Well, I wish there was a way to review individual shows, but I guess that doesn't make sense since the productions are temporary. So, I will comment on the venue itself up here and place a block below for specific shows and will update that block whenever I see a new one! I'll put the run dates in the title line so you know whether or not to pay attention to it. Venue Review My wife and I absolutely love live theater and I think we've been to most of the theater venues in Memphis. We've seen many productions at the Playhouse on the Square and it is just a fabulous place to see a play, or even the ballet. It is not a huge venue so when I say, "There isn't a bad seat in the house." that is dead on. The seating is comfortable. The facilities are clean. The staff is always nice. And the productions are always top-notch! One thing about Playhouse and its surrounding theaters is the pricing for their shows is usually very reasonable compared to the competing theater across town. We always come in from the North, down Central and usually, we park in the parking garage near the square itself. This last time it was raining and we noticed there is actually a parking lot on the East side of the building! It is a nice parking lot and it is, of course, a much shorter walk than the walk from the garage! However, if you plan to eat before or after a show, the garage might be a better choice. Production Reviews Below Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - 1/19-2/18/2024 I am a HUGE fan of the 1971 film, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder (who isn't, right?). I think we all would like to forget the 2005 remake of the story with J. Depp, so to say I'm dubious when it comes to the treatment of this story is probably an understatement. Knowing I am such a fan of this story, my wife surprised me with tickets to this show. I've never seen it done live and I was excited but trepidatious because some of the stuff I loved about the 1971 movie, the special effects, the sets, just couldn't be duplicated on a live stage. That said, because I knew that going, in I was a bit forgiving and might have been a little excited to see how they adapted it. I was not disappointed one bit! Of course, the main storyline was the same, but there were nuances of modernization. The names of the children were the same and the core of their bad behavior too. However, their backstories and the style of their ultimate demises were slightly different. I won't give critical details away as I don't want to spoil it for you, but just as an example, Mike Teevee's problem is still sitting in front of a screen too much, but his addiction is to the Internet and video games rather than classic television. Clever. The young star of the show, Drake Shehan, was incredible and an absolute delight to watch! The young man could sing, and dance, and his acting quality was that of someone 10 years his senior! The rest of the cast was great as well, just a super ensemble. This was one of the best shows we've seen at Playhouse and they did a fantastic job of adapting this to the stage. You have a little more than a week to catch this and you should before it is gone! read more

Playhouse on the Square - Final scene - Performing Arts Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I had no idea that places like this existed in Memphis outside of the Orpheum, but I was pleasantly surprised. My wife and I enjoyed the performance of "Your Arms Too Short To Box With God", last night. This will be the first of many performances that we will enjoy here! I highly recommend a trip for a performance. You will not be disappointed. read more

Great atmosphere! Friendly staff. Went to see 2 productions in a month. Great sound, prompt start time and overall great time!

Not a bad seat in the theater and the renovation has comfortable seats. If you prefer a more intimate live theater experience, then this is your place! Rated as a 3 since water bottles for sale ran out and I don't drink soda and there was a huge line for the women's restroom. More women stalls or another restroom is needed if intermission is kept at the current time. read more

I don't worry about water bottles or bathroom lines so I'll leave an honest review. Great place. I'm 6'5" and there is enough room. Great actors. read more

Playhouse on the Square is a wonderful gem tucked into the corner of Union and Cooper in Midtown and the Square. The location is wonderful, but it makes for atrocious parking ... and that's really my biggest complaint. Something needs to be done about this; figure out something with nearby businesses or areas to acquire parking during their off hours. That and (I say this about any and every theater), stick to your policy about not letting people in after the show starts or at least until the first break. Otherwise, neat space and nice folks. read more

No seats in the lobby for waiting audience members. Show has strobes and was not posted.

Always enjoy shows at Playhouse and Circuit Theatre. We attended Torchsong this past weekend. Was fabulous! Interesting, great acting, loved the sets. FYI- This coming from a 60 year old consevative couple. Get yourself a season membership and enjoy great Memphis theatre! read more

Playhouse on the Square's new location and facilities are spacious, beautiful, comfortable, and there isn't a bad seat in the house, so far as I can tell. The production choices are top-notch while being a bit risky, and the regular troupe of actors are some of Memphis' best. I only take off half a star for the horrible wine selection and temporary parking situation. "Red" and "White" are not types of wine, ladies and gents! I don't drink anything there after my first two shows, because I usually have a sulfite headache before the second act has even begun. Parking at Overton Square is currently under construction (Later in 2013 a 435 space garage should be complete) and it can be difficult to find a reasonable space, so do arrive early. Restrooms are clean, and hallways are flanked with gallery walls of artwork from local artists, making conversation before and after the show flow naturally. Love a business that supports local artists! read more

Playhouse on the Square - Delta Nu inviting me to join, like, oh my gah, at Legally Blonde! - Performing Arts Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Now in a new building and celebrating its 41st season, Playhouse on the Square is an excellent venue for live theater, and I can't wait to see some of the productions coming to town in 2010-11. Sure, they're filming a new version of the movie Footloose, but personally I think I would rather see it on stage, and I will at Playhouse next summer. I'm also really excited to take the family to see Peter Pan this winter. Prices are reasonable for theater tickets, and I believe that they still offer a "pay what you can" night for at least one show of every production. Another thing I love about Playhouse? They offer a summer youth conservatory for all of those little budding actors and actresses in town. read more

Playhouse on the Square - Performing Arts Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Playhouse on the Square is a Midtown gem. What a great space to take in a show. The theatre is pretty tiny, and there isn't a bad seat to be had throughout the house. Parking is a breeze, and you can walk up the street to any number of dinner and drink spots on Madison afterward. The shows vary from kitsch and quirk to drama and the tickets are so reasonably priced, I can't think of any good reason not to attend. As a bonus, season tickets offer a huge savings as well as flexibility on days- which is always a smart move when your schedule is crazy like mine. They usually have a local artist exhibit in the lobby for the run of each show, which is an added treat as you wait for the doors to open or during intermission. Speaking of which, they have a well-stocked bar so you can partake in a glass of wine or two. If you're lucky enough to score tickets for opening night they also do a reception in the lobby after the show with all the actors, complete with a buffet spread of food, candy and cake. We're lucky to have a local theatre like this in town, and I take advantage of it every chance I get. read more

What a gem! Beautiful little theatre where every seat is the best seat in the house. If you have a chance to catch their latest show, "Color Purple"...don't walk, run and get yourself some tickets. Outstanding show and well worth the $24 per ticket. read more

My wife and I were in town and decided to watch "Kinky Boots". We could only get seats in the last row in the balcony but it was still a good view and not a problem watching the show. It was a beautiful theatre and nice quality sets. It was a good production. Very impressed. read more

I came here to see Xannadu with my wife, and was amazed at this space. The Playhouse on the Square is a fabulous addition to the arts scene in Memphis. All of the seats on the bottom level are excellent, and I thought the lighting and acoustics were great. I was so impressed by it, I signed up for a season pass for the next year and am looking forward to several plays and musicals this coming year. I highly recommend the City support the Playhouse on the Square. read more

I have grown to love this playhouse since I moved to Midtown. I am, admittedly, a film junkie...careful there, I didn't say I was a film genius, I just enjoy a solid film. I say this because POTS is one of the main theatres involved in the Indie Memphis Film Festival every year (a film festival that is top ranked in the nation according to MovieMaker magazine!). Their staff is quite talented at ensuring that large crowds, filmmakers, and film students are all accommodated and comfortable. Aside from the film festival, POTS helps our community support the continuance of the arts here. The shows they put on showcase local talent and allow the community to pour money into something good. I have always been impressed with the venue itself. The theatre is a great size with not a single bad view in the house. The acoustics are good, though not the best, but they do what they need to do, and that's all that matters. The staff here are tremendous...from the desk staff to the bar staff to the actors and directors, everyone here is friendly and capable. If you're a supporter of the arts, this is a great place to start in Midtown. read more

This is a very nice addition to the cosmopolitan feel of Overton Square. The theater is small enough that any seat is a good one. P. S. - Take cash for the bar! read more

I am so impressed! I have never been drawn to Overton Square from the confines of Collierville for a show before. When some friends raved about Rock of Ages I knew we needed to go. We saw the Broadway production 6 years ago and we loved it. The local company here is so good I was just as entertained as I was on Broadway. The small theater and the lack of parking/ ticket/ dining hassle is refreshing. I feel like our entertainment dollars were well spent. read more

Calling all Yelpers, calling all Yelpers, news flash....... Rocky Horror Show is a MUST see! Here's the small print.... If you have never seen the movie beware, This is a bazaar show but the production is fantastic! Let me say that again, that. No , I mean this production is fantastic!!! The cast is spot on and the pace keeps you on the edge! This is Memphis Theater at it's best! 5 stars plus! My wife says to include that the male bods are hot! read more

Just saw "Jerry Springer, The Opera" tonight. What a hoot. It was an excellent show, the entire cast was fantastic. Special mention goes to Keith Patrick McCoy (one of Poopsie's favourites) and Carla McDonald. My favourite line: "Just dip me in chocolate and throw me to the lesbians." Too bad it's the last weekend so more people can't see it. read more

I've only been here a few times but I've always enjoyed it. It's a large place and you can sit upstairs or downstairs though I cannot remember the price difference. They also have sales for students and are across from the Circuit Playhouse which I usually end up at. read more

I love Playhouse on the Square. Their new location is wonderful. There is always something good that is being preformed there and there isn't a bad seat in the theater. my only complaint is that the bar is cash only. I can't wait to return. read more

What a wonderful afternoon!!! The display of art, both still and live was just breathtaking. Wonders of the world featured some of the singers and dancers from Hattiloo Theatre which took a total spin from what I was expecting. The grace of ballet mixed with hip hop was fabulous!!! read more

Memphis may be known for the blues but I've enjoyed the live theater during my visit, and this is the best of a big lot, more theatre than other cities I've visited. Their choice of plays stretches the envelope and the quality of acting and directing is outstanding. They perform on two stages -- an old converted movie theatre that's fun and has a fine stage, and a modern facility across the street that also hosts opera and other performance arts. Truly a Memphis treasure that should be supported and I found professionally credible and enjoyable each time I attended. Bravo! read more

I came all the way from CA to see one of their productions; they are incredible enough to make a stop as a Memphis visitor. Their online ticket-vendor is a little buggy, but the folks at the box office are more than happy to assist you. I am sure that they thought much this strange girl from California who bought three nights ina row worth of the same show. They produce incredible, meaningful work. They employ some exceptional talent, and have wonderful people who work there. read more

Playhouse on the Square is one of my favorite parts about living in Memphis. They have amazing productions in a modern theatre. I've been a subscriber for years and it is the best money I spend. read more

I love this theater. We recently attended the Sunday showing of Peter Pan and were impressed by the stage layout and seating. The show itself was enjoyable and the ambience was wonderful. We will definitely be going back. read more

A totally kick ass production of Footloose! Except for the actor who played the preacher (not good w/ matching pitches), the cast was 1st rate. A great time in the theater. Full of energy. You will want to jump to your feet at the end & "cut footloose" yourself. The cast is very believable. Kudos all around. Great orchestrations & fun, fun interpretations of the movie soundtracks. Favorite was "I Need a Hero." I'm from the New Orleans area & drove into Memphis expressly to see this show. Worth the sore butt from the long drive. read more

Love the Playhouse. I attended the conservatory a few years back and I loved it. They always have amazing actors and actresses putting on great plays. Highly recommend. read more

They need to do some serious job training with their ushers. We went to a play here. We have assigned seats. We get there and are ushered to our seats only to be told by the usher, "Oh-there are people sitting in your seats". She just stares at us. I tell her, "Well, don't worry about it we can sit anywhere"-there were many empty/ available seats in the theater. She then says, "Oh no you can't do that it's assigned seating". Seriously??? How about telling that to the people in OUR assigned seats instead of us. We are then asked, "Do you want to sit on the bar stools". Not really I'd prefer to sit in my paid for seats but that isn't happening I guess. So we sit on the bar stools. To get comfortable I put my jacket and bag on the seat next to me only to have another usher ask me to remove it because she "needs the seat". She shortly thereafter put her cell phone and a plastic up with a drink on the seat. Adding insult to injury yet another usher was using her cell phone during the play too. Think I'll pass on returning. read more

Really good Play kinda cramped and the prices werent to bad. I went twice the second time I picked up a 2 for 1 admission coupon from PICounts.com before going so I saved alot of money. read more