bardavon opera house

364lynj

Find a featured event that tickles your fancy: opera, the symphony, rock, jazz, blues, folk; or even a classic old flick, and treat yourself to an ecstatic afternoon or evening in this gorgeous renovated1869 theater. I feel like I've spent an evening with a dear old friend every time I go there.

170jimk

Built just after the US Civil War, this was the grand theatre in what is now a faded but not dying burg. As with many others (but alas not nearly enough others), the theatre was rescued from impending demolition by a diligent band of citizens who restored it wonderfully. It is attractive and comfortable, and the staff--mostly volunteers--are helpful and knowledgeable. Like many such venues, they get quite good acts from the middle to low end of the B list--usually folks on their way up or own their way down, but some perfectly content with their B-list position. If you're going to be in the area, can't hurt to check out who's playing there during your visit. If you live in the area and haven't been there yet, shame on you. (Pretty much the same things are true about the Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston, operated by the same organization, except it wasn't built until the late 1920s.)

JoePietr

Bardavon Opera House is a great place to see a live performance or an old movie. Special attraction is a live performance of the original Bardavon Organ with its fantastic sounds.

680evans

The Bardovan was a wonderful venue for a memorial concert for Pete and Toshi Seeger. Hosted by their grandson, the evening mixed entertainment with remembrance. The sound was wonderful and the seats were comfortable. Only rub was that the concert started late, and the crowd was stuck in line outside in the hot sun for about 45 minutes.

Robin122

Attended a comedy show with Paula Poundstone, which was hilarious by the way though this is not her review, and found a beautifully restored theater. I attended many movies there as a child prior to its restoration and it was sorely in need of fixing then but served its purpose as a movie theater in the 60's. We sat in the balcony and had an unobstructed view of the stage and did not feel we were in the nosebleed seats at all. I am a larger person, however, and I'm guessing that people weren't so big in 1869 as it was a definite tight fit and would be concerned for even larger people (sigh).

MakingChanges

Classy, classic, beautiful. Ballets, plays, operas, concerts. Some big names have appeared here, and well as lesser knows. A treat.

wildsparrow

I saw a couple of performances there - and both times I was in the balcony and could see and hear perfectly. It's a wonderful old theater with ceiling paintings and wall sconces. Lots of atmosphere and great acoustics.

foeh

the Bardavon renewal is great and the size is really good. You can get connected to the stage since you are never far away. Theathers in NYC and Sarasota FL can have you sitting in nose-bleed seats.

SARossini

Saw comedian John Pinette and had a great time. Try not to get too far toward the back however. The theater is beautiful, the sound was great, but it was a bit far to see him on the stage from row 2 in the upper mezz.

jrs59

From the old days in the 50's as a young child seeing Movies to the refurbished 900+ seat theater today hosting some of the best concerts in the world and operas. At 64 yrs young I truly appreciate Chris Silva, dutchess cty and all of us who have contributed to the oldest theater in NY State. I am proud to see our young children going here and the support all of us have given. This is a beautiful old theater enjoy the ambience and the shows!

GBlue

The Bardavon is a charming, old, restored theater with decent elbow room; it's not cramped like other old theaters (i.e., Tarrytown Music Hall), and I enjoy seeing shows (stand-up comedy, music, classic movies, opera) as I do at the charming, old Palace Theater in Albany. Small enough to seat an intimate audience, but big enough for an adequate draw. Courteous staff are there to assist you to your seat, and a snack/drink bar to boot. Good variety of shows (they offer children's shows also, which I think is a great way to introduce kids to drama), and the option to be a member to get advanced tickets for some events. Not a bad deal at all! I hope this place can stay open forever...frankly, it's a Poughkeepsie monument.

Aescalapeus

The Bardavon has had several iterations of its life. It is a piece of Poughkeepsie nostalgia and a landmark. Many buildings near and around it have been torn down, etc. The way it is now, is a throwback to an era when life was slower, people talked to each other, and the theatre was their only entertainment. Some of the shows are well worth seeing.

DeltaBiker

The Bardavon is a movie house I went to as a kid to see the 007 James Bond and other movies from that time. It has evolved into a beautiful concert hall as well.

marvinb911

This is a 900 seat performing arts center. Beautiful, comfortable and good acostics. It is a fully restored classic. Try to catch a show.

SunshineT8

What a beautiful location. They have done a wonderful job restoring the Bardavon. We have gone to see movies, plays, ballets, Irish step dancing and speakers. I am so glad that it is in Poughkeepsie.