Levoy Theatre — Attraction in Millville

As a child from my earliest memories, going to the Levoy theater was always a very special thing. I remember over 60 years ago when the Saturday matinee was 25 cents. I also remember when this theater ran into financial hardship, and had to close its doors because it could not compete with mega theaters and home theaters. However, a group of investors saw the need to revitalize the Levoy theater and open it as not just a movie theater but a more contemporary community place that would host live venues. This effort was begun by a young man with a vision. Tragically he lost his life before the project's completion. The theater set dormant for a number of years, being rescued from decay buy a group of people devoted and dedicated to resurrecting the theater as a non-profit, for the benefit of the community. Tragedy struck again, and the theater in the midst of being renovated collapsed due to the age of the structure not being amenable to the necessary construction. Again, it was like Phoenix rising from the ashes. The nearly formed non-profit group with the support of the Millville and surrounding community completed a totally new reconstruction, giving honor to the original theater built a hundred years earlier opened with great fanfare. Today, it is one of the premier venues in the Delaware valley for live entertainment from the best cover bands to the best modern voice and instrumental artists and groups. There is not a bad seat in the house. Because the lavoie theater is heavily endowed, they are able to bring the best entertainment to South Jersey without concern to making a profit. They list their shows online. You can use your smart phone to follow the latest additions to the venues. You can also sign up for emails, as well as advertise on the show programs. It is truly an experience that one would never expect in this small South Jersey town. From my perspective if you have not seen a show at this incredible theater, you have passed on s memorable...

I'm quite disappointed with this place. First time I went was to see a play of A Christmas Carol. The seats I purchased was floor level against the left wall. They would have been good seats if not for the stage speakers literally blocking half the stage. I complained about it and was able to better seats. However I noticed during my second visit a year later that they have yet to move those speakers so now others who are unfortunate to have the same seats I had would have the same issue.

On my second visit which was just a few weeks ago I saw Lotus Land (a Rush tribute band) perform. The performance was just ok. No band can ever come close to mimicking the sound of Rush, but that was expected, and not the fault of the Levoy. However, I wasn't prepared for the god-awful introduction of the band by the staff of the Levoy.

I've been to countless concerts at countless arenas and fully expected a similar opening/introduction I have been accustomed to seeing at other venues, but....

Sadly this wasn't the case at the Levoy. The stage curtain was fully open as the band members entered. They just stood (and sat) there with their instruments not playing. I honestly thought they were the set-up crew until a Levoy staff member walked on stage and to talk about upcoming events and Levoy memberships. And then with zero fanfare the band was introduced like they were just about to perform at a local high school talent show. Then the band started to play.

That's NOT how you introduce a band!!! Listen, if the Levoy wants to promote their events and membership, that's perfectly fine, but not while the band is standing behind them waiting. The curtain should be closed, not opened, behind the staff member while he or she gives the speech. Then afterwards the band should start playing as the curtain slowly opens giving the audience the experience of...

At first I could give a 0 I would. Because I was angry at the rude response. Let me start my saying the B&B show was Well Done, some hiccups but Great Job By the Cast. OK so I went to community/family night where normally after KID SHOWS there is a a meet & greet where the characters come up In Costume to take pics n sign programs. Well that didnt happen we waited 20 min for them to come up not in costume & they didnt even stand where normally the pics n meet n greet takes place my daughter was so upset. All she has been talking about was meeting Belle and it didn't happen. I'm not saying every character had to stay in costume but Beast, Belle, Gaston, Lumiere, Ms Pots . I have never been to a play that didnt do it that way. VERY DISSATISFIED! :( and the sound in the first cupl minutes mics weren't right couldn't hear. N the background music was too loud the entire show. Other then that it was a good show. I put this exact complaint on fb and they sd sorry but dont wanna risk the costumes. All they are doing is taking pictures. And I pointed last year the peter pan characters did it. Then they had the nerve to say the 2 tic I got were free , insinuating I didnt pay so I should not complain. But little did they realize I also bought 6 other tix just under my sisters name. I had never been so disappointed, and then insulted by anyone. BUT I Will Go Back! Because Sean who worked on Sound contacted me and explained in a professional matter. And apologized for the other person who insulted me....