A hush falls. The grand entrance of the Shubert Theatre beckons.
The Shubert Theatre a jewel of Boston’s Theatre District boasts a history as rich and vibrant as the performances it hosts. Originally conceived as The Lyric Theatre it was transformed in 1908 by the Shubert Organization after the death of its developer Charles H. Bond. Named for Sam S. Shubert a member of the famous theatrical family the theatre opened its doors on January 24 1910.
Imagine the buzz. The grand opening night featured Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew starring renowned actors E. H. Sothern and Julia Marlowe. The Shubert Theatre wasn’t just a stage it was a statement. Designed by Thomas M. James its ornate marble entrance Florentine doors and ionic pillars reflected the elegance of the French Renaissance. A magnificent chandelier a replica of those in the Petit Trianon at Versailles further enhanced its splendor.
Sadly a street widening project in 1925 altered the theatre’s exterior. The magnificent facade was lost. The front lobby was shortened. The intimate interior however remained perfect for pre-Broadway tryouts.
For decades the Shubert Theatre became a proving ground for Broadway hits. South Pacific The King and I Camelot and Mame all graced its stage before dazzling Broadway audiences. Legendary actors like Al Jolson Laurence Olivier John Gielgud and Julie Andrews performed within these very walls.
The Shubert Theatre underwent a major renovation in 1996. It reopened as the first stop on the national tour of the iconic musical Rent. This marked a new chapter for the theatre which continues to serve as a vital hub for both touring productions and local arts organizations. The Boch family’s contribution in 2016 led to the theatre’s current name the Shubert Theatre at the Boch Center.
Today as you stand before this magnificent building you’re not just looking at a theatre. You’re looking at a living testament to the enduring power of art and entertainment. A legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences generation after generation. The Shubert Theatre stands tall a symbol of Boston’s theatrical heritage.