Hershey Theatre — Attraction in Hershey

Went to see an event here last night with my partner. A few disclosures: Coming from over 2 hours away Last minute trip I did read all policies sent to me in an email beforehand I am a physically disabled person, my disability affects my legs/walking but I am able to use stairs with a railing/support if needed

I am a huge fan of Hersheytown, PA usually. The theme park and other areas I have been to my whole life have always been really pleasant and mostly accommodating. I’ve even thought about living here someday because of my love of the town itself and theme parks in general.

All that said, I probably will not make it back to the Hershey Theatre any time soon- at least not without extensive planning.

Pros: Parking was very easy. Plenty of handicap spots available The historic building is incredibly beautiful and well kept. Really enjoyed the inside of the theatre. Fairly easy to queue outside, line moves fairly quickly when doors open -the show we came to see was fun

Cons: my partner was stopped from going inside / had to go back to put his fanny pack in the car, and then go back to the line because the bag was barely over the stupid block they use to measure the 5 by 8 bag policy. And because his was deemed too big, I went with him too because I knew my crossbody was not going to cut it either. I did read the email, I did see the warnings but we both thought that our bags were small enough. Those “extra” edges are unusable space anyway! I understand security is extremely important these days, but I think they are way too strict, especially when they also make you take everything out of your bag anyway and walk through a metal detector. I’m not saying a huge bag should be allowed, but average/small fanny packs or crossbodys should be allowed these days. I have never had a problem at any other venue I have gone to with my crossbody. You can however bring a clear bag of any size 🙄 so I guess that’s what I have to do next time. I just hated being inconvenienced and again having a disability and standing in line a longer time once we stuffed our pockets was ridiculous.

Once we finally got inside, I had to use the bathroom, and was happy to see the handicapped accessible one, BUT it was not stocked with toilet paper!!!

As a person with a disability, I asked about an elevator and was coldly told there was none and I had to use the stairs to get to my seat in the balcony. Luckily again, I can use stairs ( with railings) and my partner was there to help, but if I was a wheelchair user or just someone who could not do stairs, getting last minute tickets I would be out of luck. I understand it is an historic building- i was told by another usher there that they have spots for wheelchair users on the first floor, but you have to buy an accessible ticket online. The way ticketmaster is these days it’s extremely hard for you to grab accessible tickets without acting quickly when tickets go on sale. Maybe you could call ahead if you have needs, but of course me going last minute I didn’t do that. Again, I’m lucky I could do stairs but I’m just thinking about others disability needs. The venue definitely needs to have stronger disability plans in place if they can’t change the historic building. (Which I personally believe is a dumb rule/law that is discriminatory because elevators / changing for accessibility should be a thing everywhere. It will not affect the beauty of the building) Also, the upper balcony did not have railings to get to your seat- either put railings in or hire ushers that are willing to help)

Overall the staff was cold, unwelcoming and treated me like a waste of space.

I do recommend visiting Hershey and Hersheypark, but unless you are able bodied, super prepared for the rules or like being treated like a second rate citizen, avoid this Hershey...

It has been a week and I thought and prayed about my experience last Wednesday to see the Hamilton Musical at the Hershey Theater.

The musical and cast exceeded my long seated expectations! The choice to view the musical in Hershey vs. Philadelphia was to have my own take of Thanksgiving and what I am grateful for.

My feedback is directed to the security the give each other cheers when the screen someone and a handbag doesn’t fit the box and the first option provided is to throw your (my) designer bag in the trash! When adjusts are made the return entry I was “directed” to make my fannypack fit in the box with no grace or mercy when it got 75% in then turned their back and simply said go in. Contrctors possibly but not reflective of the Hershey experience. A Delayed further at the box office become I had a confirmation from StubHub and did not know the barcode was required which to this date I did not see and the box office person printed entry when she looked my information up can used further delay as I hear the helpless song being performed…. Also entering the box office the male security person that cheered my gatekeeper for the pocket book deliberately went through a different door to avoid opening it for me as an African American woman. I say that because the ration of people that looked like me on the first level was approximately 1:25. I very upset and disappointed I asked for the theater manager and Scott an usher I believe was kind and empathetic to the point of almost redeeming my experience. Then the security lead and Tim identified as the theater manager listen to my experience stated that they were sorry. The security manager stated the at this will be used as an opportunity for future training. Tim the manager stated that there is nothing additional that could be done and suggested I enjoy the remaining part of the show. Then he asked…..Did you get your ticket through the lottery? This is the point of discrimination in my point of view. Why would you? Is that what you assume? Is that what you expect? Is this Ansheiser bush and sesame place? How is this acceptable vs let me see your ticket or let me know where /how your ticket was obtained. So politically incorrect, assumption and bias! I traveled from Audubon, PA 90 miles and was treated worst than any theater in the Philadelphia area.

I am posting to share my experience and If anyone else has had the same type of occurrence...

4/22/23: Natalie Merchant; Keep Your Courage tour. Flew from SoCal to see Natalie here. Wife wanted to visit Hershey / Philly area. 3rd time I have see Natalie, and, jez what can I really say about her? If you've seen her live you "get" it. Been about 20 years since I have. Glad to see with all of the challenges she's had to her health she continues to get better and better. That being said, Hershey Theatre was a PERFECT venue for the adjusted renditions of some of her catalog. Beyond her new album stuff off Ophelia especially played well in this awe inspiring venue. Sound was impeccable. The Theater is just amazing. Thr architecture. All of the intricate details. We milled around for as long as possible after the show taking it all in. If I am ever back into this area again I'd Definetly do the tour. What struck me most about the theatre was my perception about the potential influence of St Patrick's in NYC in the theatre itself. Milton Hershey and his wife Kitty got married at St Pats in 99 and while chatting with my wife we both perceive this may have influenced his design choices when thinking about building the community center while building Hershey PA to what it is today. It's an interesting dichotomy of how almost unassuming the outer design is to walking in and not really expecting something as intricately designed as the lobby vestibule and theater were. Highly suggested if you can catch a show here, find a reason to go. Natalie Merchant's catalog really fit well being performed in this almost 100 year old extremely well preserved and maintained theatre.

PS: I can't not add a picture of the water fountains. I feel like things that we may take for granted based on day to day activity gets lost on us sometimes. Something as simple as how incredible the water fountains were vs just being a porcelain based variable or just some cold styled metal variable... Everything here is designed...