If you are in Parkersburg when there is an event at the Smoot, be sure to go! It is a beautiful and charming place, carefully restored and elegant. The entertainment events are always great. We went to see "A Christmas Carol" and it was wonderful. I live in Parkersburg but was with a friend from Canada who also thought it was nice.
The Smoot has been well restored and maintained. It is run by a dedicated volunteer staff.
We've been to two major events at this restored Vaudeville house. The venure is beautiful, but the sound system is simply horrid. We striggled through a performance last year - during which the sound reinforcement system failed repeatedly. This past week we just left at intermission after hearing almost nothing of a first act. We'll not go back. Locals have an emotional attachment to the facility - a fixture of the local downtown since 1926. But for those expecting to see and hear a great performance, this will dissappoint. They try really hard, but until they get the soud system fixed, I'd recommend a drive to a larger city with a better facility. Live performanceis always best - but if you can't hear what's going on, there's just no point in leaving your house.
We visited this theater because my daughter came in 2nd in her age division when she ran the Parkersburg WV half-marathon race and that is where the awards were given out. Its is a restored theater...very impressive and the huge chandelier in there was beautiful. A definite must see if you visit Parkersburg WV.
I visited the Smoot between shows. I was shown around by the owner, so I can only comment on the beautiful theatre, and it is a place of luxury. The decor, the upholstery, the polish and finish makes this a classy place. Look at the framed pictures on the walls....you may recognize some famous figures
This old, but revived theater is a gem of the Parkersburg area on 5th Street in downtown.The shows are among the best anywhere and are always presented at a reasonable price.Any musical/theatrical taste will find something to enjoy, from children's shows to touring Broadway shows to big name performers of all types - classical to rock to country/western.This place was rescued from destruction by a group of people dedicated to preserving something wonderful from the early 20th century, and is currently managed by artistic director, Felice Jorgeson; who tirelessly brings top drawer shows and musical acts to the Smoot stage. She also directs the amazing Smoot House Band of local musicians, which is highly competent.
This grand lady dates back many years to the time of vaudeville . Many traveling vaudeville acts graced the stage of this historic theatre. For many years it was a movie theatre and after many years of showing some of the best first rate movies she was almost torn down but thanks to some many people this grand old lady is home to plays,musicals, children's thearter and more. If you have a chance to go there you will glad you did .
The Smooth Theater is typical of a small town attempt to support the arts. It is a beautiful old building, but entertainment is usually novice.
Completely refurbished and comfortable setting for all types of entertainment from plays to musical groups. Separate room to eat and drink. Groups can schedule private tours to see the complete facility.
A classy old theatre restored to it's former beauty, the Smoot is a welcome sight in downtown Parkersburg. The renovation is beautiful and the only drawback is the sound system. Perhaps they could add some comedian dates to the calendar to get the younger crowd to visit a classic theatre.