Wang Theatre

Boston Wang Theatre and it’s History

The Wang Theatre, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the city's most iconic cultural landmarks with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.

Early History: The Metropolitan Theatre

The Wang Theatre originally opened on October 16, 1925, as the Metropolitan Theatre. It was designed by the renowned architectural firm Clarence Blackall, Stanford White, and Thomas Lamb, with Clarence Blackall as the principal architect. The theater was built by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and its design was opulent, with grand marble staircases, large chandeliers, and luxurious decor, evoking the style of European opera houses. It was the largest theater of its time in Boston, seating around 4,400 people.

The Metropolitan Theatre was a premier venue for vaudeville shows and silent films. As the entertainment industry evolved, it adapted to accommodate talking films in the 1930s and live performances, hosting some of the biggest names in show business.

The Music Hall Era

In 1962, the theater was renamed The Music Hall, and during this period, it hosted a wide variety of performances, including Broadway shows, orchestral concerts, and film screenings. The venue became an important part of Boston's performing arts scene and was instrumental in bringing major cultural productions to the city.

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Restoration and the Wang Theatre

In the 1980s, the theater was in need of significant repairs and updates. With the support of Dr. An Wang, the founder of Wang Laboratories, and his wife Lorraine Wang, the theater underwent an extensive renovation. Dr. Wang donated $4 million to restore the building, which was later renamed the Wang Theatre in their honor. The renovation helped bring the theater back to its former grandeur, preserving its historic architecture while updating it for modern performances.

The Wang Theatre became part of the Citi Performing Arts Center, which also includes the Shubert Theatre. Today, it is operated by Boch Center, and it remains a cornerstone of Boston’s cultural scene, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and other events. It is also one of the largest performing arts theaters in the country, with a seating capacity of over 3,500.

Frank C. Grace

Cultural and Architectural Significance

The Wang Theatre is not just a performing arts venue but also an architectural gem. Its lavish interior, which includes gilded walls, hand-carved details, and a large domed ceiling, reflects the grandeur of early 20th-century theater design. The restoration efforts in the 1980s preserved many of these original features, allowing audiences to experience the theater much as it was when it first opened in 1925.

The Wang Theatre has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Today, the Wang Theatre continues to be a hub for arts and culture in Boston, attracting audiences from all over the region for a wide variety of performances.

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Current Boston Theatre:  

& Juliet, at the Wang Center November @ Citizens Opera House

539 Washington Street Boston, MA 02111, November 5th – 17th

& Juliet has been nominated For Nine Tony Awards Including Best New Musical... if you are wondering what on earth it is about....well, If you've been waiting for a musical that features the hits of Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys and The Weeknd, then your day is finally here! Following its rapturous run on Broadway, & Juliet features music by songwriter extraordinaire Max Martin and now is heading out on tour! This new brand-new tuner is bound to be a season highlight and an unforgettable night out!

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What Is The Story Of & Juliet?

& Juliet rips up the rule book as we discover what would happen if the sorry end of Romeo and Juliet never actually happened. With Romeo dead, our heroine Juliet heads to France to heal her broken heart. With her besties at her side and a whole host of musical bangers to boot, Juliet rediscovers life after love. 

With a book by Schitt's Creek writer David West Read, & Juliet features direction by Luke Sheppard (In The Heights) and choreography by Jennifer Weber.  Great reviews from all the critics!

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