Blakemore West Proprietary Hm

Pros

• The Clemens Center is beautiful.
• Volunteers are helpful and amazing.
• It is a wonderful venue for top-quality productions with Broadway-quality performances.
• The seating is comfortable and the acoustics are excellent.
• The facilities are clean and the staff are polite.
• It is a terrific venue for theater, concerts, and artistic performances.
• The interior is gorgeous and the stage is well presented.
• Backstage tours are fascinating and reveal how productions come together.
• The lighting and sound systems are excellent.
• Parking is convenient and bathrooms are clean.
• The staff are consistently friendly and helpful.
• The Clemens Center remains a beautiful venue for plays and artists, with comfortable seating and modern amenities.

Cons

• A reviewer notes that half the bridge is closed due to a fire.
• A reviewer states the venue is underutilized because it doesn't host music shows or concerts.
• A reviewer mentions that the sound system can sometimes not be great.
• A reviewer points out that drinks were a bit pricey.
• A reviewer recounts an incident where a Clemens Center staff member scolded a musician about entering through the musicians' entrance.

Review

The Clemens Center in Elmira sits proudly as a heart of the Southern Tier's performing arts scene. Across the board, visitors call it a theatrical gem - beautiful inside and out, with a stage and auditorium that feel both grand and welcoming. The building itself is repeatedly praised for its historic charm: a 100+ year-old venue that has been lovingly restored to evoke the luxury and grandeur of a bygone era, yet modern enough to keep the experience comfortable for today's audiences. People note the seating as well-sized and easy to navigate, with a strong sense that this is a place designed to be enjoyed by families, students, and culture seekers alike.

Patrons consistently compliment the staff and volunteers who help keep everything running smoothly. The Clemens Center is described as well-run, with polite, helpful attendants and ushers who contribute to a positive experience from arrival through intermission and exit. The venue's logistics come through as well-organized: clean facilities, well-maintained restrooms, efficient concessions, smooth egress after performances, and parking that is convenient for a night out. There's a sense that the staff genuinely wants visitors to have a good time, and many reviews highlight how staff members go above and beyond to assist, from guiding groups to answering questions with a smile.

The variety of shows that have graced the Clemens Center is a major draw. Audiences have flocked to everything from family-friendly fare to Broadway-style productions and contemporary concerts. Mrs. Doubtfire drew a full house and was described as "bomb diggity" with the show "ALL THE RAGE," underscoring the center's ability to attract popular, high-energy performances. Other hits mentioned include Menopause the Musical 2, Dear Evan Hansen, Clue, Stomp, and Temptations, each leaving audiences impressed with production quality and the performance caliber. Classic and modern favorites - such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Emma - receive enthusiastic reactions, while lighter, more whimsical experiences like Bluey Live and various OSFL performances add to the center's diverse appeal. Even films and special events, like the Ernie Davis Day screening, are part of the cultural tapestry that the Clemens Center helps weave for Elmira's residents.

The venue's architectural and atmospheric magic is often singled out as a reason to visit. Reviewers repeatedly mention the theater's beauty, with comments about the interior's charm and the overall ambiance that transports attendees back in time while still delivering the comforts of a modern venue. The acoustics and lighting are praised in many shows, and the stage visibility is noted as excellent - no seat is described as a poor choice. People also appreciate the intimate feel the center can offer for smaller productions, while still being capable of hosting large-scale performances that feel like true Broadway-caliber experiences.

Community and accessibility are recurring themes. The Clemens Center is described as a local treasure that brings professional shows to Elmira, making city culture more affordable and accessible than the trip into the city would be for many families. There's a strong sense of pride in having a performing arts hub close to home, one that is large enough to attract quality productions but small enough to feel approachable. The center also hosts educational and family-oriented programming - schools attend performances, and there's ongoing engagement through backstage tours and fundraisers that help demystify how a production comes together behind the scenes.

Like any venue, the Clemens Center has its practical notes. A few reviews mention concessions pricing as something to be aware of and note that some drinks can be pricey. There's also a mention that the sound system can vary depending on the production - some touring groups bring their own audio setup, which can affect overall sound consistency. A single review even recounts a less ideal moment with a staff member directing access to the musicians' entrance, reminding readers that, like any active venue, it's not immune to human moments. Most reviews, however, emphasize that these instances are the exception rather than the rule and do not define the overall experience.

In sum, the Clemens Center is celebrated as Elmira's premier performing arts venue: a beautifully restored, comfortable, and versatile space that consistently delivers high-quality performances with terrific staff support. It's praised as a safe, welcoming place for families to enjoy a wide range of productions - from Broadway-caliber shows to intimate local performances - while fostering community pride and cultural growth in the Southern Tier. For residents and visitors alike, the Clemens Center remains a staple worth visiting again and again, a place where memorable evenings unfold in a storied, elegant setting.

This part of Elmira, New York offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several places of worship in close proximity, individuals can find spiritual support and community engagement. There are also a number of reputable physicians and pharmacies nearby, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. For dining options, there are restaurants ranging from casual eateries like McDonald's to more upscale establishments like Green Derby. Additionally, the area boasts beautiful parks such as Eldridge Park and Tanglewood Nature Center for leisurely outdoor activities. The presence of St Joseph's Hospital provides peace of mind for residents in terms of medical care. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment with convenient access to essential services for senior living.

Places of Worship

• Our Fathers House Of Prayer Eternal (0.1 miles)
• First Presbyterian Church of Big Flats (0.4 miles)
• SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church (0.8 miles)
• Southside Alliance Christian & Missionary Church (1 miles)
• Faith Temple Community Church (1.2 miles)
• Word of Faith Church (1.8 miles)
• First Church of the Nazarene (2.1 miles)

Physicians

• Waite & Lucarelli (0.1 miles)
• Asthma & Allergy Associates P.C. (0.2 miles)
• Dr. David P. Dozack - Optometrist (0.3 miles)
• Twin Tier Physician Management (0.4 miles)
• Southern Tier Pediatrics (0.5 miles)
• Finger Lakes Orthopedic Surgery PC (0.5 miles)
• Elmira Urological Associates Pc (0.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Finger Lakes Hous (0.2 miles)
• Green Derby (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• ILL Eagle Taphouse (0.4 miles)
• Lib's Supper Club (0.6 miles)
• Southside Sub Shop (0.7 miles)
• Geka's Vegan Eatery (0.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Weis Markets Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Hendersons Drug Store (0.3 miles)
• Geroulds Professional Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Gerould's Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Wegmans (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.9 miles)

Transportation

• Totem Taxi (0.4 miles)

Theaters

• Elmira Drive-In Theatre (0.4 miles)
• Regal Arnot Mall (5.9 miles)

Hospitals

• St Joseph's Hospital (0.8 miles)

Parks

• Eldridge Park (1.1 miles)
• Miller's Pond Park & Playground (1.4 miles)
• Eldridge Park (1.9 miles)
• Pirozzolo Park (1.9 miles)
• Chapel Park (2.3 miles)
• Tanglewood Nature Center (3.6 miles)
• Teal Park (5.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.4 miles)