Rivercenter For the Performing Arts

This was my first time at this theater, really my first time in Columbus GA. I went to see Dave Chapelle on April 8^th, the 7pm show. My visit started off fine, but I was a bit disappointed when I found out that the theater did not have a concession stand. I would soon find out that this was the least of my worries. They were extra strict about people having their phones out, like you couldn’t even have it off and hold it in your hands. When I say strict I mean excessive/​FBI, SWAT, and DEA all in one. I was in the mezzanine area, you had to enter through mezzanine D and we sat in seat 206 and 205. The ushers/​FBI agents closest to us took their jobs way to serious. Throughout the show they continued to block our vision and disrupt our hearing by walking into the aisles and accusing people of having or using their phones when they were not. I unfortunately ended up being one of these people. I was leaning forward trying to enjoy the show and maybe 20min into Dave Chapelle, the same short fair skinned usher with a short black weave came to the end of my row and started saying several times and pointing to me «you, come here.» At first I thought she was talking to someone else, so I looked to my left, but didn’t see anyone. When I realized she was talking to me, I insisted that I had done nothing wrong and refused to get up. She then left and returned with a security guard and 3 cops who came into my row, forced me to get up, and escorted me out of the mezzanine area. They were so loud that even Dave Chapelle stopped his show to ask what was going on up there and he also insisted that the people they were trying to kick out should stay. After showing the cops the gallery on my phone which had no images or video of any of the acts, the manager of the theater insisted that I be escorted out of the building and not allowed to return inside. They also wouldn’t refund my money despite the fact that I showed them I had nothing on my phone. This experience was unbelievable and one of the most awkward and embarrassing moments in my life. I will not be returning to this theater.

Although I had recently read the one star review this place received, I figured going to see Dave Chapelle was special enough to warrant «bad acoustics and uncomfortable seating.» Initially I was correct. Dave’s performance rocked. However; during the performance a member of the theater staff kept coming to the row in front of me and harassing one of the guests. From what I heard, the lady supposedly had her phone out (I don’t know if she did or didn’t but I didn’t see any lights glowing around me, it honestly looked like she was just leaning forward and laughing at Dave) but it got so messy security came and took her away. It was so disruptive that Dave Chapelle himself acknowledged the noise and then, not even kidding, the same member of the staff came back again and accused another woman in my section of having their phone out.
I totally get having to monitor things like that but they have got to figure out a better way to manage that without lessening the experience for other guests. It’s already unpleasant to sit there… and they don’t even offer concessions!
Over all, next time I’ll just book them earlier so I can stay in the city.

Terrible acoustics. Uncomfortable seating. It’s got to be something really special to spend the money to go here.