It's an old Victorian style theater with a lot of charm. Seating is prompt and the acoustics are good. We've been there for the Messiah Sing Along and a Broadway show and both times we enjoyed ourselves. The leg room isn't that great though.
The Southern Theater was renovated the year I moved to Columbus (1998). It is incredibly ornate and visually stunning. The seats in the second balcony are tough because there is so little leg room but the sound and view upstairs is excellent. Treat yourself and sit in the mezzanine level or on the floor. Beautiful!
Great show, prompt seating, great acoustics, very friendly staff. Highly recommend this venue. This theatre is architecturally fascinating as well.
The theater looked great on the inside although you would not believe it looks that good from the outside. Went to the Jazz show April 12, it was awasome. Loved it
When CAPA took over the Southern Theatre, I was really excited. Finally Columbus was going to get another beautifully restored theatre downtown. Well, they did and they didn't. The lobby is fairly non-existent, and the bathrooms, though nicely modernized are not exactly easy to find. They did a lovely job restoring the auditorium, until you start examining the seating closely. A number of the seats on the main floor, which are comfortable and nicely spaced are already broken. The loge seems to be in better shape, but the balcony is dreadful. the seats are small and way to close to together. I am not a tall man (5'10") yet my knees have to be angles to avoid be mashed into the seat back in front of me. Also, there is absolutely no air circulation in the balcony. No matter the weather, the balcony becomes over hated and the air becomes stale very quickly. It is too bad, because they spent a lot of money on this little jewel of a theatre.
This is a beautifully redone place, that is really central to the attempt to revitalize a section of columbus, that has been historically poor and under-developed. Go see a wonderful play, then go patronize the area places, this place is on its' way up...
Fantastic Acoustics and great sight lines. This is the perfect size theater. I wish they had more concert here.
Warm, intimate setting. Good acoustics. Easy to get to and from. We go there for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and the ProMusica performances.
This gem was saved from the wrecking ball, then sold to the Westin chain. It's the home of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and many other musical events in Columbus. If you have a chance to visit, there isn't a bad seat on the first floor or first balcony. The second balcony is a little steep.
We frequently go to the Southern Theater for opera performances, and have seen a few plays there, too. It is a much smaller venue than the Ohio Theater or the Palace, but is a great place to watch a show.