Joshua Levin
Located on Tremont Street in the Theatre District, the Wang Theatre opened in 1925 as the Metropolitan Theatre. It is currently operated by the Boch Center with the Shubert Theatre across the street.
Boston’s Wang Theatre is celebrating its 100th anniversary with some yearlong initiatives.
One of these initiatives is called the 100 Acts of Kindness. On the Boch Center website, you can fill out a form to nominate somebody by sharing a brief story showcasing their kindness. If chosen, the nominated person will be both featured on the Wang Theatre’s marquee and entered to win a free pair of tickets for an upcoming event at the theatre.
The theatre also held the Century Cinema Series: Lights, Camera, Boston! event from Feb. 14-17. During the event, the theatre held free showings of movies with connections to Boston. These included Good Will Hunting, Legally Blonde, The Departed, Little Women, Glory and The Wizard of Oz.
The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame exhibit will also be on display at the Wang Theatre from March 6 to July 27. This exhibition celebrates Joan Baez, a musician, artist, writer and activist. It will showcase various items from her life that highlight her musical endeavors and her life’s story.
Along with the anniversary, the Boch Center, funded by the Boch Family Foundation, which manages the Wang Theatre and the Shubert Theatre, announced that it will continue its support of the Wang Theatre through 2036.
“It’s an honor to reaffirm my commitment to the Boch Center. This treasured theatre is a vital part of the community — not just here in Boston, but across New England. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the joy this historic theatre brings … I’m proud to continue my support for this landmark institution,” said Ernie Boch Jr., the President of the Boch Family Foundation, in a statement.
Bill Arnold, who has been working at the Wang Theatre for eight years as a house manager, described his relationship with the theatre both before and during his time working there.
“I’ve been coming here for years. When I first moved to Boston I was 18 and I came here for all kinds of shows. I saw Donna Summer, Liza Minnelli, Richard Burton, so I’ve seen a lot of that. It’s a place where I’ve come to see some really good shows. It’s awesome!” said Arnold.
Arnold also talked about his former boss at the theatre, George, who was a very good friend of his.
“George worked here for 37 years and he passed away last summer. He was an incredible guy, he started here as an usher and became a chief usher and then he became the house manager. He really was an incredible guy. I’d say George was my favorite memory working here. He really is, you know, he loved this theater,” said Arnold.
Comedian Taylor Tomlinson will be headlining the last scheduled event at the Wang Theatre this month, Feb. 27 and 28. The shows will also continue into March 1 and 2. Tickets for this event and more are available for purchase on the Wang Theatre website.