It's fair to say that Marin is no hotbed of nightlife but lately, the rain and early sunsets have me nesting a bit more than in past years. It's in the midst of this nesting that I've discovered the joys of what the Throckmorton Theatre is laying down. The free, monthly noontime concerts are great as is the always popular weekly comedy night but more recently I've been enjoying the other events offered. In so doing I've come to see the Throckmorton as an essential community asset; they save me a drive to the City while providing right-sized entertainment close to home. When I attend events here I leave feeling thankful for their offerings. In recent months I've enjoyed a Jonathan Richman concert (fab... bring him back!), a concert by a local band, and A Chorus Line, teen edition. That last one left me sorry that I'd missed the previous one-time Broadway shows showcased here and with resolve not to miss another. For a little above the cost of your ticket you can pay to enjoy reserved seats but if you fail to do that you'll find equally satisfying seating on the main floor (they also have balcony seating) if you arrive early enough to snag it. I find myself checking the Throckmorton's calendar with a frequency, these days, that I'd not have anticipated even one year earlier. They've not disappointed yet. read more

I had not been to this charming theatre in many, many years. It is just as lovely as I remember. The art work in the lobby is so interesting. And the interior of the performance hall is exquisite with such detailed woodwork, gorgeous light fixtures and murals. We attended a free musical concert with an outstanding local violinist who featured art on the screen to accompany the music he played. I've honestly not heard a violin played with such versatility. What a treat this show and venue was! read more

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I always love coming to 142 Throckmorton Theatre. Just walking into designer Steve Coleman's jewel-box interior is a delight. Lucy Mercer brings top-notch musicians and entertainers. Tickets are a reasonable price, seating is good wherever you are, the acoustics are excellent (as is the sound engineer). The art exhibits in the lobby are great. From Comedy Night to Left Coast Ensemble to Djangofest, and everything in between, the theater is a beautiful experience and a Mill Valley treasure. read more

Great local theater. The comics were funny and got better as the show progressed. There's a small little bar/concession area to sip while laughing. Had a laugh out loud great time. read more

Eclectic interesting old theater. There are wonderful murals painted on the walls & ceiling inside the theater. Seating is comprised of folding chairs with cushions that were plenty comfortable. There are smallish cocktail size tables put here & there in between chairs. Staff/volunteers were friendly & welcoming. Really enjoyed coming here for Tuesday Comedy Night. I would come here again. So fun! read more

This theater is a Marin County institution. We're so lucky to have it in our backyard. I come here regularly for their Tuesday Comedy Night which is always good for a few laughs (especially on a rainy night). The show is just two hours long (with one intermission). They feature 5 comedians who do roughly 20-minute sets. So if you don't like one comic, not to worry... you have four others who do completely different sets. If you haven't been to the Throckmorton before, I think you'll find it to be quite charming. The employees are all friendly. The theater itself is nicely decorated. The seating is comfy (there really isn't a bad seat in the house). They offer a full bar (with generous pours) + really delicious chocolate chip cookies at the concessions stand. I've also heard rumors that you can occasionally smuggle in outside food to some of the shows (though don't quote me on that). Tickets can be purchased online or on the day of the show. Although they do accept credit card at the box office, I'd recommend bringing cash. In addition to Comedy Night, Throckmorton hosts a variety of theatrical productions, private events, and fundraisers. read more

I've come here as a performer and a guest. This theater offers big sound and offers some sort of intimacy. We hosted a music non-profit concert. The staff in preparation and during the event were amazing. The theater manager was wonderful in making sure our equipment and personal belongings were secure. She checked in to make sure we had what we needed and even answered personal questions about the venue. The sound guy definitely made our night in making sure we had what we needed in our monitors while actively balancing so that the performers could best feed off of each other. As an audience member, I loved the vibe. It wasn't overwhelming, seating and sound made the live experience comfortable. Clean bathrooms, and great for walk by impulse shows in the neighborhood. read more

Fabulous downtown theatre for comedy, special events w/the Django Fest a wonderful experience. Great mix of events @ this landmark club in Mill Valley! read more

Throckmorton Theatre oozes personality. From the colorful artwork in the lobby, to the intimate main theater area, decorated with unique accents throughout the place - it's evident that Throckmorton Theatre has a rich-character filled history. My favorite aspect of this lovely theater is that there isn't a bad seat in the place. If you see a good show coming up here - get your tickets fast - because not only does Throckmorton book some exceptional acts, but they also have fairly limited seating space. My friends and I watched our childhood friend Jamie Kilstein perform here last night and had a great time. We weren't aware that they sell concessions here, so popped over to Avatar's for phenomenal burritos before the show. There's a plethora of wonderful eateries in the area, so if you're subtle about bringing in food - it's a great way to explore local eateries while watching the performance. There's nothing pretentious about this place. The lobby is well lit and inviting and you can pick your seat once you're actually in the theater. The staff all seem very laid back and mellow as well. The background behind Throckmorton is fascinating as well. Originally The Hub Theater - back in 1915 - it was the place to be. Having evolved and changed with the times - Throckmorton is intent on bringing a vast spectrum of the arts to the local community. I truly can't wait to return. Trust. . read more

142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley has comedy ever Tuesday night hosted by local celeb/comedian Mark Pitta, it is called Mark Pitta & Friends. Mark brings together local comedians, and some very famous comedians to an intimate setting. It's a lot of fun, but ... there are a few "regulars" who have become somewhat annoying. For a while tickets were available at Goldstarevents.com, however they are no longer available through this medium, and I find the price to be a bit high for not knowing which comedians will be there. The catering company is a bit high priced too ... five bucks for a brownie ... come on now, there better be some really good stuff in those brownies. Wine is served, and little dishes with cheese, crackers and grapes for a small fortune too. I sometimes forget it's Mill Valley, not San Rafael, or Novato where the normal people live. :-) read more

I know a great many of us were saddened by the loss of Robin Williams. I guess I'm saddened a little more for never getting to see his rare talent in person. It wasn't until after his passing that I finally caught a comedy show at this historic theater. 142 Throckmorton Theatre is a cozy & intimate venue. I saw W. Kamau Bell. Hilarious. During the show, every seat was close to the stage. After the show, things got even closer as he came out to the lobby & chatted it up with anyone who wanted to stop by (which was everyone). 142 Throckmorton Theatre is a fantastic place. & a lot of star power does come through here. I can see why Robin Williams liked it here so much & would sometimes pop in. There is a kind of magic to it. read more

Small but awesome venue!! Came for the House of Floyd concert and had a wonderful experience. Staff was super friendly, I even got popcorns and a beer for $8. The performance was stellar, which I'm sure highly contributed to the great experience, but seating was better than I expected. I'm on the short side and sat all the way in the back and could see fine. Light shows were fun, and sound quality was good (although I'm no sound engineer). It's one more website I will be checking out regularly for shows! read more

Throckmorton Theatre - House of Floyd night! - Music Venues Near Me - Mill Valley, California

Came to "Thrill Valley" (to quote Fred Schneider) to see the B-52s & have to say 142 Throckmorton is the SMALLEST venue I've ever been to....and also 1 of the most Fun(plex) Holding a mere 300 people & that's covering TWO floors, you're bound to get the best super-up close & personal evening you'll ever dream of.....and that's a Cosmic Thing Needless to say, views are next to impossible to obstruct & the sound system is Pump(ed) nice & loud without being distorted..... which could very well be a hazzard, as I've seen other smaller venues fall victim. Props for maximizing what you have without overdoing it!! And b/c it's such a small venue & you're dealing w/ a sold out crowd, be sure you're wearing next to nothin' 'cause it's hot as an oven Drinkys & snacks are allowed in the auditorium - & that's dang Good Stuff. You're within sneezing distance from the artists & it feels like you're shaking your honey buns w/ your BFFs....as everybody's moving, everybody's grooving baby. If that's not as good as it gets, I don't know what is! So unless you're living in your own Private Idaho, get out of the state you're in & Roam on down to 142 Throckmorton! Spectacular evening & can't wait to go back!!! read more

The lovely ambiance and potential of this stylish local venue once in a while far upstages the "acts" on stage. Most notably, consumer beware of the the very amateur "MOANA DIAMOND" french cabaret productions. No matter that there's zero profit margin in this venture, Ms Diamond is fortunate enough to be able to dip into her own trust fund and finance her quaint "performance-hobby". Off-key vocals, low-rent wigs, and overall lack of charisma make this a definite "PTA" night. (Production To Avoid!) One might be just as well off visiting with Ms Diamond in her own living room, where it is reported she has plenty of framed photographs of herself "onstage". Beyond Ego-centric.......... read more

Charming little theatre. The only big drawback is that it's in Mill Valley. What a town full of douchebags. I've never seen so much pompous privilege in one place before in my life. It's like being at a Yale reunion but they conveniently 'lost' the invitations of all the minorities... read more

I don't know about any regulars that have become "annoying" as the previous review said. Last night, I was a virgin to 142 Throckmorton & it was INCREDIBLE! Maybe it had something to do with being connected with SF's Sketchfest, but I just can't stop thinking about the night on the town of Mill Valley. The theatre is adorable. The comics made fun of the scaffolding along one wall as the place is in the middle of some cool renovations. Mark Pitta hosted & I didn't know anybody in the line-up, but all performers (Kasper Hauser, Hard 'n Phirm, Reggie Watts, & Clinton Jackson- I hope I left nobody out) were wonderful. What really took the cake was having two locals make special appearances: Dana Carvey & Robin Williams! As far as I could tell, Robin just ad-libed with Mark Pitta & impressed everyone. Dana was so comfortable with the crowd & tried a few new ones on the audience as well as some familiar characters from SNL & old acts. All of the new-to-me acts I hope to see again. Many received well-deserved standing ovations. I have no idea how they get their material, but they are all geniuses. Truly. Robin Williams was the last act & picked (on) a girl named Alex from the audience to come up on stage & take dance lessons from him. Alex, if you read this, you were such a wonderful sport & I have no idea how you didn't blush. I was blushing for you & know I would have died if Robin & dragged me up there. You did great! I didn't want the night to end. I had never laughed so hard. My face is still aching this morning. If you have a chance to attend next Tuesday's show with Jeff Probst, I really doubt that you'd be disappointed. Pay the $5 extra to have assigned seating (folding chairs- you may want to bring a pillow). It's well worth it! read more

Pound for pound the best little theater in the world. The comedy here cant be beat for what you pay. Where else can you see Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, and countless others for only 20 bucks? It also gets great up and coming talent. If you are in town, role by this place and see what is going on... chances are it will be interesting and you will want to go in. read more

Had the good luck to read about their Tuesday night comedy show, Mark Pitta and Friends, before staying in Mill Valley for a week. Definitely a highlight of our trip. My face still hurts from laughing. Loved the charming, old theatre with a Mayberry, RFD atmosphere - when we picked up our tickets at the Will Call window - we were urged to "try the pumpkin cake!" for sale at the bar - "homemade this morning!". Get there early & put your coat on a chair - near the back if you don't want to be part of a comedians act - (at least 4-5 people were asked to stand up and do or say something) - then go back to the lobby "bar" (okay, it's a folding table, but they did make it look nice with flowers and pretty plates of sweets). Check out the interesting locals - I mean, these people know they live in a super cool place. All the comedians were great - I lost count of how many we saw - but we especially loved Myles Weber. I didn't even mind that the famous regulars didn't show up, although I would have loved to see Dana Carvey. I have been to many comedy clubs in many large cities, and this was by far the best - fastest moving show, most comedians for the money, most comfortable layout as far as seating/tables, friendliest staff, easy parking. Do not miss this! read more

Great little theater to see comedy. The shows are outstanding, clean and smart. There is always a good line up of talent. I highly recommend checking it out on a Tuesday night. You may also be lucky enough to catch a special guest like Robin Williams or Dana Carvey. A great way to spend to a Tuesday night. read more

Stopped in for the Tuesday night comedy show. $15 to see six comedians in this cozy little theater. An 8ft table setup as a "bar" in the lobby selling beverages, popcorn, cookies and very large brownies. The cookies have that homemade look about them - I'm wondering if one of the ladies is baking on Mondays. I admire the community coming up with clever ways to keep this theater alive. A small theater means all seats are good seats and you won't have to bring binoculars to see the stage. I haven't seen any of their other productions or acts, but I would definitely recommend the Tuesday night show. Plus, I'm always in favor of making the arts affordable and accessible, so these small, local theaters are a must. read more

I can't believe this little theater was in danger of closing a few years ago...now having been, twice in two months, I would be so sad if that should happen. I saw a comedian here one time, then saw this christmas spectacular show...that I think was probably one of the best shows I have ever seen, that could get you in the christmas spirit. I actually had tickets to the rockettes that night and at the last minute decided to go to this show instead...and it was one of the best decisions...now I will go every year. The place is adorable. The theater itself is big enough to get some awesome talent, but small enough that any seat is a good seat. You can get wine or beer or cookies or brownies....probably other things but I tend to get distracted by wine and chocolate. Its a place to dress up (sort of) but its not pretentious. The staff is friendly and so are the people who go... I am so glad it is part of my community...and I will be checking its website on a regular basis...because a monthly trip to the throckmorton is something to look forward to.... read more

As everyone else has said in their reviews have said this theatre is lovely, charming, and perfect to see a performance of many kinds in. I saw WestSide Story with some fantastic young talents with beautiful voices. The interior is so gorgeous. It houses 200 to 300 people. So it is nice and comfortable to see a performance on a small scale. It is not overwhelming. You can see all of the expressions and hear everything without issue and the accustics are great. read more

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Good times here! I love comedy shows and 142 certainly delivers great shows. For us non-Marin'ers, it's a bit of a drive for a weeknight but every once in awhile you just have to let your hair down and enjoy yourself. No surprise Robin or Dana yet but maybe one day.... read more

Every seat in the house is the best seat in the house. Literally, since the seats in the back are about 25 feet from the stage. The music is fantastic and the audience goes nuts. Even the old white people are dancing. Check out a show, and I'd recommend a musical number rather than stage acting. Buy a cookie, they are very tasty. And for the few of you, like me, who wish to always know in advance: yes the bathrooms are clean. read more

I been there a few time when I used to live in Milll Valley Marin CA. It was pretty noising when they place the a/c had a funny noise like something like saying run run run and a BIG burp of when they turn off the a/c! I wonder if they STILL have that noise? They USED to have a tv in the enter and tell what they was showing! read more

Oh Fun with Dick and Bob is like 11 or something like that. I hope they can make this into a long term venue in a larger setting !

Amazing theater in Marin!! Marin is sooo lucky to have this place!! I've been to great shows here including an international traveling circus to musical groups but the best show here is the one every Tuesday nights: THE COMEDY SHOW!! You don't know who shows up every Tues because it's a surprise but I've been to shows where Dana Carvy, Robin Williams, Dat Phan, and many other awesome comedians have showed up! The comedy show is sooooooooo funnnyy!!! Well worth the money!!! read more

I love 142 Throckmorton. They are one of the only venues in the Bay area that regularly present groups that play what has come to be called Gypsy Jazz. For the last three or four years they have hosted the annual Django Fest, which show cases bands from Europe and the US that play this style of music. You can usualy buy cd's of what ever groups are playing in an area on the second floor. A few years ago they also were selling guitars like the ones the groups were playing, which can be very hard to find. It is small enough for a truely intimate experience with good acoustics and a great view of the stage from every seat in the house. A small area in the front sells beer or soft drinks and cookies! read more

How many great shows have i seen at the Throckmorton? Hard to say... each one i saw was good, from booker t to bob weir, this venue just creates an intimate feel. every seat in the house is good and the people working there, have recently been very friendly. There is no way to bring enough music into this area as it is surrounded by San francisco and all of Marin. We have great hopes of seeing more music in this venue. It seems like the dave nelson shows, or the scaring the children shows were my favorite, Im always excited to see shows produced by Larry "the hat" who has a great shop just down the street. Keep it Local, Keep it Legend jm "It took a long line of Deadicated maniacs just to get this party off of the ground, a cracker jack team of enlightened masters to help me see the ground, see the ground, Im heaven bound" -Dave Nelson Band read more

Went for first time this past Tues. GREAT time. Beautiful charming older theater. Decent alcohol selection which you can take into the theater. I think we saw 5 comedians who were GREAT. One guy was too angry/bitter though. Super fun date night! And only $20 per person! read more

Came tonight for a Vienna Teng concert and found it to be very intimate and small town feel. Sat downstairs in general admission where it was easy to find a seat but still maintain a good view. The lobby is small and serves coffee and the cookies were delicious! The performance was amazing but that has nothing to do with the theater. read more

Nice intimate theatah..amidst a sea of fair skinned folks, pops out my bf and I's peach skinned selves. talk about uncomfortable sitting on your shoulders! But it is after all, situated in the bustling downtown i presume of Mill Valley (Or as Scott Capurro called it "Mean Valley"). The theatre room is fairly small, but has two floors so you have your choice of the "orchestra" to be splashed with sweat or "mezzanine" to look down on everyone sitting below. The concession was a small bar top with a smaller table aside of it. your choice of a small (think sample sized) popcorn, cookies, beer, wine. If i remember correctly, the beer was pretty pricy. so i opted for a glass of wine, which was $1 more. I would love for another reason to visit this theatre again, but i'm really hoping the audience that comes gives the comedians a break, stop frowning and laugh at the jokes. if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen! read more

I really like this theater! It's small and cozy, beautifully painted characters on the wall. The ground floor has cozy tables and the upstairs has rows of seating. The seats upstairs are cushy and comfortably spaced. The theater allows you to take wine to your seats along with popcorn and cookies (no gluten free unfortunately). The owners and people that work at the theater are great. I would recommend tthis location as a venue. There are a lot of big names that come through the theater and the theater hosts many show made for and featuring children. read more

Came here specifically for the marvelous Scott Capurro. The theater is beautiful, not at all like I'd imagined. We came in, ordered ice cold Pacificos (at $6 a piece, eek!) and took our seats. As soon as I sat down, I had a suspicion I was sitting on a plastic Ikea folding chair. Made me resolve to work out a little harder. Other chairs had tables and were more sturdy. For Scott Capurro, I was willing to make an exception. Would definitely come back, I hear the Tuesdays with Mark Pitta are worth a trip up to Mill Valley. read more

What a gem! Very friendly staff. Not a bad seat in the house. Customer-friendly beyond expectations. Hope to go here often. read more

I went here in October for a GREAT concert performance with the incredible band 'OREGON'. I remembered being here as a child. The staging is great, the art work is fun, it is big enough to make it lively, and small enough to feel inmate. Then I took a look at the 2012 season line up! OMG! Made me want to move to Mill Valley! read more

Super little jewel of a theater. We have come here to see Robin Williams stand up and another play way long ago, but more recently, Snow White, starring a cast of youths. Wonderful experience with the family. It was what they call a Panto... a comedy that involves audience interaction. We had a great time. read more

I saw SEUSSICAL (The Musical) back in November. I also went there to see the shrine of flowers and pictures when Robin Williams passed away (I think they should re-name it the Robin Williams Theatre). Aside from that, it is a beautiful venue. It's a treasue of a place and you feel like you're on sacred ground. The incomparable Mort Saul comes there to provide commentary and opinions (and jokes) on Thursdays. Dana Carvey does his thing there every now and then. And Mark Pitta and Friends on Tuesday is worth the price of admission. RANDY G in Sausalito read more

An amazing venue in a charming location. Any seat in the house is a good one. 142 is now a non-profit organization and needs your support!

I bought my tickets to Mort Sahl's show several days in advance, by phone. A that time I explained to the pleasant woman there that I have a hearing problem, so she told me she would put me and my date in the front row. Well on the show date, as we entered the theater, we observed that all five chairs in the two front rows (on either side of the aisle) had reserved signs placed on them, without names. I had expected to see actual names on the signs. Returning to the lobby, we asked the woman on duty, who was not the one from whom we'd bought our tickets, which of those seats were intended for us. She didn't know what I was talking about, and admonished us not to take any of them. We sat halfway back, in the rapidly filling theater, reasoning that if we were to take the reserved seats anyway, and get shooed away later, for some reason, that we would have ended up all the way in the back of the house. Then a very large woman, who was clearly a videographer, plunked herself down in one of those reserved front row seats, and splayed her purse and other supplies across two of the other reserved seats. All she did was set up the camera on a tripod and turn it on, such that her presence was no longer even required there. Yet she stayed. So there remained one great big woman, blocking everyone's view, and four unoccupied reserved chairs, throughout the show. My date and I struggled to see, and I struggled to hear. Ridiculous. I contacted the administrators three times to try to get an explanation, satisfaction, or apology, in vain. read more