As someone who isn't native to Cincinnati, but who goes there on occasion for special events, I only knew of the Music Hall and the Aronoff Center, having attended shows at both for years. The Taft Theater was a complete unknown until I purchased tickets for the October 24th one night only (for the area) performance of the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" 30th Anniversary Tour. This venue was a discovery, so I was looking forward to seeing it and doing a bit of comparing to the Aronoff and the Music Hall.
The lobby was beautiful and appeared spacious as we had pretty much a sold out show, and there wasn't a lot of press of people as we moved about. I didn't linger, but was impressed by the interior with the often faded images of figures from antiquity, the type often seen in theaters built in the late 19th thru the early 20th centuries. It's art I enjoy, along with the moulding, so I wonder if the craftsmanship might be restored as was recently done with the Music Hall.
The ladies restroom was clean and surprisingly there was NO line when I went before the show (I didn't go during intermission so can't report on whether there was one then). Other than one empty paper towel dispenser, it was easy maneuvering in and out.
All of the employees I had personal interactions with were polite, from the ones doing the wand scan over each attendee (and for those with bags, doing a cursory search), to those holding open the doors, to the young usher who sat at the end of our section and asked us not to use photographic equipment.
My seat was in what would technically be Orchestra Section 2, Row A, say "technically" because for this show, row AA (?) consisted of five FOLDING CHAIRS. (I even heard a lady say to her husband "Are you kidding?" before they sat down, laughing). I have no idea if this is standard for every show or not, but it was a first. My recommendation is don't be shocked if you get row AA (?) seats and arrive to find you've rented a folding chair.
As I was in Row A I had plenty of legroom, so I can't comment on how it is sitting elsewhere. The seat itself was comfortable for a little over 2 hour show. I also didn't feel as squeezed as some might have, due to lucking and having no one seated to my left. Therefore, my experience was fortunate, but rare. I also had a decent view of the stage although the gentleman in Row AA was tall and blocked my view a tad, but thanks to the set design, I was still able to clearly see MST3K newcomer Jonah as well as one of the original hosts, JOEL, and of course, Crow and Tom Servo. The acoustics appeared to be quite on the mark as well.
My only complaint is that the one hallway off the restrooms was crowded due to the merchandise sales being conducted off along one wall. Although the line for customers was also along the wall, it made for a tight fit when maneuvering along the corridor. I also vaguely recall a bar area, as well as some tall top tables and chairs, but I didn't linger to study those. Signage is visible but could be improved. Sometimes you felt like you were walking in circles. At the end of the show, I exited out one of the side exits, walked along the corridor where merchandising had been, then realized the exit to the lobby was off another way, so I excused myself and cut across to the other route and was in the lobby. What was so funny is that had I made my way up the center aisle of the auditorium I would have ended up in the very same area and with less of a slalom course.
Pickup by Lyft and Uber was quick and easy right out front. In fact, at one point, about 5 Lyft cars arrived one after another!
I'd love to attend another event at the Taft. As I mentioned, a restoration would be welcome just to give this beautiful building the love given the Music Hall. But it was fun nevertheless and a perfect place to celebrate one of the greatest shows in TV history. read more