Wang Theatre Information
The venue was first opened in 1925 as The Metrapolitan Theatre, designed by Clarence Blackhall and developed by Max Shoolman. Considered one of the most culturally significant Boston landmarks in the “Roaring Twenties,” with similar architecture and decor to to a Louis XIV palace – crystal chandeliers, towering columns and marble doorways created a setting that delighted and enthralled visitors who came to see vaudeville performances, big bands, and movies.
As the years went by, the theatre’s splendour fell into disrepair. In 1980, however, Dr. An and Lorraine Wang stepped in and restored the building to its former glory in 1983 and created the Wang Center For The Performing Arts. Today, the venue boasts one of the largest stages in the country and seating capacity for up to 3,500 patrons, and is a proud host to some of the most renowned touring theatrical, dance and musical performances in the world.
Located in the heart of Boston’s famous theater district on Tremont Street, the Wang Theatre is an iconic venue that’s part of the historic Boch Center – home to both the Wang and Shubert Theatres. Thanks to its central location, the venue is only a short two-minute walk to several bus stations and Boston’s famous South Station.
Surrounded by local restaurants, museums and other venues, the Wang Theatre plays a big part in the area’s culture and thriving entertainment scene. There are many hotels and amenities located around the theater, so if you’re looking to turn your theater or concert trip into a mini vacation, then there’s plenty to do to keep you occupied before or after the performance.
As well as being able to see a famous Broadway show, you can also find tickets to watch top-quality musicians at the Wang Theatre. Not to mention ballet performances, dazzling Christmas concerts, and comedy acts – the theater has a diverse line-up the whole family can enjoy. But that’s not all, patrons can also enjoy a guided tour of the venue on selected days and times of the week, so even if you haven’t booked to see a show, you can revel in the culture and history of the building.
History of Wang Theatre at the Boch Center
Initially opening its doors in 1925, the Wang Theatre at the Boch Center was originally known as the Metropolitan Theatre – located where it stands now, on 252-272 Tremont Street in Boston’s city center. The theater was designed by Clarence Blackall, an American architect famous for designing over 300 theaters in the US, and developed by Max Shoolman.
However, in 1962, the venue was renamed the Music Hall after becoming home to the Boston Ballet. It wasn’t until the mid-1960s and 1970s that patrons could enjoy world-famous shows like the Metropolitan Opera, Stuttgart Opera, Kirov Ballet, and Bolshoi Ballet. During that period, people would also get the chance to see popular movies and a variety of different performers. Over the years, the venue found it difficult to attract large touring companies due to the size of its stage and outdated performing facilities.
The 1980s saw the theater repaired by Dr An Wang and his wife, Lorraine Wang, who stepped in and took over the project when the original structure needed to be restored. The Wangs enlisted the help of Boston-based architects Finegold Alexander & Associates who helped bring the theater back to its former 1920s glory.
The Wang Theater was born and turned into a non-profit organization operating out of the Boch Center, along with the Shubert Theatre. It was capable of hosting large-scale theater performances again thanks to its updated performing provisions and bigger stage. Due to its popularity within Boston’s renowned theater district, in 1990, the venue was designated by the Boston Landmarks Commission as a Boston landmark.
As of today, the Wang Theatre at the Boch Center is a valued member of Boston’s theater district and plays host to large touring productions, big bands, movies, and other must-see performances like Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame, highlighting Boston’s vibrant musical history.
Did you know?
Now classed as a landmark within Boston’s historic theater district, the Wang Theatre at the Boch Center is no stranger to the bright lights of tinsel town either. That’s right – the building’s eye-catching lobby has been used in various movies and TV shows. You’ll see its elegant décor in movies such as American Hustle, The Witches of Eastwick, Ghostbusters, and even The Pink Panther 2.