There is no bar at Murray Hill Theatre, and no swearing on its stage. That is by design. The theatre is run by Murray Hill Ministries, a nonprofit Christian organization that is not tied to any church or denomination, and it offers an alcohol, drug and smoke free night out for all ages.
A Movie House With a Mission
The building on Edgewood Avenue South opened in the late 1940s as Murray Hill's neighborhood movie theater. It closed in the early 1990s, and in 1995 the ministry reopened it as a faith based concert hall. Its calendar mixes Christian bands, DJ nights, film screenings and comedy, and it hosts hundreds of events a year.
What Comedy Looks Like Here
The theatre usually reserves its stage for Christian artists, but it books other acts case by case as long as the material is generally positive. Profanity is not allowed on stage at all. That makes comedy here clean comedy, built for families, church groups and anyone who wants a night of laughs with nothing to explain to the kids on the drive home.
Seats or Standing
Most shows are general admission. The room holds up to 598 people standing, or 300 when chairs are set out for a seated show, so check the listing to see which kind of night yours is. At standing shows, a few chairs at the back go first come, first served.
Before You Head Over
Doors usually open half an hour before showtime, sometimes an hour. The box office opens only on show nights, takes Visa and Mastercard, and there is no ATM. The snack bar sells water, soft drinks, candy, ice cream bars and a few simple dinner items. Shows are open to all ages, though the theatre says some are better suited to teens 16 and older, so check your ticket for the night's rules.
Flash photography is never allowed, and professional recording gear needs the artist's approval. The theatre says it is accessible, and it asks anyone who needs help to call management well before the show. It does not post parking details, so give yourself a few extra minutes to find a spot nearby.
In the Neighborhood
Edgewood Avenue is Murray Hill's main strip, with small shops, restaurants and coffee places close by. Nearby on Post Street, the original Dreamette has been serving ice cream from a walk up window since 1948, and it takes cash only. The theatre is part of the Riverside and San Marco area, a short drive from FIVE in Five Points.