Went and saw the Christmas symphony and it was absolutely amazing. Orchestra was fantastic the choir amazing and the conductor absolutely controlled the show perfectly. Guess singer from American Idol was stunning. Coming from the entertainment capital of the world of Las Vegas Nevada we were very impressed with how amazing the show was. The venue was stunning and the sound and lighting was fantastic an amazing crew an amazing symphony and an amazing conductor all put together created a wonderful Christmas special. Everybody in the venue was so friendly. From the greeters at the front door to the people at the bar to the people who sat us... What a fantastic bunch of people in Portland Maine. As chill as it was everybody was so happy and it's such a welcome feeling in the world today. Cannot say enough about this amazing symphony, this amazing theater, and more importantly this amazing staff who made us feel so welcome. Thank you so much and we can't wait to see you again soon read more

Great Holiday Show by the POS, atmosphere and seating was perfect. The music was really nice, I would have wanted to hear more of the Classic Christmas tunes than what they chose but it was still enjoyable. read more

Merrill Auditorium - Picture of stage from where we were seated - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Maine

We have seen PSO shows at the Merrill. The Magic of Christmas and Star Wars a New Hope. Both shows were fantastic! The seats were comfortable and not too cramped. You can clearly see the stage and the instrument sounds filled the venue beautifully. The volunteers were so nice and definitely have a pep in their step. There many of them, there to greet and bring you to the general area of your seats. I say general area, because one actually brought us to the opposite end of the row were were seated. It's ok, we were there early and just walked back around. She apologized, when she saw us walking back the other way. As expected with older venues - there are a lot of stairs to traverse if you are in the balcony - this your warning. Drinks and restrooms are not available at every level, so make sure you plan accordingly. Parking is separate and it's not a bad walk - just wear comfortable shoes, so you don't twist your ankle. Security was friendly - expect the metal detectors, wanding, emptying of pockets and searching of bags. Typical for most venues. We look forward to our next show this year! read more

This is a terrible venue. 1) The sound system sucks. We saw 3 comedians and 2 of them, including the headliner (Sal Vulcano) were so distorted that we could only understand 50% of what was being said. 2) The bathrooms on the balcony level were a hike from the seats. They haven't been updated since the 70s and there aren't enough stalls for the number of people in attendance. 3) The elevator was broken, or it just never came. I had a knee injury and could barely manage the 4 flights of marble steps up to the balcony. 4) Row A of the balcony has zero leg room. If you are over 5'8" good luck. The other rows are roomier. 5) The bottleneck on the way out is insane. If there is a fire in that place, you're screwed. read more

This is a beautifully restored space with perfect acoustics and the symphony, as always, was/is extraordinary!

This is a beautiful space. We went to see Jerry Seinfeld the other night and I don't believe there is a bad seat in the place. Our seats were all the way at the top against the wall and we had a great time. I did notice if you were a few seats lower you need to be careful on the stairs. They seem very steep. The acoustics are amazing. We are looking forward to going back to listen to a music show sometime. Tickets are easy to get, and the staff does a super job getting everyone into their seats and exiting after the show. Great location for dinner and drinks before/after the shows. read more

Merrill Auditorium - All the way back against the wall center isle - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Maine

We went back to Merrill for another show, one we had committed to before our rough experience described below. It was a better experience this time, but mostly because we planned around the shortcomings we had experience. We arranged to get dropped off and picked up to avoid not being able to access the limited handicapped parking. And this time the elevator was working, a relief, as we were in the balcony nosebleed section this time. We were actually in the very last row, something we usually like, but the odd design here made that row had less leg room than any other row, less than than of a Spirit Airline seat! My wife had to leave her seat for cramping. They wouldn't allow her to have her walker in the very back, but were nice enough to fetch her a seat, so we watched the show separately. Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me was entertaining and worth seeing. It didn't feature Paula Poundstone, but Ask Amy's Amy was excellent and my wife is a fan of her advice column. They had taped the radio version of the show the night before, so this episode was not destined to air by itself. That meant the guests and stars could act out and not have to watch what they say. It was wildly fun. So we are glad we went, thouh we will stick to our plan to avoid Merrill for future events to avoid the accessibility issues. read more

Merrill Auditorium - The set for the taping of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Maine

So, each year we enjoy the Kennerly Christmas event. But this year for four tickets the service charge was $126.00 I was ripped off, clearly. For my adult life, my response to this kind of thing is to make it public, and also simply to not return. Both of which I shall do. The charge is appalling, so ... BYE! read more

Quality productions, caring volunteers. Shameful bathroom situation- looooooong lines that wrap twice the length of the main hall. If men had the same wait times as the women this would not still be a problem. No hot water from taps for hand washing. A single turtle slow elevator to serve four floors of seating. Seating in any of the balcony sections is practically child sized, completely uncomfortable for anyone with hips or longer legs. Home town arts fan so I really hope they do better, I'd certainly go to more show if they did. read more

This review is a few weeks tardy but I wanted to get it in as the auditorium is such a beautiful place with great seating and a nice variety of entertainment. One of my favorite events they have here is the Broadway series, always great shows with great New York talent. I recently saw Jesus Christ superstar which I have probably seen 10 times live including the original cast a couple of times in LA. If not my favorite show it's definitely in the top two or three and this one did not disappoint. The show had good acting and voices as usual but particularly poignant and dramatic and raw. As it was coming to a close I noticed both my date and I were tearing up and we were not alone, quite an experience! read more

A beautiful theater for a show. Feels like something special. I've taken my daughter to see The Nutcracker at Christmas twice and she loves it. I do agree that the concession stands could use some work, though. It's also unfortunate that there are no bathrooms on the grand tier level. read more

Magic of Christmas is fantastic with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Magic of Christmas Chorus, Windham Chamber Singers and Elisabeth Marshall as a soloist. If this does not put you in a Holiday Spirit you must truly be the Grinch! read more

Merrill Auditorium - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Maine

It's been many years since a concert venue treated me with such outright hostility. Today I went for a Portland Symphony concert; never again in that hall. They made all the concertgoers pass through metal detectors, and the guard told me I couldn't bring in the Swiss Army knife which I carry everywhere without getting a complaint. I went back to my car and left it, along with my house keys just to be safe. The hall itself is excessively live. I had a balcony seat a couple of hundred feet from the stage, yet the sound of the orchestra hurt my ears. The percussion bit excessively through everything else. I left at intermission, and even there I had problems. The exits were all roped off, and I didn't see anyone official-looking I could talk to. I figured this bunch would scream at me if I left through a closed-off way. Finally someone else opened the rope and went out, and I followed them. (Nobody screamed at us.) Nothing would make me go back there. read more

My wife and I have attended two performances here this year and have had wonderful experiences both times. The venue is beautiful, the service is fantastic and the ushers are extremely attentive. Highly recommend! read more

Merrill Auditorium - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Maine

See all

I love the Merrill Auditorium. What a wonderful venue to have in the city! It's got such a different vibe, scene, and atmosphere than The State or Port City does. And it's important to have such diverse options, because it allows for more, and a more broad selection of, entertainment. And I really have seen so many good things here! Sufjan Stevens and Nickel Creek (we were sat just rows away from the stage for both performances, and our experience felt very intimate because of how up-close-and-personal to the artists we were; it was nearly impossible to imagine that there was a giant auditorium behind us!). The Nutcracker by the Maine State Ballet (we sat further away, in section one of the terrace, which were actually great seats because they were slightly elevated). A filming of Nosfertu around Halloween that was accompanied by someone playing the kotzschmar organ (they do a silent film accompanied by music every year). And The Magic of Christmas by the Portland Symphony Orchestra that moved me to tears. The acoustics and lighting have always been spot on for the varying performances I've seen, and the physical space itself (temperature, chairs, etc.) was comfortable - not once was I pulled out of what was happening before me. It's an old building and while that's a huge part of it's charm, it's also important to remember - the lobby is small, and because of the way it's designed it gets VERY crowded VERY fast. The bathrooms are clean and plentiful (meaning it's easy to get in and out during intermissions); there's wine and sometimes fresh baked goods; and the staff - after having been a part of an emergency evacuation procedure, I can tell you firsthand - is calm, cool, and collected. Love this spot! read more

we attended the Brit Floyd show on March 3, 2024. My wife and I are disabled and the staff at the auditorium were extremely helpful and so very nice. they let my wife store her Walker out of the way, and retrieved it anytime she got up. They helped make the show and experience very enjoyable read more

I love how this humble auditorium is filled with energy every time I come by for a show, no matter who is performing! I did a bit of digging, and it turns out Merrill Auditorium was built in 1912 (no surprise, right? Maine is super old) and the seating capacity is 1900. Is that number right? That's more than some small towns! It's also seen the likes of SUPER FAMOUS people such as John Philip Sousa and George Gershwin. I don't remember what they've composed, but they were a BIG DEAL back when I took a introductory music course. More recently, I've had the pleasure of seeing Rock of Ages, Potted Potter, and my new all-time favorite--Blue Man Group! It's amazing to find such big name shows here, and it's even more amazing because it's a relatively small space, which means I get to be even closer to the stage, no matter where I'm seated! I have no complaints, and I look forward to seeing more great shows here in the future. :) read more

It is a lovely 1,900 seat auditorium with abundant and inexpensive parking ($6 or so in any lot) that is within walking distance of the Old Port. The staff is very friendly and accomodating, the sight lines are good, and the acts that come through are very impressive. A show here and dinner at one of the city's wonderful restaurants and you have a great night on your hands. read more

We purchased tickets back in march 2022, the stipulations printed on the e-tickets states " Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result are required for AGES 5+ to attend events at Merrill Auditorium. " they changed the policy a week before the event to masks required. We called to ask our options since we have a medical reason we can't wear one. We were told we will tell the city and no refunds allowed. We spent 405.00 for tickets that we would not have purchased had that been required originally. I have contacted the maine attorney general on this matter and may pursue future legal actions should we not receive a full refund. read more

I have been here 4 times and all times have been great! First time was to see Stephen King talk - now that was an awesome event. He had everyone leave viabthe back entrance and a long dark hallway....and since he is a story teller, I'm sure everyone checked their backseats, before getting into our cars. Second event was Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. Great seats and very nice set up. Next was our sons graduation. We could see just fine. The audio was a little off, but it was still nice. Then just recently to see Alton Brown and we sat balcony, center seats...again awesome!!! I like this auditorium and look forward to attending events there. read more

I saw Ray Lamontagne at the Merrill Auditorium last weekend. It was an amazing show! The sound was so good and the size, though small, was great for his performance. I was able to purchase tickets through their box office, which did not tack on huge fees like some other ticket sites. Awesome! Their concession prices were reasonable and everyone that was working the show was really nice. I will have to come back next time he's in town. read more

I attended a dance performance by Bill T. jones and Arnie Zane Company. They are a world renowned troupe. They had local musicians and dancers ..... Including 2 young ladies from my school: Portland Arts and Technology high school. I believe they connected deep into the community with this local inclusion. Modern dance with ballet.... What a tremendous performance! read more

I very much enjoyed my trip to the Merrill to see the Nutcracker for their opening show in 2013. While I am not particularly a fan of ballet, I did find great appreciation for the orchestra and the hard work of the performers. Initially we had seats on the second floor balcony. The seats didn't face the stage and required you to look hard to your left hand side. The seats are a little small and very close together (people must have been smaller when the theater was built). My wife and I grew frustrated with the children around us talking a lot during the show and someone in our midst habitually "gassing" the place up. I politely asked one of the ushers if they could see if there were any other seats open to which we could move. I was delighted to see that he had moved us to Row B downstairs near the orchestra! While the ballet wasn't my cup of tea. I very much liked the venue and am eager to go back for another performance. read more

Lovely auditorium, intimate setting, comfortable seating, abundant surround parking, nice sound, tons of helpful staff. All around, a great place to see a talk or show. read more

Merrill Auditorium - Merrill Auditorium in Portland, ME - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Maine

Attended last night to see the PSO classic rock show. It was a great show, the staff at Merrill were very helpful in showing you your seats, very friendly, and very present. We were even moved to front row seats! The staff out at the bar/concessions were much different than the staff inside. The lady that appeared to be in charge was rude, snapping at her staff and saying things that should have been said in private or at the very least not in front of customers. The girl who waited on us was very slow, hardly spoke, handed us out drinks and walked away. No thank you, or anything.. read more

Merrill Auditorium is the granddaddy of venues in Portland. It's dignified and refined. It sits around in its smoking jacket reading the style section of the New York Times and huffs at hooligans to get off its lawn. In reality, Merrill Auditorium doesn't look like much from the outside. It's on the backside of City Hall and has an unassuming facade. Once you go inside, you realize that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. The interior is beautiful. The seats are comfy with plenty of legroom and the stage is always beautifully decorated. They are catering to an elevated class of attendees and that's very much reflected in who they bring in for acts and how much they charge for tickets. I've always thought very carefully before buying tickets because if you don't like what you're going to see, the hurt is going to hit your wallet hard. I've seen a variety of shows at Merrill including Louis C.K.'s comedy act, Christmas with Cornils, the opera Faust and a variety of modern dance companies. Each offered a completely different experience. For Louis C.K. I was sitting up in the balcony but I didn't feel that far away. Even though Merrill holds almost 2,000 people, it doesn't ever feel that big. This past holiday season, I went to see Christmas with Cornils which involved a lot of Christmas music involving singers, bell ringers and one jazzy man playing the pipe organ. For those who don't know, the back wall of the Merrill stage is a giant Kotzschmar organ with almost 6,900 individual pipes. It is a sight to behold and hear. The low notes will vibrate your seat and you'll be amazed at the variety of sounds that it can make. It was spectacular. I would like to say that there are no bad seats in the auditorium but that just isn't true. For the opera, I was seated on the side seats in the balcony which means I had to constantly be craning my neck around to see the translation screen. We were at such an angle to the stage actually seeing the performers if they came close to our side was difficult. I've also been one of the unlucky people to be sitting in the terrace downstairs and be so far in the back that the balcony overhang cuts off a bit of the view or being behind one of the many poles. Try to be lucky and avoid those seats! It's always worth at least one visit to Merrill Auditorium because they bring in some amazing shows and every year you can expect multiple shows of the Magic of Christmas, The Nutcracker and Bob Marley. read more

Just saw 'Mamma Mia' here this past weekend - wow, what a show! The seating was pleasantly comfortable and the ushers were more than helpful! Even the bathroom break during the intermission was exceptionally coordinated to minimize wait time in line. Thank you to the staff for being ever so courteous! Great place, Great shows, Great parking nearby so you don't have to walk far....superb place to visit! read more

Great ushers. Great views. Beautiful space. SLOW bartender. Tons of street parking

The venue as a structure is great but the people who work there are incompetent. Not one usher could tell me correctly where my seat was. After 4 people, I found it myself. read more

Been attending events since 2002. Only one started on time. No AC or ventilation system. No dress code. PSO you see tux to rags.

I bought a ticket for the Gordon Lightfoot concert. I never heard of or understood what resale marketplace meant. I have only bought a couple of tickets online and was extremely upset when I got the Order Number 378846 and was confused when I saw the Customer Name, which wasn't mine; but the Total Amount said $57.50. Had I known that I was going to get a second email Order Confirmation #13630016 that showed a price of $136.23, I was stunned. Had I known how you operate, I NEVER would have bought tickets through you. I think this is a very sneaky way to operate since you don't make it clear that a second notification will be at a higher price. This is my idea of a scam. read more

Husband and I saw Celtic Woman sat March 28. Beautiful venue. I don't think there is really a bad seat in the house. We chose grand tier seating as I am 5' and on floor level my view is almost always obstructed. The only complaint was the temp inside the theatre. However, in defense of the building...it's old and that's just the way it is. Ladies room was boiling. Go figure. read more

Actually attending a show at the Merrill is great--service, staff, demeanor etc. However, the business in general has no concern about their patrons. I have reviewed them on Facebook already, but this needs to be said (whether or not they actually post or respond to any of these negative comments)... My family and I have been patrons for years, but the return policy is messed up. A while back they cancelled a show due to a power outage as we arrived to the venue. Obviously the show did not proceed. Understandable...However, they only gave a partial refund. That was irritating...In anticipation for Bob Marley tonight, my family and I contacted them via FB to see if they would proceed or cancel due to inclement weather (13+" snow type of inclement weather). They said a cancellation was "very rare" and that they "hope we brave the storm and come join the fun" or something along that phrasing... Now, I get inclement weather. We live in Maine. But as a Mainer I know when NOT to "brave the storm" and tonight was one of those times. Five tickets, $267, no possibility of a refund and no leniency later--we are stuck home. Hope everyone had some great laughs tonight because the #officialmerrillauditorium has officially lost 5+ returning patrons. read more