Theater 47 — Attraction in Rich Township

Just attended the Bobby Womack performance this evening. The cast were excellent, however, the show was unenjoyable due to several ladies who were extremely loud, obnoxious, and rude. Not to mention I attempted to speak with the owners, Mr. Ruffin along with his wife, and they were as rude as his audience. I have never dealt with a proprietor who was as rude as they were. On top of that he continued to disagree and became even more hostile towards myself and another family member. It was very disappointing and very sad to see an owner who had the opportunity to make a different choice and decision continuously become more ruder and obnoxious. His staff and cast actually are more professional than him or his wife. He often mentions Tyler Perry at the end of his shows. However, he will never reach a Tyler Perry level of success due to his lack of inability and professionalism with how he handles his customers. We always hear about Black people not supporting other black businesses. Now we see why! Customer service goes a long ways and clearly he does not have it. I will no longer support or attend another performance at Theater 47. I’ve been a big supporter of this theater for the last several years. However, I will encourage others not to support this owner due to the lack of professionalism and disrespect extended to his supporters. Unfortunately, the actors are working for someone who has no respect, experience, or knowledge of how to treat anyone. Therefore, I will make sure I express this to anyone who mentions they have plans on attending a performance at...

To the brilliant John L. Ruffin - Playwright, Producer, Director & Owner of Theater 47,

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your powerful and moving production of Living All Alone: The Phyllis Hyman Story.

The play's sensitive and profound portrayal of the life and struggles of Phyllis Hyman was an artistic and emotional triumph.

Thank you for using your vision to keep her important legacy alive on stage.

The respectful way you approached such a difficult topic is what moved me most.

I was particularly impressed by the nuance in the writing, the compassionate performance by the lead actor, and the thoughtful staging.

It is a testament to your skill and artistic integrity that you were able to honor Phyllis Hyman's full humanity, including the pain she endured, without sensationalizing her death.

The production was not just a tribute but an invitation for the audience to connect with Phyllis Hyman on a deeper level.

By exploring her life with such care, you gave the audience a profound gift.

You reminded us that even in tragedy, Phyllis Hyman's complete story--her talent, passions, and contributions--is what truly defines her legacy.

Your work has created a space for meaningful reflection and has ensured that her legacy will not be forgotten but will be seen in a more complex and human light.

Thank you again for this incredible and important theatrical experience.

I will carry the impact of this performance with me for a long time.

With Profound Respect and...

The show was ok. The singer's were good. This was a birthday outing for me and my first impression was not the greatest. The owner and director was VERY rude! The ticket and ushering was terrible as far as the seating goes( very unorganized). When we got to the theater my husband had shown that we had purchased our tickets online. We were told by the ticket agents where to go and where to sit. There was a ticket confusion with the ladies sitting next to us, they were told that they were sitting in the wrong seats so the lady asked to see the tickets so that she could straighten it out. We had been sitting in our seats for a good 20 minutes when the owner/ director came to me and my husband and asked us can we move we are sitting in the wrong seats. I was so confused I had stated " no, the lady was talking to the women next to us". He said, in a very rude way "No I'm talking to you, there are no double tickets." So my husband had to go back to the ticket lady to straighten it out meanwhile he was looking at me to get up now. I said to him you are very rude and I was furious. It was not a very big theater and his voice carried and it was very embarrassing. It took one of the cast members to come over to apologize about his rudeness. This was my first time to the theater and unfortunately my last time I will not be referring anyone...