A trip through the small town of Millvale might bring you to what appears to be an 18th century catholic church. Appearances can be deceiving. Though its outside retains the image of a brick chapel, the inner workings of Mr. Small’s Funhouse have been reconfigured to be an impressive theatre.
Churches were built to inspire awe, and that is one part about Mr. Small’s that has not changed. The vaulted ceilings and towering windows that once served as a home to religion, now act as a stage for bands of all kinds. Hundreds of bands have performed at Mr. Small’s, on a spectrum that varies widely in both style and popularity.
As a devout lover of music, I had the good fortune of seeing one of my favorite bands here and can vouch for Mr. Small’s effectiveness as a concert venue. The 650 capacity theatre is an open, seat-lacking room that allows for high-energy performances and ample excitement. After losing oneself completely to a mind-blowing show, one can retire to the back of the room (even if just for a rest) where there is a full bar, sectioned-off but with a full view of the stage. If you find sitting to be more appealing, don’t lose interest. A balcony above the bar provides seats and, arguably, the best view in the house.
Mr. Small’s gives you a scene where the parking is free, the beer is not the life of the party, and the music comes from a stage built to impress.
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