The City of New York has a long history of excellence in the cultural arts scene, mostly thanks to the great success of its famous live theater district known as Broadway.<\/p>\n
Broadway has been in existence since the 1800\u2019s, and has consistently offer\u00aded the openings of the new\u00adest and most innovative stage productions while preserving the historical at\u00admosphere of the many vintage theater buildings of the area.<\/p>\n
But truth be told, there is no need to travel all the way to New York to get this vintage stage experience, as New England has their own thriving theater community right here in the City of Boston.<\/p>\n
Boston has a long standing tradition of a bustling theater scene, and boasts a wonderful selection of historic theaters that are filled with nostalgic beauty, historical significance, and the occasional secret or two.<\/p>\n
The Boston Theater Dist\u00adrict is considered to be the area of Washington, Tre\u00admont, and Boylston Street and Huntington Avenue.<\/p>\n
This area is the home to over 30 theaters, some of which have ties to Boston\u2019s higher education establishments, such as Emer\u00adson College\u2019s Colonial The\u00ada\u00ad\u00adtre, The Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, Emer\u00adson Paramount Theatre, and the Modern Theatre at Suffolk University.<\/p>\n
Other noteworthy Boston historical theaters are the Wilbur, Charles Playhouse, Citizen Bank Boston Op\u00adera House, Boch Center Wang Theatre, and the Boch Shubert Theater just to name a few.<\/p>\n
All of these establishments are dripping with history and architectural charm, and all have their own private story to tell.<\/p>\n
Emerson alumni are fa\u00admiliar with the many ru\u00admors of regular hauntings that surround the Emer\u00adson theaters, and the Suf\u00adfolk Modern Theater has a slight checkered past, featuring the showings of adult films in the 1970\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Few realize that the fa\u00admous Boch Center Wang Theatre has starred in several major motion pictures, including the casino scenes in the 2013 film \u201cAm\u00aderican Hustle\u201d and as the home of Jack Nicholson\u2019s character in the 1987 film, \u201cThe Witches of Eastwick.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Opera House originally opened as a vaudeville house in 1928, and has evolved over the years to be the home of a movie theater, an opera company, rock concerts, Broadway productions and recently became the home of the Boston\u2019s Ballet\u2019s annual production of the Nutcrac\u00adker.<\/p>\n
Despite all of the production changes throughout the years, the Opera House has still preserved its original architectural integrity, features the original bronze ticket booth, poster displays, ceiling chandeliers and wall sconces.<\/p>\n
Like many of Boston\u2019s vintage theaters, the Op\u00adera house can instantly transport visitors back in time, with its opulent crystal chandeliers and ornate gold ceilings and moldings.<\/p>\n
For those who would love to immerse themselves in an afternoon of vintage ar\u00adchitecture mixed with Bos\u00adton\u2019s colorful theater back\u00adground, Boston by Foot of\u00adfers just such an experience with their special two hour theater tour.<\/p>\n
This guided walking tour explores the exterior of the Opera House, the Majestic, the Wilbur, the Colonial, and the Paramount theaters.<\/p>\n
Tours include an in-depth look into the history of theaters in Boston, as well as the architectural significance of each theater.<\/p>\n
Tour guides will also fill you in on lesser known facts and legends of these historical buildings.<\/p>\n
This tour also covers a behind the scene interior tour of one of Boston\u2019s most prominent landmark theaters, the historic Boch Cen\u00adter Wang Theatre.<\/p>\n
Visitors will learn about the unique history of this theater while admiring the extravagant architectural details.<\/p>\n
The tours include an op\u00adportunity to stand on the same stage as such legen\u00addary performers as Mik\u00adhail Baryshnikov, Liza Min\u00adnelli and Elton John.<\/p>\n
Tours begin at the Opera House on 539 Washington St. and end at the Boch Center Wang Theatre.<\/p>\n