In 1975, Circuit Playhouse, which was established by a troupe of high school actors in 1965, acquired a building in Overton Square in midtown Memphis, Tenn. With $30,000 provided by Overton Square Investors for renovation, and with increased funding from the Memphis Arts Council, Playhouse on the Square was born. It was an offspring of Circuit Playhouse, which continued to produce the kind of adventurous theatre its audience had come to expect. Playhouse on the Square opened on November 12, 1975, with a production of Godspell. It also had a resident company of professional actors and a paid staff. The first season was graced with the performances of actors, which included Larry Riley and Michael Jeter, who would later achieve notable careers in New York and Hollywood.
Website: playhouseonthesquare.org
Phone: (901) 726-4656
Cross Streets: Near the intersection of S Cooper St and Union Ave
Closed now
- Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
66 S Cooper St Memphis, TN 38104 ·617.82 mi
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Amenities
- Family friendly
Reviews
tripadvisor
We love a professional theatre with a resident company! I visited for their production of POTUS which was in the historic circuit playhouse (fun fact, apparently Elvis used to enjoy hanging out there). The staff are so kind and helpful and the show was a blast. My only complaint? Where was the audience?! Come check this theatre out!
MoreWe saw Peter Pan here with our grandchildren while we were visiting in the Memphis area over the holidays. We’re experienced theater goers and especially attuned to local theater productions. This one was very well done. The theater was lovely. Our seats were up in the balcony but still provided great visibility of the stage. Sound was top notch. To the youngest in our crew, it was magical.
MoreWhether a traveler or a native, this is a must, if you love the arts in the slightest. I have seeen two incredible productions so far and have been so impressed with the level of production and performance, that I am now a season ticket holder and live 3.5 hours away. I have enjoyed theater for most of my life, from local to Broadway and the quality of acting, direction, orchestration, set design, lighting and more will make this a night you will remember.
MoreMy wife and I saw Matilda on opening night as we were in town for our anniversary. The show was very well done and we enjoyed it. The venue itself is very nice. I don't think there is a bad seat in the place. The theater is big enough to make the play seem like a larger production, but is small enough to still keep things intimate. The facility was clean. The only drawback on the facility I saw was parking. Theater parking is located on the side of the building and there are only a few rows, which fill up quickly. We arrived at the theater 15 minutes before the show and this area was filled up. We had to park down the road at a parking garage, which cost $3. The cost for that was reasonable, but it unfortunately forced us to walk and cut it close making the show. Overall, a great experience! Likely to go back and see another show.
MoreThe acting and music are fantastic for a local theater. We have seen many plays and musicals there, and have never been disappointed. We also think that many of them were better than the times we saw the same show in NYC. People are polite, seats are comfortable and all with a great view. They even have a small bar open before, during and after the show for a quick snack or drink, including wine. Prices are fantastic for the quality - they even offer a 'whatever you can afford' night for each run that allows people to go and only pay what they can afford or want to spend. Put all this with the great programs they sponsor (classes, camps, after school,...) and it becomes near impossible to miss supporting and enjoying such a great company.
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