Uptown Theater — Attraction in Providence

I recently saw a show and was really disappointed at how much noise there was around me. Selling candy and snacks really takes away from the experience of people who are there to actually enjoy live music. I really don't want to listen to someone loudly shaking a box trying to find a blue M&M in a dark theater after I paid for great seats to see my favorite musician. I know staff can only control so much, but there are no rules or announcements about phone usage and remaining quiet for the duration of the show. I sat in the center second row, and women in front of me in the front row were using their cell phones and talking while a staff person sat at the front and did nothing. It's disrespectful to the musicians and annoying for people who are serious fans. The theater itself is beautiful, but I won't...

Big and tall be warned...

We saw Mike Birbiglia do a more intimate set in the upstairs theater. Maybe 75 people can fit in there.

It was a fantastic setting for his crowd work material. The sound and close theater style layout was perfect.

My biggest complaint though is the VERY tight seating. I'm not a large man, 5'11". But I REALLY struggled to be comfortable in these seats. Too narrow and no leg room, whatsoever. I was even sitting in the aisle seat to let my legs stick out and it was still a journey to find a comfortable position for an hour+ long show.

I don't have this issue when sitting in their main hall downstairs, just the upstairs. If your show is on the second floor get there early to grab a...

The Columbus Theater is one of Providence's many hidden gems. This former 20's era vaudeville house and movie theater was run down for many years, but a 2012 renovation has restored this beautiful landmark theater. Its original turn-of-the-century "Italianate" Palace design is beautifully displayed both outside and in. The space is large and contains two theater spaces, one upstairs that seats 200 and the main space downstairs that seats 800. All the sight-lines are great and unobstructed from every seat in the house. The projection and audio systems are high tech and up to date as well, making it an excellent venue for film screenings and live...