The Music Hall

I would have given this 4 stars, as it is a solid venue for music, but the staff and "house rules" were a bit of a downer. I understand this place is sort of a historic novelty in Portsmouth, but there is a line between preserving the space/atmosphere and treating the patrons like children.

I bought an alcoholic drink in the lobby, and had to hand it over to an usher to carry it up the stairs to the arena (apparently if you have drink YOU WILL spill it, and forever ruin the carpeting that is trampled on by hundreds per night). Once up the stairs, I was informed that alcohol is prohibited from the seating area, thus, forced to pound my drink so I could be allowed entry before the show started. A bit of a turn off.

The staff also fails to realize that while someone sitting a few rows in front taking a picture of the performance can be a bit distracting (albeit an expected one), it is far less annoying than an usher constantly marching through the aisles wagging his finger like a middle school principal.

Those issues aside, the Music Hall brings in some great talent (I saw John Prine last night!), the sound is great, and the downtown Portsmouth scene provides great pre-and post-show spots for food and drinks.

Side note: This is an old venue, with old seats that are slightly less comfortable than most have come to expect. On the up-side, the "obstructed view" seats refer to small poles that support the balcony and don't get in the way much.

As I said to a friend the other night, when employees are unpleasant and rude, there is a trickle down effect from management. There must be someone at the top of the box office food chain who is monumentally unpleasant. Terrible customer service, inexcusable. Since it is such a small town, one tries to ignore the terrible feeling of ugh, those rude box office people (not all, but many), I will just try to slip in without any trouble. And then, blam, it happens again. Friends have stories of their own.  Who is the box office person? Do you live a tortured life?

So here is the plan: Newburyport Screening Room whenever possible. Portland, NYC, Boston. Anything but the Music Hall.

Absolutely beautiful theater. They put on lots of shows, plays, movies, etc. Always a fun time.  Although often times I check to see what's playing, and there's nothing scheduled.  Too bad.