had a wonderful evening at this theater last night. The renovation and remodeling job appears to be…read moreabsolutely incredible. This is a revitalization of a movie theater, or almost Vaudeville looking theater from the early 1900s. Complete with a huge marquee outside. It now has 1200 seats and is a perfect venue for viewing concerts on the stage. A couple very positive things to point out besides the fact that it looks absolutely fantastic inside. Number one, the seats are incredible. No I don't mean just the view of the stage, I mean, the actual seats, they are cushioned, in great shape, large, and spacious. Meaning unlike an old theater that you feel like you might need to squeeze in between the arm rails, these chairs are ample. With plenty of legroom, too. Next, this venue is clearly going to be a great deal for the little town, as 1000+ people descend to go to a show, many of them are looking for bars and restaurants to attend. Here the town seems to recognize this! There are volunteers, and even a police presence out front of the venue to make sure that everybody can cross the road safely to the parking lot located across the street. Third is the ease of getting an Uber. While I am unsure of parking at large, I did see a lot across the street, I decided to take an Uber. Very easy to get dropped off, and just a tip I learned, on pick up, place yourself at the nearby Septa train station parking lot and get out of the fray, I called for the Uber when the show ended and by the time I got to the parking lot, my Uber was just pulling in. Overall, just a really nice venue and one that I'm looking forward to visiting again.

Just amazing sound , wish they had some more snacks Had a great time a lil pricy, but I felt safe…read morewith security etc so thanks for restoring this structure

Interesting shows in a comfortable room…read more The theater is intimate with good sound. The volunteer staff is helpful and friendly. The nearly area has many good restaurants and parking is easy.

My husband and I attended the Killer Queen concert recently. We love the theater and are big fans!…read moreIt's much easier driving into West Chester than Philadelphia, the parking is cheap/free, and the neighborhood is safe. Everyone at the theater is so welcoming, and we walked in without a wait or any lines for the restrooms. So, what was the problem? Some audience members were out of control and/or intoxicated. Thankfully, we were on the second level, but right in front of us on the first level, we witnessed two fights. One started when one of the audience members who was visibly under the influence kept standing and holding up his beer. At one point, I believe he spilled beer on a patron and a fight ensued. The unhappy couple who had the beer spilled on them walked out, and no one from the theater came over to handle the situation. Shortly thereafter, another man from the same group started yelling at a woman who was seated. He stood over her wildly gesturing as if ready to strike her while a patron seemed to try to grab his arm from behind. Audience members kept looking back to see if anyone was going to address this situation. By the way, this all happened during the show which was extremely distracting and distressing. Finally, the theater manager came over to escort the man and his friends away. However, the man came back and tried to go back to his seat. Again, he had to be escorted away. If the theater is going to continue to serve alcohol, they will need to hire security particularly during shows similar to this one--and not just a theater manager. This is needed to keep their audience members safe and to continue to ensure a quality experience.

Great sound, fantastic, intimate venue. Compliments to the gracious staff,…read more They know how to handle a crowd and treat their guests... saw the legendary Buddy Guy & was close enough to the stage that he handed me a pick. Once in a lifetime event. Thank you for hosting such a great show!

Oodles of staff!!…read more Tommy emanuel performing this evening. Staff really kept the flow of attendees moving in and out quite smoothly. Such a wonderful evening. In the end, everyone was singing along to some Beatles medley whilst Tommy emanuel played his guitar. So grateful to all that made this evening possible.

This is such a special theater. We just saw Frozen here. The performers were phenomenal with great…read morevoices. I'm amazed at the talent of these young singers especially the actresses playing Elsa and Anna. The child playing Olaf was so funny. My 3 year old daughter loved the show and can't stop singing. I love the size of the theater. Because it's a small theater there aren't any bad seats. Parking is also right across the street and it's free. For $18 to $20 a ticket and free easy parking I much rather come here than deal with seeing a show in NYC or Philly for five times the cost or more. The lights and sound were surprisingly good especially considering the size of the theater and the performers being children. This truly is a gem. I can't wait to see more shows here.

I took the kids to see Jack and the Beanstalk on Saturday, April 18, my first trip to this theatre…read more The acting and singing were pretty good, enough to keep my 6 and 11 year old children completely absorbed. The sets and costumes looked professional. I liked that the cast members were available after the show in a large room off to the side of the theatre for pictures, autographs, etc. We got a signature from the actress who played the cow, one of the better bovine performances I've ever seen. :) The show was about 90 minutes long, including an intermission where you could get water, juice boxes, and cookies. Tickets for this show were $10 each, and there was plenty to keep the parents interested in the show as well. In the front, the building looks like a large Delaware Ave mansion (which it probably was), and behind the house section is a large theatre attached, able to seat about 150 people (guesstimate). The chairs are not attached to the floor, and several of the rear rows are raised up, but its not uncommon to have to perch a smaller child on your lap. All the seating is general admission. The Theatre is located right at the top of the Rte 52 exit off I-95 southbound. A pretty charming experience all around. My kids want to go back to the Winnie the Pooh show in May. A much more rewarding time than a trip to the movies, at about the same price (or less when you consider popcorn and drink prices).

Went to the Forge Theatre on First Ave in Phoenixville last night to see a show called "Play On."…read more The cast was fantastic, the show was hilarious. Such a great venue for local actors to ply their trade right in the heart of our bustling town.

I'm giving it a 1-star as 0 is not an option. My husband and I made a really bad choice by going…read moreto this theatre last Saturday, 9/30. We got there 5 minutes before 8pm and were trying to find 2 seats together. There were mostly single seats but there was one 2 seats together in the corner right next to the entrance. They were marked 'for guests coming in late so as not to disturb the show'. We were pretty sure it would be fine and were about to take our seats when one of their attendants rudely stopped us saying we had to take 2 separate single seats. One seat was on the left and the other on the right across the room, how ridiculous!! My husband argued and finally she agreed, but on leaving, she said 'a--ho--! We were totally shocked at that outrageous language. We kept our cool and did not want to cause a scene. We have been going to numerous theatres in the suburbs, in Philadelphia, even Broadway and have never been treated like that or ever had such a horrible experience. This theatre is just a small, run-down, 'Mom & Pop' theatre with such uncomfortable hard chairs (wooden chairs covered with red cloth just to look nice). There is probably no backstage as the performers have to go back and forth through the entrance next to our seats. The stage is so small that the performers stand just about 2 feet away from the front row! This was our first and last patronage to this lousy theatre run by a 'no-class' management.