Welcome to your Murphy Theatre website, executed and babysat by our website, social media, and graphics guru, the one and only Zanna Haines. As a year-round performing arts venue and movie house this website is constantly in motion, never standing still, so Zanna has her work cut out for her.
Enjoy your journey through the site. For our regular patrons, you’ll notice the return of some longtime favorites, now joined by a plethora of new programming, including Grammy award winning acts, Emmy winners, acts you’ve seen on America’s Got Talent, and more.
For our third year in a row we have surpassed the previous year’s record-setting membership numbers. This year we accomplished that feat four months earlier than the previous season. This is all because of YOU. Because of YOUR generosity, you are telling us loud and clear that you appreciate the internal changes we’ve made, and the improvements we continue to work on, because there is always room for improvement.
If you spot something on this site that doesn’t make sense, is confusing or incorrect, please drop me a line and let me know, at Steve@themurphytheatre.org. As I said, this site is forever changing, so it’s quite possible we overlooked something or missed an update. Why just today I came to work and forgot my socks.
We are asking our patrons attending our shows to consider bringing a can or two of non-perishable food for our ongoing “Can If You Can, Foodraising Campaign”. At the end of most months we collect and divvy up the goods dropped off on our table in the lobby, and deliver your donations to local food pantries. To date we have collected and delivered nearly one ton of food. Our patrons have shown such generosity in the past with your memberships and many other ways of support, so we thank you in advance for what we know will be a successful effort to help those less fortunate in our community.
If you are interested, we also have a weekly e-newsletter we call Ten Things from Steve. We might change that name at some point, but for now that’s what we call it. Again, just drop me an email (or click the link in the title) and let me know you want to be added to our growing list of 4,000+ lucky e-newsletter recipients, and I’ll get your email address on that list. No cost, no obligation.
Thank you for your continued support of The Murphy Theatre, “If you can’t be kind, you can’t be here.”
Happy reading!
Please reach us at boxoffice@themurphytheatre.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The Murphy Theatre boasts 682 seats, all with unimpeded views of the stage. Our seating tiers include Main Floor Premium, Main Floor, Standard seating, Box Seats, Balcony seating, and Bistro Seats.
Will call is one of our ticket delivery method options. If you select the will call option when purchasing your tickets, you will pick up your tickets on the day of the event at the will call booth located outside of the front entrance of the Murphy Theatre.
General Admission events are sold at one ticket price and seating is based on a first-come first-serve basis. Reserved seating tickets are sold at different price tiers based on which section of the theatre you select to be seated in when you purchase your tickets — Main Floor Premium, Main Floor, Box Seats, Balcony, Bistro seats, and Standard seats.
Yes! Children are welcome at The Murphy Theatre (parental discretion is encouraged) and we offer many family-friendly events that are appropriate for all ages. All children ages 15 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult during concerts, movies, and special events.
The Murphy Theatre's policy is to seat latecomers at the discretion of our staff and may be seated during a timely break in the show so as to not interrupt the enjoyment of other patrons.
If you have not received a confirmation email within 30 minutes of purchasing tickets online, please check your spam folder. If you did not recieve an email, please contact our box office for further assistance.
Please purchase tickets to Murphy Theatre concerts from our website (or by calling the box office or in person). When you click on ticket links on our website, the URL will include "OvationTix" . Any tickets purchased from another third - party website cannot be guaranteed.
There is ample parking on the streets in downtown Wilmington, Ohio, as well as in city lots around the theatre. They are all a short walk to the theatre, and we offer a drop-off service complete with an umbrella escort to the front door. Just pull up in front of the theatre and our friendly staff will make sure you arrive in style!
Service animals required to assist those with disabilities are more than welcome in the theatre, however, we cannot accomodate ESAs (emotional support animals) or pets. Theatre staff reserves the legal right to inquire if the service animal is required because of a disability, and what work or task has the animal been trained to perform.
Yes! The theatre and Charlie's are both available to rent. Rental pricing depends on the event date, staffing needs, etc., so get in touch with the Box Office at boxoffice@themurphytheatre.org for an estimated rental cost.
Check out local hotels on the Clinton County Visitor's Bureau website.
There are many great restaurants in our area. Check out local restaurants on the Clinton County Visitor's Bureau website.
Scroll down to see a seating chart in the section below!
We are easily accessible from the front entrance on Main Street right under the marquee. However, we are an historic theatre with no elevator to the balcony level, only steps. We offer handicap accessible seating on the ground floor, and are very accommodating to our special guests!
To access your purchased tickets, view your account credits, and purchase tickets as a package holder, you must first click "Buy Tickets" on our homepage. You will then log in to your AudienceView account.
The cart icon and account icon on the top right of our header are used for booking reservations for events such as Smarty Pants Trivia and Karaoke Dokie, so you will not be able to access purchased tickets by clicking those.
Yes! And, a UV Germicidal Irradiation System was added to the HVAC Air Handling System that will help recirculate healthy air in the auditorium of the Murphy. The system is designed to disinfect the air by killing bacteria, germs, spores, mold, and viruses, including the Corona Virus.
In the summer, our AC is super efficient- please bring a sweater if you tend to get cold easily, especially if you are sitting near the front row.
Charlie's is open 60 minutes prior to movies and 90 minutes prior our concerts and other selcted Murphy Theatre events. Make sure to stop in after our shows as well!
The Box Office, Will Call, and Charlie's all open 60 minutes prior to our concerts at 6:00 pm. The auditorium opens at 7:00 pm.
Charlie's Cast & Crew is the newly renovated concessions area with a full-service bar. We also offer a variety of soft drinks, coffee, hot dogs and fresh popcorn, snacks, candy, and comfy seating at our cafe tables.
Backpacks, large bags, and weapons are prohibited in the Murphy Theatre and Charlie's Cast & Crew Concessions area. The maximum bag size allowed during a performance or event is 16″ x 16″ x 8″. Bags are subject to search.
We encourage our patrons to wear family friendly smart casual attire.
Please feel free to bring a sweater if you tend to get cold easily, especially if you are sitting near the front row.
Board Meetings are held at The Murphy Theatre on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:00PM in Charlie's. All are welcome to attend.
Tickets are non-refundable. Murphy Members enjoy the ticket exchange privilege. To enjoy this privilege, please reach out to the box office for more information.
Above is a seating chart that represents the various seating sections within our theatre.
To see what seats are still available for each concert, click "Buy Tickets" under the desired concert. Select the time and date of the concert, and you will then be prompted to select your tickets from either the best available seating, or from a map of the theatre.
If you select the map, grey circles indicate unavailable seating that someone else has purchased. Red circles represent available Main Floor Premium seats, light green circles represent available Main Floor seats, purple circles represent available Box Seats, pink circles represent available Balcony seats, dark green circles represent Bistro seats, and orange circles represent Standard seats. Handicap-accessible seating is also represented on the map.
If you have any questions or issues with selecting your seats online, please call the box office and we will be happy to assist you.
Vice President
My passion for the Murphy began as a young child, where it was our place to go for entertainment and exposing us to a world beyond Clinton County. As an adult, I taught elementary education for twenty years in the Wilmington City Schools and have been a board member and volunteer at the Murphy for over thirty years.
Secretary
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa (Go Steelers! Don't hold it against me), I have called Wilmington home since 2002 . I am a hairstylist and mom of 4 , married to my favorite guy. I saw my first Christmas Show in 2005 and began my history with the Murphy stage the following year. I have always had a love for acting and the theatre. And from the moment I stepped inside the Murphy for the first time I knew it was special. When Steve came on as the Executive Director and I met him and heard his heart and hope for our historical gem, I had a thought I'd never had before. I wanted to be a part of more than the stage side of things. I was so excited for his vision and wanted to help and support the theatre ( and our director) in a new way. Being on the board has been a privilege and an honor. We are so blessed to have this theatre in our town and to have an incredible staff and volunteer group that make it all happen. You may see me taking tickets, or chasing my little one around at a concert. If you do, please say hi! I love meeting people from our community and beyond!
Interim President and Treasurer
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I am thrilled to be a part of The Murphy Theatre Board of Trustees! The Murphy has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up attending shows and performed on the Murphy stage for the first time at eight years old. I am currently an Intervention Specialist for Wilmington City Schools and joined the board because I value bringing opportunities to experience the arts to our community. My role on the board is primarily to assist with children's programming and school outreach. I am grateful to be a part of one of Wilmington's greatest establishments!
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Mark Miars is a native of Clinton County, Ohio, and he has enjoyed many movies, shows, and events at the Murphy Theatre over the years. Mark is a retired attorney and magistrate, and in the past he has served as President of the Ohio Steel Fabricators Association and Judicial Services Coordinator for the Ohio Judicial Conference at the Ohio Supreme Court.
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My childhood is filled with lifelong memories of this historical destination. For many years I have been a volunteer and Board member, also doing research on this fabulous theatre, writing its history, and giving programs and tours. Our community shines from the lighted marquee welcoming all to gather, to be educated, and to experience the joy of entertainment. Presently, I am a Trustee Emeritus continuing my love and support of the Murphy Theatre.
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Board Meetings are held at The Murphy Theatre on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:00PM in Charlie's. All are welcome to attend.
Associate Director
As a middle-school student, I toured The Murphy Theatre, seeing parts of the building I had never seen before and hearing its story. I’ve been a “nerd” for historic buildings as long as I can remember, but something about this place really stuck with me after that day.
When the theatre was in danger of being turned into a multiplex or further destroyed, I wore the “My heart’s in The Murphy, save the theatre” button on my jacket. My mom loves to tell how angry I got with her when she told me I may have to accept the theatre’s fate, because “these things happen.” Thankfully, I didn’t have to - our community is incredibly fortunate that some incredible people stepped in to save the theatre.
I’m more than pleased to be a part of The Murphy team now, helping to promote the theatre’s mission. Saving and utilizing this theatre, where so many of our hearts and memories reside, is daily work and I am proud and honored to be here.
Operations Manager
AKA The Effervescent Zsa Zsa
Growing up, I always loved working with people and entertainment, whether through sports, theatre, or music. I completed my education in Hospitality Management at The Central State University. While in school, I started working with Blue Jacket Epic Outdoor Drama, where I gained valuable experience in theater management and acting. After graduation, I enjoyed seven years as the Hotel and Restaurant Manager of the General Denver before coming across the street to The Murphy. I have been working here since 2019 and I love The Murphy Theatre and am very excited to be part of The Murphy Theatre family.
Volunteer Coordinator
Become a Murphy Volunteer today and watch your favorite band or show! We will even give you popcorn and a cold drink from our concessions area, Charlie's, as a "Thank You!"
Come see me or stop by the box office to learn more!
Facilities Manager
Lifelong resident of Wilmington. After graduation from Wilmington High School, I attended The Ohio State University and studied Engineering, but sadly did not graduate from OSU due to a detour in life. While taking a bit of time off to earn cash to resume my education, I began dating and married a fellow WHS classmate Pat Davis Thompson. If you have attended Murphy performances, you have probably seen us taking tickets for years. Many will be surprised that I completed my education at the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Finance and Accounting. But, I still remain a big OSU fan. Go Bucks!
I began working for Cincinnati Milacron, working for several divisions where my duties included accounting positions in cost accounting and financial analysis. I later moved on to McKee Machine Tool, where I transitioned into a sales role. Our products included specialized tooling and equipment for the automotive industry throughout the United States and around the world. Traveling took me far from the comfort of small town Wilmington. I hold the record for traveling the furthest to work as a volunteer at a Murphy Show. Cape Town South Africa to Wilmington, leaving on a Thursday and arriving at 4:00 PM on Saturday, just in time to shower and change for a 7:30 Show. My family also created a small retail gift shop in Wilmington called PATTERRY where I was blessed to spend time with my mother, Marjorie, who managed day to day operations for several years.
In 1990, my wife and I were asked to help usher at a Murphy Performance by Becky Rauch. We have continued to be involved at the Murphy since that time. I have served as a Murphy Board Member for fourteen years and held the role of Treasurer for four years. I have managed several special projects to improve the experience of patrons attending events. Those projects include, Installation of a modern HVAC system, Roofing Projects, Seating Project, Renovation of the Balcony, Electrical Service Power Upgrade, the completion of Charlie's Concessions and Bar, and most recently, the complete renovation of the Marquee.
Upon stepping away recently from my financial position of CFO at Sewell Motor Express, I was assigned the position of Facility and Projects Manager here at the Murphy Theatre. Sometimes the role of volunteer gets blurry while performing facility management activities, but I have always believed that it is important to give back to your community. Just as Charlie Murphy did when built the Theatre as a gift to Wilmington.
Graphic Design, Marketing, Social Media, and Web
My memories of The Murphy Theategan with childhood ballet recitals - I was (and still am) in awe of the ere bnergy that the walls hold; you can feel the 100+ year history as soon as you step underneath the marquee and through the front doors. As a (mostly) lifelong resident of Wilmington, I briefly left for college adventures and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Savannah College of Art and Design with a major in Graphic Design and focus in Northern Renaissance Art History. In my 10+ year career in design and marketing, I have produced packaging designs for national and international brands, created merchandise and marketing for bands and small businesses, and designed marketing assets for higher education. In addition to my current role at The Murphy Theatre creating graphics and advertising, maintaining the website, and keeping up with the youths on social media, I am also the costume designer at SSCC Theatre, and am currently earning a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. My love and passion for art, theatre, and history are what drew me to The Murphy Theatre, and the leadership and staff are what keep me here and make my role so enjoyable. My favorite part of my job is seeing and hearing feedback from happy patrons who have enjoyed one of the many concerts, films, and events that we bring to the community. I feel honored that I am able to contribute to keeping The Murphy Theatre alive and buzzing with energy for 100+ more years.
Facilities and Technical
I became involved with The Murphy Theatre by working just down the block at my wife's bookstore. At Books 'N' More, I took care of maintenance and all of the odd jobs that Marla could come up with. Whenever The Murphy needed an extra hand, I was there to help out. I am now doing all types of minor maintenance and repairs for The Murphy Theatre, as well as cleaning up before and after shows. I fill in to help our tech crew as needed. I can't think of a more rewarding job than providing assistance for The Murphy Theatre.
Facilities, Administrative Assistant
As a retired and former business owner of Books 'N' More in downtown Wilmington, I recall many times that the Murphy Theatre utilized space at the bookstore for housing The Murphy Kids during the Christmas shows. The bookstore held several events downtown in which the Murphy Theatre took part. So, it seemed to be a natural progression, when Book 'N' More closed, to lend my time and talents to supporting this cultural gem in our community.
Light & Tech Support
Sound & Tech Support
Lighting Support
Tech Crew
Stage & Light Support
Charlie's Assistant Manager
Concessions Manager
As a little ballerina in Jane Reid's class, I was a martian on our Murphy stage in a recital. We would attend movies here growing up, too. Been a minute! In adult years, I volunteered along with my parents, Ruby & Herman Fisher, and with my sons, AJ & Nick Gumley. I get enjoyment waiting on patrons picking out their concessions & coming to our beautiful theatre shows & events. I also enjoy the friendships I've made working with our fun volunteers, staff, & board members.
Charlie's
Charlie's
Charlie's
Charlie's
Charlie's
Charlie's
Charlie's
Robyn Koger Kidd is a bartender at the Murphy Theatre. She was born and raised in Morrow, Ohio. Robyn moved to Saint Paul, MN for 12 years due to her husband's career, which was impacted by Covid. Her husband then became Santa Q and is now retired. They returned to Wilmington to be closer to family. Robyn was impressed with the history and beauty of the Murphy Theatre and found it to be the perfect place for her.
“I am the Murphy Theatre. I am a living history, created by your memories and your interest in my being. Through the last one hundred years, I have seen many changes within my walls. I remember the fabulous entertainers, the movies, the audiences, and the applause. I am getting old, historic they say, but my grandeur remains.
Walk through my lobby doors across the marble floors. Notice the cherub plasters along the walls, and look up to my gilded ceilings. Round the corner to my auditorium, where beautiful decorative wooden panels line the walls highlighted by the ornate sconces illuminating my aisles. Feast your eyes on the plaster medallions dotted among the chandeliers on the ceiling beneath the balcony. Behold my burgundy curtains, draping my stage, and gaze up past the golden opera boxes to my magnificent, arched ceiling. I am a gift for the ages from Charlie, but I need you to continue to support and preserve me. Attend my shows, volunteer, become a Murphy member. I am your gift, your history, your theatre."
Purchase this beautiful book detailing the history of the Murphy Theatre
We appreciate the support of our sponsors, partners, and volunteers for programming, publicity, event, and facilities support.
Copyright © 2021 The Murphy Theatre - All Rights Reserved.
937-382-3643 boxoffice@themurphytheatre.org