D & R Theatre — Attraction in Aberdeen

Awesome performances (Heart by Heart & Fab Four double header!), great seats. Amateurish management. The place has a lot of potential if run by people who took a little more pride. We arrived at 6:45 for the 7:00 pm door time printed on our tickets, but we had to wait and outside in the COLD way past 7 pm. The folks inside were just looking at us through the windows. One big guy (I later heard he is one of the managers/owners) was taking handfuls of popcorn from the machine and feeding his face over and over, often reaching into the popcorn bin to stir it with the same hand (no gloves) he was eating with, while drinking his beer and staring at us shivering outside. We decided "no popcorn for us tonight!" Staff began arriving around 7 pm and started getting prepared. A worker came out and told us the tickets were printed wrong and should say 8 pm. Eventually the staff got organized enough to let us come in from the cold. The temperature inside the theater was in the mid-50s, so we had to keep our coats on throughout the performances. (No hot beverages from the theater concession; have to go to the shop next door to the theater where the solo barista was working valiantly but quickly became overwhelmed, especially when operating the cash register.) Many patrons wore hats and gloves all evening, and even the performers made comments about shivering on stage. None of the staff dressed like you might expect for a professional venue; it was mostly jeans and sweatshirts. We drove 150 miles plus ferry rides to attend (and paid for a night of lodging nearby), so we were disappointed with the way things started out that night. The great performances made up for much of the first impression and we really enjoyed the shows. Despite appearances the theater staff was friendly and helpful, if a little bit disorganized. If I were a "local" from Aberdeen or nearby (most of the patrons seemed to know each other very well), I might attend again; however, I don't think we'll drive 3-1/2 hours to see a show here again. I do wish them luck because it seems like a very nice theater to host live performances, with a lot of "old theater" character and a great sound system. Plenty of nearby parking. Would benefit from professional hospitality leadership and manners (e.g., don't eat straight from the popcorn machine, at least, not right in front...

When they first opened, you were guaranteed to have a great seat. Now, not so much. I have seen some great shows there, but you have to carefully pick where you sit. People go to the front and stand. People also stand in the aisles. This blocks the view for everyone in the first 15-20 rows. None of the seating in the balcony is staggered so it's very difficult to see, even if you pay for prime seating. During the winter it is freezing on the floor level. Wear a down coat and bring a blanket, it's that cold. You can also get a tea or coffee at the shop. The people working there are very nice. If they were to fix the seating issues and stop people in the cheap seats from rushing the stage and blocking the view, it would be a better venue. They do get big names and tickets are...

This place is beyond describable! It's an early 19th century Vaudeville stage that has been modernized and features some of the best and most popular bands around the country. Up front there's a coffee bar with snacks and wonderful people to visit. The theater has a small town welcome kind of feeling. with a live and entertaining energy. It's truly amazing what they've done with this place it's a must-see whenever...