In mid- 2011, the Glenmore Playhouse was still known as the Glenmore Bowl, a local landmark that…read morewas known to generations of Cincinnatians on the West side for almost 85 years. When the previous owners decided it was time to call it a day, it was thought by many that this historic structure would go the way of so many others, i.e. succumbing to the fate of the wrecking ball, or simply by dying a slow and painful death from neglect. However, in the fall of 2011, The Drama Workshop (TDW), a local theatre group, purchased the building to make themselves a permanent home. Having produced community theatre in this part of Cincinnati since 1954, and having squeezed in performances at the nearby Westwood Town Hall Recreation Center for years, TDW jumped at the chance to have a place to call their own. I had seen several productions put on by The Drama Workshop while they were at the Westwood Town Hall Recreation Center, and made it a point to come out for their first production at the new location. It was Snoopy! The Musical, in October of 2012. At that time, the Glenmore Playhouse was still pretty rough as a theatre. Plywood filled in the gaps where the alley gutters and ball returns used to be. Temperature control was minimal (it was a warm October that year), and the "bowling alley acoustics" left many in the audience leaning forward and cocking their heads to hear the actors. Seating was of the old metal fold out chair variety sitting level on the floor. While there were sidewalls and a lobby, you could easily see it's bowling alley past. There was a lot of work to be done. Since then, that is in less than 2 years, the transformation here has been amazing. The temperature control problem is now gone, thanks to a new HVAC system. Acoustic panels and a few other additions have greatly improved the sound quality of both the actors and the effects. There is a professional lighting grid, beautiful new carpeting, and everything has been painted. The lobby has been redone. But the most dramatic improvement to the theatre has been the addition of padded theatre seats, complete with armrests, that are affixed to sets of movable risers, stadium style. A great improvement which I believe came from a local university that was replacing their seats, and the change here has been dramatic. For the patrons: they are comfortable, they are inviting, and due to the tiered rows, they improve the sight line to the stage immeasurably. Additionally, and a benefit for both the patrons and the theatre, is that the riser sets break apart and can be arranged to fit the set design needs. Some productions use a straight row style like you see at a movie theater, with everyone facing forward towards the elevated stage. Some are in-the-round style, with the set being in the middle at floor level, and the seats being arranged in groups on three sides of the set. Great flexibility for the production team, and great variety for the audience. Although they are limited to about 99 seats, due to minimum exit requirements, the building has room for a lot more, when the time comes. There is still work to be done, mainly reminders that the building was built in a far different era. Entering the men's restroom is like squeezing college kids into a phone booth. The odd, wedged shape room doesn't lend itself to accommodating the "accommodations" very well. There are plans to move these at some point, however, which will be a welcomed change. The steps into the building are not ADA friendly, but I understand a ramp is pretty much next on the list of things to do. Probably the most impressive thing of all is that this is done mainly by volunteers and by a few paid craftsmen. Local contractors have donated, or else provided at significantly reduced rates, the time and some of the materials to help get this place done. Volunteers are the main source of labor. A hardcore group of weekend help has made this what it is. Ah, local theatre and community involvement at its best. I am just a patron, but I go to a lot of theatre, so I reasonably well know of what I speak. I attended 88 theatre productions last year alone throughout the local Cincinnati area. I can't think of a harder working or more dedicated group of people than those who have banded together to save this beautiful old building, and turn it into this local gem. I highly recommend coming out to see what they have done here, and to watch some of the most enjoyable, affordable theatre that one could hope to see anywhere. I have also reviewed The Drama Workshop on Yelp!, so take a peek at that if you would like a little more insight into the productions and into TDW themselves.

The Drama Workshop is a hardworking and dedicated theatre group that puts on great shows. Very…read morewelcoming and friendly.

Alice in Wonderland was fantastic. First time at this little gem of a theater…read more We had second row but honestly Not a bad seat in the house- The cast did a fantastic job- We went to the second to last night so everybody was in their groove Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum were a hoot!! Clean trendy theater- highly recommend!!!

Just an outstanding experience! I've now been here twice and loved it. The facilities were…read morebeautiful and welcoming. The service was excellent and they answered all of my questions. The performances were amazing and I can't wait to return. Thank you for an incredible performance.

This is a great venue for our community theater junkies. It's beautiful on the inside, wooden…read moreflooring, comfortable seats and amazing showd.

I have seen hundreds of theater productions over my years but have to say that last nights…read moreproduction of "Legally Blonde the musical" was at a Broadway Show Level. The Footlighters perform at the Stained Glass Theater in Newport Kentucky, The stage work, lighting and costumes were amazing. A round of applause for the band, and performers who sang & danced for two hours leaving the audience laughing , crying, cheering and smiling. Great show and a real value.

Always an amazing experience here! I recently saw The Lion King, and it was absolutely stunning…read morefrom start to finish. They offer themed merchandise tied to each production, which is such a fun touch for fans. There are also plenty of concessions available, including snacks and alcoholic beverages. I had a glass of wine (a double pour, and surprisingly affordable), along with popcorn and chocolate-covered raisins. The popcorn wasn't the freshest, but it was still yummy. The venue feels very safe, with bag checks and scanners at the entrance. Bathrooms are spacious and clean. The theater itself has excellent acoustics and a large stage. There is always something exciting on the schedule, and ticket prices are usually reasonable. It's a great option for a family outing, date night, girls' night, or even a solo treat. Doors open about an hour before showtime, with access to the theater seating available 30 minutes prior.

With our family's busy schedules, we try never to miss a great show -- and the Aronoff Center has…read moresuch a great lineup this season. Last night we saw The Great Gatsby to a full house. The music and voices were fantastic, it was a really wonderful musical, and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.

Went Sat. night with wife for early anniversary outing. Been to this dinner some years ago. Great…read moreidea for d inner and show experience. Four course meal was good but chicken, rice, and vegetables was about cold when arrived at table. Chefs appetizer was fried corndogs and they ran out at serving table. Couldve brought out another tray for amount of people attending. Also not enough rolls for amount people at our table. Salad was simple and food portions small for price u pay. Actually brought out good size piece carrot cake for dessert. Show experience not as good as 1st time some years back. Show cast just seemed to kinda wing it. Main detectives forgot to introduce themselves in beginning. I mean for sort of d oing the same show for some time, shouldve been more routine. Just an ok night for amount u had to pay.

What an awesome, different experience! Dinner Detective keeps you entertained and on the edge of…read moreyour seat the entire time. It is semi interactive but not over the top. I just sat back and watched the live actors do their thing. You truly have no idea what's going to happen next. They change up the show every two to three months to keep thing's different. Hosted at the Embassy Suits in Covington it was a nice setting overlooking the Cincy riverfront. The food was like wedding food, not the best but not the worst. Easy to get to and free parking across the street. Dinner Detective is definitely worth doing.

We went here today for a school field trip and the kids (1st and 5th graders) absolutely loved it!…read moreI really appreciated that there was also adult humor incorporated into the show! The building is absolutely gorgeous and although it wasn't open today, they did have a condensation stand with a bar. Parking was a bit of a pain though, I ended up parking a block or 2 away from the theater itself. The show was incredible and blew my expectations out of the water! My only suggestion is to not sit in the top row, as you can sometimes see what is happening in the back. Overall, we loved this place and will definitely be back!

From the owner: Madcap Puppets is nationally recognized for engaging and original children's theatre productions,…read moreas well as in-school educational programs that include performances, workshops and residencies. Children's learning experiences are enriched with performances based on world literature and cultures, thanks to our partnerships with schools and libraries across the country. Audiences enjoy the collaborations with orchestras, museums, opera and ballet, which allow us to bring a richly textured artistic experience to children and their families. To kick off all the fun, we premiere each season's original productions through the Hats Off series at the Cincinnati Art Museum and Clifton Cultural Arts Center.

I saw "Snoopy the Musical" last night, very entertaining. There are 2 shows left this weekend,…read morecheck it out! Next show is "The Man Who Came to Dinner", Nov. 30-Dec 16; An American classic set in the 1930s. Famously outlandish radio wit Sheridan Whiteside is invited to dine at the home of a small-town Ohio factory owner and his family. The new theater is the perfect space!!

This small community theater does a wonderful job...we love them and the shows…read moreIf you are a community theater fan, be sure to try it....i think you'll like it

The people at the concession were so kind they allowed me to come in and sit down as I arrived…read moreearly. The popcorn was fresh and not overpriced. Great value great people great time.

Cute little gem of a theatre with a storied history. Offers a wide variety of shows for both kids…read moreand adults to enjoy and a wonderful sense of community. Definitely worth a visit!

Great theatre, Great people!!!! Anything they do is amazing. The shows are family friendly, and the…read morecast almost always comes out to meet their fans. Best theater to go to and Williamstown!!!

Thank you for this wonderful experience with The Little Shop of Horrors. The venue is fantastic…read morewith a great dinner meal and a lovely bar. The performance was world class with phenomenal talent. The ambiance was unbeatable. Cannot wait to visit again.