Grand Theatre — Local services in Frankfort

Frankfort's Grand Theater is one of those delightful gems that you discover just off the beaten track.

A medium-sized venue dating back to the days of Vaudeville, the Grand has been revived after decades of neglect. When you visit, you'll see evidence of a loving restoration still in progress (but nearly complete!). Comfortable seating, great sightlines throughout the house, and a moderately-sized proscenium stage create a lively but intimate atmosphere in which it's a thorough pleasure to enjoy live performances.

We had the unique pleasure of meeting some members of the project's board of directors who come out to work in the theater during shows. I'm terrible at names and sadly failed to record the name of the gentlemen that we spoke to, but they were deservedly enthusiastic about their theater.

One of them gave us a tour of the upstairs balcony level (which wasn't open during the show we were seeing),which includes a lovely gallery space and more comfortable seating, well-raked for a great view from every seat. He also gave us a thorough introduction to the Grand's history.

Concessions are very reasonably priced, with proceeds and tips (eager volunteers staff the stand) going to support the Grand's ongoing revitalization. We enjoyed a good-sized prosecco and a medium Diet Coke for $7 (plus $2 for the tip jar that goes to support the project). Patrons may bring their refreshments into the theater (which even offers cup-holders ... perhaps not incredibly elegant, but very useful when you need both hands to applaud!).

One last thing: the Grand is located in the heart of Frankfort's small but diverse downtown, which is overflowing with local businesses-- artists' and artisans' galleries, restaurants, cafés, and more. Leave yourself some time to enjoy the local color (and flavors!).

We will definitely be returning to visit the Grand and Frankfort's vibrant little arts hub, and I recommend both. Whether you're coming from afar or on the briefest "staycation," the Grand is well...

My 11 year old daughter & I anticipated our outing to The Grand Theater to see Cinderella for weeks. This being her first Theater event & my one of many just at other Theaters. The older gentleman at will-call upon arrival to pick up our tickets was very dry & rude to begin with. The appearance of the Theater is just appauling. Missing chunks of the walls, holes here holes there ect. After we got seated we were soon puzzled as to why there was a lady up on stage that began talking & talking & talking... to finally lights still on, young lady began a brief dance with a broom back to the lady talking some more along with teaching the young crowd a few of dance moves along with feet placement All the while listening to a child scream the entire time. Finally two step sisters appeared on stage to just bumble around yet back to talking some more. Finally Cinderella came upon the naked no props no lights no no no NOTHING stage and a cute little dress. After a lengthy 5 minutes performance if that it was back to. Yes talking! Then EVERYONE on stage! Meet and greet very quickly and out the door. I as my daughter were extremely upset. Her first Theater experience was terrible! The description of the production was very misleading and was nothing more than The Lexington Ballet doing a promo shot that is it. I sure hope none of the other young ladies were and still are as discouraged as mine about Theater due to all the mishaps she witnessed her first show. I highly doubt she will find interest ever...

You won't lose your head at this theater, but you may lose your ability to walk after being squeezed into a seat for a couple of hours. The balcony seats are crammed together leaving no leg room whatsoever.

The acts and movies are usually dated and not very interesting for young or middle aged individuals. It would be nice to have more mainstream bands even if they are cover bands. It would also be nice to get some mainstream movies and not those stuffy movies they show (think foreign films, old black and white classic movies and movies with political overtones).

The folks that work here are volunteers and I do appreciate what they do. Even though the seats are cramped, it is a nice place to visit, but they need to make some changes to the shows to attract a wider age range audience. I believe they could be open more often if they would change the...