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All 51 St. Petersburg Attractions »

Mahaffey Theater

400 First Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-892-5746
4.5 of 5 stars 29 Reviews
Type: Theatres
Owner description: Located in the heart of beautiful Downtown St. Petersburg,the Progress Energy Center for the Arts—Mahaffey Theater is a 2,031 seat cultural jewel... more » Owner description: Located in the heart of beautiful Downtown St. Petersburg,the Progress Energy Center for the Arts—Mahaffey Theater is a 2,031 seat cultural jewel featuring elegant ballroom space, spectacular waterfront views, and European box-style seating. Just steps away from the culturally vibrant Downtown and minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-famous museums, the Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances – Broadway, classical, pop, rock, comedy, dance, family, and the renowned Florida Orchestra. Additionally, the theater supports the highly successful Class Acts program, which enables school children to experience the performing arts through in-theater performances as well as in-school outreach and extension programs. « less
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29 reviews from our community

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St. Petersburg, Florida
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

My first choice in venues for the orchestra or a show, the renovation a couple of years ago really brightened up the place

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See 8 more reviews by isthisjohn for St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Florida
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2012

Externally, the Mahaffey is stunning. Inside, the theater is a disappointment given huge expectations from the contemporary exterior. Balcony seating is cramped causing knees to ache so badly it was painful to stand at intermission. Sound and sight lines are excellent.

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See 4 more reviews by SunnyinChagrin for St. Petersburg
Raleigh
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012

We went to the Billy Joel tribute concert featuring Michael Cavanaugh and the Florida Orchestra. Had a great time. I was impressed with the wide, comfortable seats. The theatre even called us before the show to offer us a complimentary upgrade. Unheard of! I suppose that was the Florida Orchestra calling. Nice surroundings in the lobby. The mens rooms on... More

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See 2 more reviews by robpinion for St. Petersburg
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012

This theatre reminds me of the incredible national theatre in Panama City, Panama - without the gilded detail. Nice updated version of old style theaters. Perfect acoustics!

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See 2 more reviews by LWRFL for St. Petersburg
Dunedin, Florida
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

Our first visit to the Mahaffey. We will return. Lovely setting, pleasant lobby and comfortable theatre seats. The sound was great. Just don't get first row seats for the Florida Orchestra. Sound was great but saw mostly feet.

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See 2 more reviews by KEOct23 for St. Petersburg
Pinellas Park
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2012

We've seen several shows at Mahaffey. No matter where we've sat we've never, EVER had a bad seat. I love the fact that there are several aisles so being bothered by people going in and out isn't a big problem. If you like to have a drink with your show that's possible and the prices are reasonable. Traffic getting in... More

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Seminole, Florida, United States
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2012

A smaller venue, so all the seats are good and the experience is more intimate.

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San Diego, California
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2012

It's a nice well maintained theater with a super view to the Dali Museum and the Marina. The sound is great but the seats comfortable but quite old.

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See 8 more reviews by jmareyna for St. Petersburg
Gulfport, Florida
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 April 2012

Comfortable, clean. Excellent orchestras and other attractions, never disappointing, Fair prices.

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Columbus, Ohio
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2012

For me, theatres need to have comfortable seating, good views, good acoustics, easy parking and be well organized. The Mahaffey is a great setting for performances. We saw a Colombian Dance group there from the 11th row on the floor -- and could see nicely. If you come early, take a walk on the little harbor or just sit and... More

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See 2 more reviews by allezgently for St. Petersburg

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