Derby Dinner Playhouse

My family (two teens, mother and self) attended the White Christmas production on December 27, 2012. It was a dreamy night! The playhouse was easy to find even though we couldn't get Mapquest to work for directions. It took fewer than 30 minutes to travel there, and back home after the show. My teens are very picky about food, and we all thought it was wonderful! I enjoyed having tea, coffee and water free. The desserts were worth the small charge and I liked having a choice about the time that I could have it served. I was amazed that the servers actually performed in the show! I've never seen any group of people work harder than them! This was not an expensive evening, and one that I will repeat very soon. We sat very close to the stage - right up next to it. That added to the fun - especially since two of the movie's characters do the same in an early shot. It was an unexpected bonus. The only minor (and I do mean minor) issue was that the seating at the table was a bit crowded. We were lucky to have extremely nice dinner companions so it all worked out. This would make an excellent gift! No, I don't work for them - you don't want to hear me sing! more

The Derby Dinner Children's Theatre leaves much to be desired when compared to similar children's dinner theatres in other cities. Although the acting and plays are okay, the food quality and service is on the below average end. Patrons are herded like cattle through buffet lines that have no variation through the season. The food is commodity quality and often not warm. Waiters and waitresses, with some exception, are young kids and unfriendly acting as if they do not want to be there. Desserts are extra - I would rather pay more and have it included. And, again they are the quality of what you would get in an elementary school cafeteria. My child has even commented he wants to go somewhere else for dessert afterwards. Despite this, my child loves the wild child atmosphere and the plays. So we continue to hold season tickets. One more comment, the theater was just redone. Owners overlooked their large crowd of child patrons in the bathroom design, and the "kitchen sink" fixtures and countertops are way out of reach for the little ones! more

Derby Dinner Playhouse is so much fun and there's nothing like it in Louisville. Maybe the food isn't 5-star and you won't see Tony-award-winning acting, but you will have a tasty buffet dinner and an entertaining local theater experience. The performers are entertaining and you feel like you're in the middle of the action. Since it's a theater "in the round" the actors are making their entrances directly from the aisles. And if you love sweets, you have to check out their desserts - especially the strawberry shortcake! more