Derby Dinner Playhouse — Attraction in Clarksville

Full disclosure, I haven't eaten here or seen a show in years, but in the past the food and atmosphere were solid. Hence the three stars. As a matter of fact, I had my first job here in 1980, while in high school working as a busboy. This review is about the online gif certificate process. The one star for service is spot on in my opinion.

It doesn't work. Period. We've had computers for decades, and they've been a mainstay in the workplace for decades. The general public has had access via the net since the early 90's and the AOL revolution. You would think it wouldn't be difficult to set up a ticket buying website. Apparently it is.

I have stopped by their box office in the past on my way home from my office in downtown Louisville and bought gift cards for friends and family. I'm retired now, so thought I'd check to see if they have online access to gift cards. They Do. Eureka! Only it doesn't work. At all.

I registered yesterday, and still have a login and password. They both work. I just tried them. I tried buying the gift cards yesterday and when it gets to the screen to ask where you want them delivered, I stated "ME", as there is no drop down menu, as there should be. Then I provided name and address. Then I clicked next. Then it states, "there is no delivery method for that selection. Call the box office". So I did.

The young lady who answered yesterday found my name, my shopping cart and said "not sure why it doesn't work, but you can come by here and buy them. I don't know how to work the internet thing and do all that".

I tried again this morning, logged in, same result. Message that states "no delivery method available for what you selected, please call the box office". So I did.

This young lady who answered said she couldn't find my name. I had no account, I had no log in, etc. So she wanted to set me up with a new one. I logged in and told her I was logged in now. I had an account. Sorry, I can't find it she said.

So I said never mind. Now, having stated all this, I wouldn't dissuade anyone from going to DDPH. As stated, the shows and food have been enjoyable in the past, and those I've given certificates to have like them and appreciated them. But the GUI and webpage they have are obviously done on the cheap, not professionally, and they don't work. There are too many hosting services these days who will make that stuff for you. So if management can't get something as simple as that right, what else are they doing wrong? So, you just lost a sale, and any future sales. It isn't that hard to have a working website that processes sales, but apparently it's too difficult for you. IN an age where everything is available online, I'm not driving 40 minutes for tickets when you advertise you can get them online. Only you can't.

Merry...

WE LOVE DDPH! The show is always great. Wait staff is friendly & super accommodative when needed. That said, my entire table of 6 (many of whom have been going to DDPH as season ticket holders for 10+ years) agree that the buffet has suddenly gone downhill. Those that can eat everything from.tge buffet noticed the fish fried fish & chicken aren't as good, & the veggies mainly have gluten of some kind. This doesn'twork well for me, as I have a gluten sensitivity/allergy. Prior to the last 6 months (3 shows or so) the kitchen staff called every Saturday to tell me what was GF & if there weren't many options, would make me a plate. I liked when the change came that I could go online & see what was GF ahead of time & not wastethe kitchen's time with a superlative call. I do not nor ever did (but appreciated tremendously) expect a special call from the kitchen or a special entrée if not asked for. However, last show I called the kitchen ahead of time & left a message after seeing limited choices. I spoke with someone & asked for additional veggies since I have one veggie & one GF protein option on the buffet. When I asked for my veggies, I was given a plate of microwaved unseasoned broccoli & cauliflower as a gluten-free alternative to eating at the buffet. Salt, pepper & even butter on the side would have made me feel less like I had offended or inconvenienced someone. Because of this,I don't think I feel comfortable asking for things or conversing with the kitchen anymore, as it seems the entire kitchen/buffet system (maybe recipes & cooking techniques?) have changed, including attitudes) & not for the better. Because we love the shows, we'll continue to come, but may opt for dinner at home if the quality of food & kitchen management doesn't improve. Other than that, season tickets are a great idea for a way to lock in date night every 5-6 weeks! I feel the shows are becoming more "progressive" & growing with the times per se, which is great for our group; ourselves &a a couple of friends (40s-50s) & my adult kids (19-32). Buffet improvement or not, the wait staff/footnotes are always kind & gracious. Try the GF chocolate torte chef kiss chocoholic HEAVEN. The sugar-free pies aren't bad either, as my partner is diabetic & really...

Went on Tuesday, November 22nd to see White Christmas with my Grandmother. I've never seen this one and it was FANTASTIC! Seriously, guys, you put on a fantastic show and that's coming from someone who isn't the biggest fan of Christmas shows! The whole cast was fantastic, Wallace was great and Davis was hilarious! I was particularly fond of Betty, though. The actress Tuesday night was just incredible. I think the best part of the show was undoubtedly that choreography!! I mean, COME ON! It was FIRE! I'm a HUGE fan of that number towards the end of the 1st act; Blue Skies, I believe. It was beautifully done. As well as the tap on the piano. Seriously, great work!

I wanted to give a shout-out to the crew, everything seemed to go off without a hitch and set changes were quick and efficient. I was also a big fan of the set design, especially the scene set on the train. Simple, yet still detailed and effective. The blocking was a little off, but I'm not going to complain too much, I can only imagine how hard it must be to get it just right with such a unique stage and so many different viewing angles.

Oh, also wanted to shout-out our waiter, who I believe also played the director in the show! He was awesome! Chris, I think? Thank you for your fantastic service, sir! Last shout-out to Mitchell Lewis, we were in the FC theatre program together, he was a class beneath me. Great job, man! I'm so happy for you!

I used to go here all the time growing up, Derby Dinner is actually a big contributor to why I love theatre. I went on to be in the Floyd Central theatre program, snagging a few starring roles and many chorus roles. Unfortunately, life got in the way and I've had to put my love of acting to side, but that doesn't mean I can't still enjoy my passion! I'm so lucky to live in an area with such such rich culture and a great selection of arts venues. It's been a long time since I've visited Derby, but I think I'll be coming back way more often from now on!

Thank you for such a great night! Great show, good food, fantastic service and atmosphere 10/10 👌👍💯 You guys really helped me get my love of theatre back, Ive been neglecting it for too long. THANK YOU and I can't wait for...