TheWang Theatreis atheatreinBoston.It originally opened in 1925 as theMetropolitan Theatreand was later renamed theMusic Hall.It was designed byClarence Blackalland is located at 252–272Tremont Streetin theBoston Theatre District.The theatre is operated as part of theBoch Center.[2]The theatre was designated as aBoston Landmarkby theBoston Landmarks Commissionin 1990.
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| Former names | Metropolitan Theatre (1925–1962) Music Hall (1962–1980) |
|---|---|
| Address | 270 Tremont St. |
| Location | Boston,Massachusetts |
| Public transit | Tufts Medical Center(Orange Line) Boylston(Green Line) |
| Owner | Boch Center |
| Operator | Boch Center Madison Square Garden Company(co-booking) |
| Type | Theatre |
| Capacity | 3,500 |
| Opened | 1925 |
| Website | |
| www.bochcenter.org | |
Metropolitan Theatre | |
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| Coordinates | 42°21′1″N71°3′53″W/ 42.35028°N 71.06472°W |
| Built | 1923 |
| Architect | Blackall, Clapp & Whittemore; Multiple |
| Architectural style | Renaissance |
| MPS | Boston Theatre MRA |
| NRHP referenceNo. | 80000445 [1] |
| Added to NRHP | December 9, 1980 |
Metropolitan Theatre
editThe structure was originally known as theMetropolitan Theatrewhen it opened in 1925.[3]The Metropolitan Theatre was developed by Max Shoolman and designed byarchitectClarence Blackall,with the assistance of Detroit theatre architectC. Howard Crane.It seats more than 3,600 people.
Music Hall
editIn 1962 it became the home of the Boston Ballet and was renamed theMusic Hall.During the 1960s and 1970s, audiences could see theStuttgart Opera,theMetropolitan Opera,Bolshoi BalletandKirov Balletas well as popular movies and performing artists. With time though, they could no longer attract the large touring companies because of the size of their stage as well as their outdated production facilities. Converted to a non-profit center in 1980 and renamed theMetropolitan Center,[3]they were able to attract theatrical performances again.
Bob Marley and the Wailers' 1978 concert at the Music Hall was released in 2015 in honor of Bob Marley's 70th birthday asEasy Skanking in Boston '78.[4]
Wang Center
edit
In 1983, Dr.An Wangmade a very large donation and the Wang Center was born.[5]From 1989–1992, $9.8 million was raised to restore the Theatre to "its glory days of the 1920s".[6]Boston based architecture firmFinegold Alexander & Associatesrestored the theatre withConrad Schmitt Studiosperforming the elegant decoration, gilded moldings, murals, scagliola and marbleized surfaces.[7]
In 2008, the Citi Performing Arts Center announced a co-booking arrangement withThe Madison Square Garden Companyfor the Wang Theatre.[8]
The lobby was used in the moviesAmerican Hustle,for the live band performance and casino scenes, andThe Witches of Eastwick,as part of the house in whichJack Nicholson's character lived. It was also used for numerous scenes in the ABC TV pilotGilded Lilys.[9]
See also
editExternal links
edit- City of Boston,Landmarks Commission.The Wang Center Study Report,1990
References
edit
- ^"National Register Information System".National Register of Historic Places.National Park Service.April 15, 2008.
- ^"Improvements in Evidence at the Wang Center Dedication",Boston Globe,December 8, 1983
- ^abArthur J. Singer and Ron Goodman (2011). "Metropolitan Theatre".Boston's Downtown Movie Palaces Images of America.Arcadia Publishing.ISBN9780738576312.
- ^Morse, Steve (2023-02-17)."Marley concert from 1978 marks reggae legend's 70th birthday - The Boston Globe".BostonGlobe.com.Retrieved2023-07-02.
- ^"Met Center gets a $4m Gift from the Wang Family",Boston Globe,June 3, 1983
- ^Wang Theatre History
- ^Project info
- ^Waddell, Ray (2008-08-07)."MSGE Expands Boston Footprint".Billboard.
- ^ The Witches of Eastwick