2 enthusiastic jazz thumbs up! We just love the Benedum Center. Not only does the CLO put on amazing performances, but the building is a museum in itself. Each time we go, we take in the architectural beauty maintained in this beautiful theater and its halls. The lighting..so many different wall sconces and chandeliers throughout. The wallpaper adds a modern vintage feel. The hand rails going down the stairs have gorgeous designs as well. We always love our seats. A good time is sure to be had by all when attending a performance!

Went to see The Wiz, it was amazing, performance, acting and music; all good. I bought tickets somewhat late and had to pick some side seats, I was sad thinking the view was going to be bad, but you can clearly see the stage from anywhere. It was worth it. It was also a fast ticket pickup at the box office.

4🌟 as a venue for performances, BUT it needs serious modernization. 2🌟 for Pittsburgh Opera’s overall very poor production of the Flying Dutchman (better heard than watched). THE THEATRE: It’s an old movie house that has been transformed, over many years, into a theatre for the performing arts: both classical and contemporary. The interior design is a throwback to the 1920´s, a remarkable feat of preservation. The acoustics is very good, hence a great venue for live performances. BUT it needs serious modernization. THE SEATS ARE THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE FOR AN ARTISTIC THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE of any kind. It has very very narrow legroom, even for the slim/average height/weight 21st century American adult. It’s not suitable for productions longer than hour. If every other row is removed, or adjusted 1-1.5 feet, it would be a more relaxing venue. The washrooms, especially in balconies, need expanding. More toilets, urinals, and wash sinks are needed. They are also tight for wheelchair! THE OPERA PRODUCTION of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman👎👎👎 It’s better heard than watched, largely because the set design is so very pedestrian and unimaginative. With some rough patches, especially in Act I, the singing is quite good overall. The chorus in Acts 2 and 3 did well. Too many clapping between sections detracts from the operatic drama. … Inasmuch as a projected subtitling is flashed on stage, a simple “hold applause for the end of Act” would have been instructive to the audience l. AND whist it’s a Wagner Opera, the orchestra is too loud, swallowing the principals and the chorus in Act I. The Eric singer in Act II is rather weak. Opera requires not only singing but acting. This production is devoid of acting🫤🫤🫤. The production set/design is very unimaginative uncreative😡😡😡. It depended on cheap projection of mostly static images. The opera is a Wagnerian romantic drama, but the stage production looks very amateurish, like a school operetta 👎👎👎. The biggest FAUX PAS AND most laughable, are the 4 paper coffee cups and serving tray in Act II. This not Starbucks… As if that’s not enough an absurd idea, there are the plastic ice buckets in Act III 😡😡😡👎👎👎. The high cost of tickets is NOT worth this opera production.

What a beautiful building inside! I've lived around Pittsburgh for a good while now, and this was my first visit to the Benedum. It seems really cramped in the foyer when to first enter, but if you go up to higher levels, there's seating, a bar and hang out areas while you wait for the show to start. For those driving, they had coffee for sale, too. I look forward to going to another show here.

The old Stanley Theater! What a perfectly beautiful venue! I spent a lot of time there years back, seeing concerts and plays. Now I see I opera! Funny how things change but remain the same! Being away from Pittsburgh for many many years, this venue feels like home!

We have been here for a couple of events recently. This stunningly beautiful building hosts a ton of performances over the years. From the more than friendly and knowledgeable staff, their great security detail and cleanliness are above standards. Find an event that's right for you and come get your culture on by supporting the arts.

Awesome place for “the” stage productions. The facility is immaculate. So many details. I can’t imagine the time it takes to maintain. The experience will vary, from red carpet like for Hamilton to brash for shows like Mannheim Steamroller. I have my issues the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Lately a few safety issues in the area. It seems like a mad rush to leave. There is more to downtown then a show and go.

One of Pittsburgh”s best grand theaters, and financed by James Bly Clark — a co-founder of Metro Golydwyn Mayer in Hollywood—The Benedum was built one year before Wall Street crashed. It was formerly called the Stanley (a movie house) and was revamped on 1987. The grand lobby features the original woodwork and marble. Its light is cast by over 90 chandeliers. Never a bad seat at any of its pertetual winning performances. See my art and other view on instagram. Christine clay studio and stuff.