Athens Theatre
Athens Theatre
4.5
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
1:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Athens Theatre is a fully restored historic theatre. Once the centerpiece of DeLand, this red-bricked beauty is a jewel of Italian Renaissance architecture. This historic theatre was designed in 1921 by prominent Orlando architect Murray S. King and first opened its doors on January 6th, 1922. Above the stage's proscenium arch is an original 1920's Grecian frieze by artist Samuel Judson Stone. Each year the Athens Theatre presents six large theatrical productions by the Athens Theatre Company & Youth Academy, numerous concerts, community events, and gatherings.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
190 reviews
Excellent
156
Very good
18
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
6
Carol T
Palm Harbor, FL3 contributions
Nov 2021
First time to the Athens and sure wish I lived closer. What a beautiful theater! Staff was so helpful. Saw a performance to beat all and hope it gets repeated. Thanks for a wonderful evening at the theater. And a special thanks to all involved with Ladies Taking Liberty!
If you live anywhere near this theater, you need to visit and see an event.
If you live anywhere near this theater, you need to visit and see an event.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelingirl1967
Daytona Beach Shores, FL121 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Annie kids was terrible. We couldn't hear the actors talking. Advertisement never explained that the show was so shortened and sound problems existed. A disaster. The show was 35-40 minutes instead of full Length. Waste of $14 cost. Never again!
Written June 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
reise3
1,287 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
I love the charming brick exterior of this historic theatre. We came for a performance of Rent & had center balcony, front row seats. We thoroughly enjoyed the performance & appreciate the theatre’s close proximity to area restaurants. We’ve already taken a peak at next season’s lineup & will definitely be back.
Written May 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan L
DeBary, FL5 contributions
Apr 2021
We just saw Mamma Mia and it was probably the best show we’ve seen in a long time. Even better than Dr Phillips performing arts center. The characters were defined ,the voices outstanding, choreography wonderful and scenery so professional. Above all the theater is quaint and inviting, the volunteers so friendly and professional it had the Broadway feeling in a cozier atmosphere. Been coming here for years and it just keeps getting better and better
Written April 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheryl G
The Villages, FL651 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Just saw the play Misery and loved it!!!!! The acting was superb as well as the sets and lighting. This theatre is a gem: seats are comfortable, ushers very friendly and helpful. There are refreshment stations before the show and during intermission. Worth the drive from The Villages.
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Classydiner
Orlando, FL223 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
A neat little vintage theater. Every show we've seen here has been very good. We try to go to most of them. The acting and music is always good. The docents and staff are friendly. Very affordable and easy parking.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
consumeradvocateUsa
usa119 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
So, we were there recently and I decided to read some older reviews on here and I have to say, things have not apparently changed in all these years so, dont' expect anything to be different or good now. One reviewer stated:"The sound production was poor with some voices clearly heard while others were faint and indiscernible". and that is the same now. for sure! We couldnt hear anything but faint voices!
one reviewer said: "but the inside has been quite modernized. It has a cream and dark brown motif that is not very appealing." I totally agree, the inside is uncomfortable and boring and makes for a bad feel when watching a play. it's just like another reviewer said:"i suppose we expected the renovation to capture a bit more "charm" of the old days, instead of just a glorified movie theater."
I totally agree. The outside is nice. Just go to see the outside. I wouldn't recommend going inside to see anything. Another reviewer said that House Management and customer service was awful and two reviewers said that Alexa is not willing to help but give free concessions to one and ask people to come back in another. Well, Alexa seems to still be there so rest assured nothing has changed. So my advice is to stay away for now until production teams and management teams change and they find some real talent. In the meantime, it's like one previous reviewer stated, it is better to spend your money on another theater. It seems they dont give your money's worth here. It's a huge disappointment. I only wish that someone had been honest enough on more recent reviews to let us know before we went. But, here is your warning.
one reviewer said: "but the inside has been quite modernized. It has a cream and dark brown motif that is not very appealing." I totally agree, the inside is uncomfortable and boring and makes for a bad feel when watching a play. it's just like another reviewer said:"i suppose we expected the renovation to capture a bit more "charm" of the old days, instead of just a glorified movie theater."
I totally agree. The outside is nice. Just go to see the outside. I wouldn't recommend going inside to see anything. Another reviewer said that House Management and customer service was awful and two reviewers said that Alexa is not willing to help but give free concessions to one and ask people to come back in another. Well, Alexa seems to still be there so rest assured nothing has changed. So my advice is to stay away for now until production teams and management teams change and they find some real talent. In the meantime, it's like one previous reviewer stated, it is better to spend your money on another theater. It seems they dont give your money's worth here. It's a huge disappointment. I only wish that someone had been honest enough on more recent reviews to let us know before we went. But, here is your warning.
Written February 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm very sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your time with us. The DeLand community worked extremely hard to save the historic Athens Theatre from being demolished. Then, (with research help from the West Volusia Historical Society) we spent years restoring it to how it looked when it originally opened in 1922 (while keeping up to code). Since the theatre's re-opening in 2009 we have constantly striven to improve each aspect of our patrons' experiences with us, and to improve the production quality, sound, and lighting for each event. As technical instruments are costly, we are forced to purchase a little bit at a time, but we do the best we can. Our staff and volunteer force continue to receive and education and training.
As a non-profit community theater, we work hard to elevate both our Athens Theatre Company and Athens Youth Academy productions. We have been lucky enough to use professional directors and production teams, and see a number of our volunteer actors and crew go on to become theatre professionals.
I would very much appreciate specific suggestions/ideas on how we could have improved your experience with us. Please contact me directly at Alexa@AthensDeLand.com so that we can continue this conversation. We are constantly learning and growing, and constructive criticisms are an important tool that we use in brain storing new and improved methods and techniques
Written February 6, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Work2travelfl
Florida49 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
I went to see "les Miserable" on Sunday. The theatre was wonderful. There are no bad seats at all. It is an oldie but goodie. It was first opened in 1922. The theatre has great history and is located in downtown Deland. It has a wonderful manager Mr. Jeffries ( I think, he has a really cool waxed mustache) Anyway he helped us with the handicapped seating for my dad. He was so kind he took us and showed us the choices we had. He really went above and beyond.
They serve wine and beer at the beginning and during intermission. You are free to stroll outside and enjoy your drink till curtain call. The play was so goodI am thinking of going again before it closes.
All in all it is a wonderful theatre with a rich history and the prices are so cheap it's unbelievable. I paid 22.00 and 19.00 for senior. I am going to see Jesus Christ superstar at the Amway areana for over $100.00 a seat.
This is a great place to see great shows at a reasonable price. You can't beat it.
Go! You won't be sorry.
They serve wine and beer at the beginning and during intermission. You are free to stroll outside and enjoy your drink till curtain call. The play was so goodI am thinking of going again before it closes.
All in all it is a wonderful theatre with a rich history and the prices are so cheap it's unbelievable. I paid 22.00 and 19.00 for senior. I am going to see Jesus Christ superstar at the Amway areana for over $100.00 a seat.
This is a great place to see great shows at a reasonable price. You can't beat it.
Go! You won't be sorry.
Written April 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane D
Flagler Beach, FL6 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
This classic drama of the redemption of one man's soul should not have been presented as a musical comedy--complete with a flamboyantly hammy Ghost of Christmas Present and his chorus line of dancing girls and a dwarf in the role of a female toddler who was ecstatically kissing and hugging her doll every time she was on stage. This was not the usual stellar cast of performers evident in other productions. It was bizarre, to say the least.
The sound production was poor with some voices clearly heard while others were faint and indiscernible. The set was not large enough to cover the sides of the stage, and we could see everything that was going on behind the scenes, which was jarring, to say the least. The confetti that was released, along with the soap suds (snow?) made a sticky, awful mess on our shoes.
Overall, this production was on the level of a high school performance. I hope the Athens will rethink this for next year.
The sound production was poor with some voices clearly heard while others were faint and indiscernible. The set was not large enough to cover the sides of the stage, and we could see everything that was going on behind the scenes, which was jarring, to say the least. The confetti that was released, along with the soap suds (snow?) made a sticky, awful mess on our shoes.
Overall, this production was on the level of a high school performance. I hope the Athens will rethink this for next year.
Written December 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phyllis M
Crescent City, FL54 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
We went to this performance last nite and we were blown away by this amazing talented group. They played for 2 hours and the first half was great. The second half was even greater. If you haven't yet seen them, they will be there tonite (March 31, 2018).
Go and see them and be prepared to swing. dance, laugh and applaud
Go and see them and be prepared to swing. dance, laugh and applaud
Written March 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the schedule of upcoming performances in February 2019?
Written February 1, 2019
Trip advisor won’t allow a hyperlink in responses, but if you visit the Athens Theatre website and look on the home page or calendar of event page, both will list our upcoming schedule.
This upcoming week has a film festival on Tuesday, a wonderful Paul McCartney/Beatles/Wings tribute on Thursday, and a Carpenters tribute on Sunday. Then later in the month we will open “Always...Patsy Cline,” a musical about Patsy Cline (with a full band on stage).
Hope to see you at the theatre soon!
Written February 2, 2019
I am interested in ushering. How do I get info about that?
Written October 17, 2018
Hello Nettie, Trip Advisor won't let me put a hyperlink or email address in this response, so if you go to the Athens Theatre's webpage and look toward the bottom and find the white image that looks like 2 hands shaking and says "Lend a hand, become a volunteer". click on this image and the page that comes up next will have a volunteer application and instructions.
Thanks so much for your interest in helping!
Written October 19, 2018
going to the 'Diamond'show Saturday, is a fully beaded black dress too much?? or should i dress
"forever in blue jeans"?
Written August 16, 2018
Go for it! We are going to that show and I am dressing up. It’s going to be awesome!
Written August 18, 2018
There is a parking lot in front of the theater. Not directly in front, towards the right if you are standing in front of the theater facing the road. Free parking.
Written May 27, 2018
Is there a dress code for each show?
Written May 6, 2018
No. People in shorts, jeans & Tees or club wear if they plan on visiting the many bars in town.
Written May 7, 2018
The Athens Theater does not have an elevator for balcony seating but it does offer seating for wheelchair and walker patrons on the first floor.
Written July 26, 2015
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