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Boston Theater

Because of Boston’s proximity to New York’s Broadway shows, there has been longstanding reciprocity between the two city’s theater scenes. Small-name companies will often build up a support for their production in Boston before heading off to Times Square, and major Broadway productions make their way to Boston’s Theatre district once the show has proven to be a success. If theatre’s your vice, it would be impossible to visit Boston without seeing a show, and a rich diversity in the performing arts offers visitors great opportunities to experience Boston theatre at its best.

Citi Performing Arts Center

With its first stage opened in 1910, the Citi Performing Arts Center is included in the National Register of Historic Places. There are actualy two theaters in the building, the Wang Theatre and the Shubert Theatre. The first performance on its historic stages was Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, before the theatres went on to house famous acts such as the Metropolitan Opera and the Kirov Ballet.

The Citi Performing Arts Center is the largest cultural venue in New England and operates completely not-for-profit. It hosts a variety of performances, including theatre, opera, ballet, and both classical and popular music concerts. The theatre's management is staunchly committed to making the arts accessible to all New England residents, and strives to maintain a well-balanced variety of performances.

Colonial Theatre

The Colonial Theatre opened in 1900 and was designed by Clarence Blackall, the same architect who designed the Wang Theatre at the Citi Performing Arts Center. It is the oldest theatre in Boston and is famed for housing productions such as Porgy and Bess and Oklahoma! before they made their Broadway debut. The first performance to grace The Colonial Theatre’s stage was Ben Hur, and theatre aficionados will brag that even at the turn of the century, this dynamic theatre operated the show with 350 performers and 8 live horses on stage.

Specializing in theatre performances, this historical, ornately designed theatre is perfect for a night on the town and a glimpse into the rich history of Boston culture.

Boston Opera House

Perhaps the most luxurious theatre in Boston, the Boston Opera House was designed in mix of French and Italian styles and opened to the public in 1928. It began as a film house, but soon switched to Vaudeville shows, and is widely recognized as one of the most iconic vaudeville stages in the country. Closed in 1991 and falling into disrepair, the Opera House was empty for over a decade until it was renovated and reopened in 2004.

The Boston Opera House now hosts a variety of opera, ballet, and theatre performances, and many will tell you that the atmosphere in the ornate building is unrivaled.

Charles Playhouse

Before moving to its current location on Warrenton Street, the Charles Playhouse was located on Charles Street and boasts a colorful and “divine” past. The building was originally a church, and was transformed into Boston’s first synagogue in 1864. In the early 20^th century, the building morphed into a night club and a jazz bar. The Charles Playhouse moved to its current location in 1958 and made the final and definitive step towards establishing itself as a staple of the Boston theatre scene.

Today, the Charles Playhouse hosts some of the most alternative acts that come to Boston, like the Blue Man Group and Shear Madness. Fans of the Playhouse come for the modern atmosphere, the cheap drinks, and the entertaining acts that get the audience involved. Right around the corner from the Citi Performing Arts Center, the Charles is the playful and rambunctious “little brother” of Boston’s theatre district.

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Boston Theater