Cutler Majestic Theatre facts for kids
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Saxon Theatre
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Theatre lobby, 2009
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| Address | 219 Tremont Street Boston, Massachusetts United States |
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| Owner | Emerson College |
| Designation | National Register of Historic Places |
| Capacity | Approximately 1,200 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1903 |
| Architect | John Galen Howard |
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The Cutler Majestic Theatre is a beautiful old building in Boston, Massachusetts. It is part of Emerson College. This theatre opened in 1903. It was designed by architect John Galen Howard. The building has a special style called Beaux-Arts architecture.
When it first opened, the Majestic was a place for live plays. It was one of three theatres built in Boston by Eben Dyer Jordan. His family started the famous Jordan Marsh department stores.
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The Cutler Majestic Theatre: A Historic Stage
The Cutler Majestic Theatre has a long and interesting history. It started as a grand theatre for plays. Over the years, it changed its purpose many times. Each change added to its unique story.
From Stage to Screen
In the 1920s, the Majestic Theatre changed. It started showing vaudeville acts. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment. It had many different short performances. These included comedy, music, and dance.
Later, in 1956, the theatre became a movie house. It was renamed the Saxon Theatre. To show movies, the building needed changes. The lobby was updated. Many of the original designs by John Galen Howard were covered up.
The Saxon Theatre showed movies until 1983. By this time, the building was getting old. It needed a lot of care.
A Notable Event at the Saxon
While it was the Saxon Theatre, a specific event happened in 1961. A protest took place outside the theatre. This was related to a film premiere. Local authorities and community members worked together. They made sure everyone stayed safe during the demonstration.
A Grand Restoration
In the mid-1980s, Emerson College bought the theatre. They decided to bring it back to its original beauty. The college worked hard to restore the theatre. They wanted to show its original Beaux-Arts style again.
The theatre reopened in 1987. It became a performing arts center. Today, it is used by Emerson College students. It also hosts many shows for the public.
Home to Amazing Performances
The Cutler Majestic Theatre is now a busy place. It hosts many different groups. These include the Boston Lyric Opera. You can also see performances by the New England Conservatory. Other groups like Teatro Lirico D'Europa and the Celebrity Series of Boston perform here. Emerson College's own Emerson Stage company also uses the theatre. The Boston Gay Men's Chorus often performs there too.
In 2003, the theatre got its current name. It was renamed the Cutler Majestic Theatre. This was to honor Ted and Joan Benard-Cutler. They were generous donors who helped the theatre.
A Recognized Landmark
The Cutler Majestic Theatre is very important. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special historic site in the United States. It is also on the Massachusetts Register of Historic Places. In 1986, it was named a Boston Landmark.
The theatre is located at 219 Tremont Street. This area is known as the Boston Theater District. The theatre can seat almost 1,200 people. It continues to be a vibrant part of Boston's arts scene.
