Elite Experience: Derby Dinner Playhouse

Yay! I finally got to go to experience Derby Dinner Playhouse and all thanks to Unilocal.I had a nice salad and tried their green beans and fish. All were very tasty. To drink, I ordered the merlot. Also, in the lobby were some appetizers that included veggies, fruit, meatballs and some bacon wrapped lil’ smokies.
Now, let’s get to the best part. The play! I cracked up the entire time. The actors were all terrific. There were some parts that were quite risqué and I had a ball watching the rest of the audience’s eyes and seeing them cover their mouths at some of the parts. It was brilliant! I loved the entire experience and am honored that Unilocal chose me as one of the guests. Thanks again!

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I remember frequently thinking, «This is really quality theater!» throughout the evening. Even though I live in Southern Indiana, I did not know much about Derby Dinner Playhouse… including the location of the theater. Maybe it’s because Clarksville is a small town, but I anticipated volunteer-​level acting and warmed over food. This was not the case, not in the least.
The theater is in a round, meaning that the actors and main stage are centered in the room, with the audience surrounding on all four sides. Granted, that means that there is no guarantee that one can see the actor’s faces at all times, but it also provides a unique perspective that mirrors real life. It was similar to being a fly on the wall, looking into a person’s intimate life. Loved it! The show itself was hilarious, and not once did I think that it was anything but professional-​level performing. Social Security is a relatable show with relatable characters, set in a couple’s New York City loft. Not once did the characters completely lose themselves into stereotypes of their characters, constantly finding new colors in their voices and developing charming physical idiosyncrasies. I would easily take a friend to see the show.
The buffet was stocked with homestyle cooking, which was pretty good. I liked the pasta alfredo, but I gave up on my less-​than-​fresh bulk vegetables. The other offerings included fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and similar options that I would expect in a country diner. Although this isn’t completely my style, I understand that they have to cater to about 300 palates in one evening. The real superstars are their desserts! Although one has to pay extra for these, I would honestly rather skip the meal and simply enjoy the dessert menu! I had the Baby Brownie Sundae, which was just enough sugar to top off my day. Another Unilocaler and I split the Peanut Butter Pie, and that was a very, very good decision. Holy mess, delicious! Maybe I’ll try one of their other mixed drinks next time. I think Derby Dinner Playhouse might attract a younger crowd if they had another option that included the price of the show and an option of coffee and dessert. I would not, for the price they currently present at, bring a date here for dinner, but I think they would do well to introduce small desserts and drinks only.
Great event! I was so stoked to be a part of it. Thanks, Emily!

The Derby Dinner Playhouse is a great date night or girlfriends night out experience. The night begins with a self serve buffet with grandma’s home-​style cookin’, followed by a fabulous dessert menu to enjoy while watching the show. The opening act singers not only perform but also serve tables. The play Social Security was absolutely hilarious and actors talented to perform sit-​com style comedy. I am a new Unilocal Elite and it was nice evening to meet new and seasoned elite Unilocalers! Thank you Emily for organizing this event!

I was quite misguided in my perception of Derby Dinner Playhouse. For whatever reason I always had it in my head that it was a two bit operation that just served some bland food and a half assed show. I can’t believe how good the show was or how well it was done! The acting was great (something I rarely notice) and the play itself was hilarious.
The best part for me was the way the play is put on in the middle of the room with everyone sitting around the outside. It CAN leave you in a position where you can’t see everything going on as well as you may like, but it definitely gives a unique «3d» perspective of the show. I don’t doubt if I watched the same show on the other side of the room it would be a completely different experience.
It also gives you a lot more closeness to the actors, who sometimes have to walk through the crowd, and makes it much easier to see their interactions with each other and on stage objects. You can see basically everything they do so I’m sure it’s a lot of pressure on them! The stage setup also has to be quite creative since no props can be used that may block the crowds view.
Thank you Emily, and if this opportunity comes up again y’all should try to do it.

I’m so glad I brave the trip across the bridge, traffic and all. It was so with it!
The theater:
I never thought I would enjoy a play as much as I did. I always thought musicals was the only thing I would truly enjoy, but this Unilocal experience has convinced how good it is to stay open-​minded. I loved every moment of it. I laughed so much, and went aww often. The Footnotes were adorable. The performance was great. I love the intimate feel of the venue. I could clearly see the expressions on the faces of the actors and actresses and how much they loved what they were doing. I had no idea they also work as servers, which make them doubly good at what they do. The sound system was good. I sometimes struggle with hearing things said on stage, but this wasn’t an issue at all.
The dinner:
Good old home-​cooked Southern dishes: mashed potatoes, several different meat options and fish and a good salad bar. I especially liked the mac and cheese casserole and the broccoli salad. Coffee was solid and dessert (Emily’s generous brownie) hits your sweet spot: nice combo warm comfort + cool deliciousness. Service was wonderful. I still can’t believe that ppl had to do do jobs and still be able to be as nice and polite as they were. My drink came late and our server didn’t even charge me. How sweet was that?
I got to eat these delicious foods, watch this awesome play, be served so courteously and bring cool souvenirs home. Every minute of it was wonderful. Thanks Unilocal,Emily and Derby Playhouse.

Well, that was fun! Rushing as I tend to do to get to another Unilocal Elite event, this was one I simply couldn’t miss, as I was unable to get to the first time at Derby Dinner Playhouse due to a sudden bout of illness. So very glad that this wasn’t the case this time around, albeit, getting into southern IN from the Okolona/​Fern Creek end of Louisville is never the easiest thing to do during rush hour.
Derby Dinner Playhouse is one of those places that I would guess all the locals have heard of, but how many actually go? I’ve always known it was there, it just hasn’t been a thought in regard to an evening’s entertainment. That notion has changed.
Even though I was running late, I was still able to get through the buffet which was still packed with a lot of southern-​style home cooking: mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli and cheese, stewed tomatoes, BBQ baked chicken or catfish fillets. Standard but tasty fare with containers kept full, hot and refreshed by the staff.
It was a tight fit at our couple tables with a dirty dozen’s worth of Unilocal Elites but they’re all a pretty friendly group, so, no lag in conversation pre-​show. Service was friendly, quick and helpful, explaining when drinks/​desserts would be served in regard to intermission times.
The play in this case, Social Security, was a slightly ribald little comedy about couples, love and growing old which was magnificently performed by the actors. Laughter was plenty from the youngish to the young at heart who attended, and the central location of the theater stage gave you the feeling of sitting in the characters’ living room, watching the little drama play out. It’s a unique theater experience. Highly recommended.

Our fearless Unilocal leader Emily did it again: This event was AWESOME!!! I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know more of our fellow dedicated Unilocal-​brethren (finally) in person. Best. Peeps. Ever!
I’m relatively new to Lou, and I’ve been wanting to check out this dinner theater ever since reading about it in a relocation magazine. The hype is justified — it’s totally worth the trek out here.
Many thanks to the Derby Playhouse Theater — bravo! I’m buying season tickets, and I look forward to the next show!

This was a fantastic experience! I had never been to Derby Dinner Playhouse before and really wasn’t sure what to expect. After tonight I look forward to going back!
The Derby Dinner Playhouse staff were extremely hospitable, greeting us with gift bags, stopping by the table to tell us about the theater, and treating us to an incredible meal and show. They really couldn’t have made me feel more welcome in their establishment.
The acting was very professional and high quality, the costumes were on point, and the script was from a Broadway show. I enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve been to other theaters in Louisville and I literally think that this one is my favorite so far.
The food was a buffet of southern classics, all of which was good. The dessert was outstanding and worth paying a little extra for.
I’m seriously considering season tickets.

Dope environment. Dope food. Dope show.
Seriously, was that fried chicken not some of the best fried chicken EVUHHH?!
Hit a home run with this one, Emily.
Next time, I’m taking an empty basket, and I’m taking 37 pieces of fried chicken home with me. Deal with it.

5 stars is not enough to describe this AMAZING experience! WOW!!! I had heard of Derby Dinner Playhouse ever since I moved to Louisville but had not been there so I was very excited when I got the «You Are In!» email from Emily.
We were greeted by super cool gift bags provided by Derby Dinner Playhouse with a souvenir tumbler & beautiful drinking glass. Our tables where THE best tables in the house; perfect view!
The experience began with a buffet dinner which was delicious. I had to go back for seconds because that corn pudding was out of this world! After dinner, the footnotes (which were also the waitstaff!!) came and sang a couple of songs to get the crowd hyped up.
The play/​musical started about two hours after we arrived and it was GREAT! The costumes were fabulous, the singing was perfect, the acting was really good and the storyline was just PERFECT! I laughed a lot, I got scared and I was truly in awe the entire time. You really felt like you were living all the experiences with Bonnie & Clyde and I personally did not want the play to end!
To top it all off, I got to meet some really cool people! I cannot wait to hang out with my fellow Unilocalers again and I most definitely cannot wait to go back to Derby Dinner Playhouse. I recommend it to everyone and trust me, after the first time, you will definitely go back again. It is just impossible not to want to return!
Thanks Emily!

This was an awesome event! The food was good, and Bonnie & Clyde was fantastic! Great acting. Great singing. I was really impressed by the caliber of the talent and the entertainment of the show. It was funny, yet serious, with a couple of jump-​out-​of-​your-​seat moments. I also enjoyed meeting more fellow Elites.
I will definitely be returning to the Derby Dinner Playhouse, and I am even considering season tickets. From what I overheard after the show, it sounds like many of us will be returning.

I had such a good time last night! I’m glad I braved the cold to see this wonderful play and hang out with some of the Unilocal Elite. The actors were great and amazing singers. The young and adult Bonnie and Clyde were wonderful! The food was good for a buffet and desert from Elvin’s was delicious. I like how they incorporated screens with pictures and newspaper clippings from the past to remind us this actually happened.

I’ve enjoyed many of the Unilocal Elite events, but I think this was my favorite! I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect with a Bonnie and Clyde musical– would it be hokey or out there? It exceeded any expectations I could have had and I loved the performances! The tunes are stuck in my head the next day. I can’t decide if I liked Bonnie or Clyde’s voice more, but they were each super talented! The service was great and the food was good. The desserts were crazy good! Next time I’m going to get the baby brownie supreme because the full size was insanely huge (which in my opinion is a good thing)!
I’ve been to other shows at DDP before and they were also very enjoyable. It’s great to have a dinner theater of this caliber in Lou and I need to frequent it more often. Some of the upcoming shows sound fun and the season tickets were very reasonable.
Thanks again, Emily, for another superb Unilocal Elite event!

Emily sure does get people to provide us some amazing entertainment!
This was my first visit to Derby Dinner Playhouse and I can say with certainty that I will be back!
We got to enjoy the dinner buffet, which includes a pretty great salad bar. I tried a couple of the «Bonnie & Clyde» special drinks, which were delicious (the Bonnie Palmer being my favorite of the two). And Michelle and I shared the giant brownie sundae!
The pre-​show from the Footnotes was wonderful. And the show! Guys! The show is fantastic! Wonderful acting, fantastic singing, and clever staging with how the theater is oriented. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the musical! I can’t imagine how exhausted many of the performers must be, considering that they are also the waitstaff! But I was very impressed! Definitely considering season tickets.