Kennedy Theater at Progress Energy Center

I just saw Parade here the other night with my boyfriend for his birthday — what a fabulous show! So much talent in such a small space. I had goosebumps from several of the songs, very powerful. I went into it with zero knowledge about the plot/​storyline of the show and I believe that made the experience even more fun. The only reason they lost a star is the seating. I don’t mind the first come, first serve open seating plan… especially when every seat really has an okay view. We arrived 15 minutes before showtime and ended up in the back corner and could still see relatively well. The big issue was just the quality of the chairs. I may be a young person, but I didn’t even make it to intermission before the back pain kicked in. Honestly, next time I’ll probably plan to bring something to sit on and/​or drape over the back of the chair. If you have back pain issues, just be aware! The talent here is still worth it for sure.

I like to believe I’m in the know with happenings around here, but I gotta confess that if it weren’t for my Dad and StepMom, I might never have found this small tucked-​away theatre RIGHT BEHIND Meymandi. (as in, connected to the building… really…if you’ve never looked back there, like we had not, you might never have noticed it either.)
I have now learned that this is where Theatre Raleigh performs their Hot Summer Nights series. This week the new season kicked off with «Vanities». Lauren Kennedy starred in it Off-​Broadway and has brought it to us and is directing it. My understanding is she is the mastermind behind the whole series, and let’s face it… this talented Broadway star knows her stuff!
Today was our first time here (thanks Dad for the tix!) and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Small, intimate theatre that holds around 100. Seating is general admission, but there is literally not a bad seat in the place. We were able to hear every word and see everything from where we landed, which was third row from the back. Seats were comfortable with not-​bad leg room.
The show, by the way, is fun and the three gals in it are terrific! They were all wonderful singers and great actresses as well. I do believe the show runs for another week or so.
I absolutely love the intimacy of this theatre. Love that every show in the series is one I’ve never seen before and know nothing about. Looking forward to them all. Highly recommend to any and all theatre lovers to check out Theatre Raleigh at the Kennedy Center!

I love the small intimacy of this theater, while they give some really great shows. Parking is free across the street, and get there early for the best seats since they aren’t assigned seating.