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 was built in 1903 and designed in the Beaux Arts style. This means it has a grand, classical look, like many famous buildings in Paris. The theatre is part of Emerson College and is a popular place for performances today.
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History of the Majestic Theatre
The Cutler Majestic Theatre first opened its doors in 1903. It was one of three theatres built in Boston by Eben Dyer Jordan. His father founded a well-known department store called Jordan Marsh. The theatre was originally made for live stage shows.
Changes Over the Years
Over time, the theatre changed how it was used. In the 1920s, it started hosting vaudeville shows. These were popular performances with different acts like comedy, music, and dance. Later, in 1956, the theatre became a movie house. It was then known as the Saxon Theatre. During this change, parts of the original design were covered up.
The Saxon Theatre showed movies until 1983. By then, the building started to look old and worn out.
A Time of Protest
In 1961, a protest happened outside the Saxon Theatre. A man named George Lincoln Rockwell tried to protest the movie Exodus. The Mayor of Boston, John F. Collins, allowed the protest to happen. However, many people disagreed with Rockwell's views. About 2,000 people gathered to protest against him. Police had to step in and take Rockwell away from the theatre.
Restoration and New Life
In the mid-1980s, Emerson College bought the theatre. They decided to bring it back to its original grand look. The college worked hard to restore the beautiful Beaux-Arts style. The theatre reopened in 1987, looking much like it did when it first opened.
The Theatre Today
Today, the Cutler Majestic Theatre is a busy performing arts center. It is used by both Emerson College students and the wider community. Many different groups perform there, including Boston Lyric Opera and the Boston Gay Men's Chorus. Emerson College's own Emerson Stage company also puts on shows. In 2003, the theatre was renamed the Cutler Majestic Theatre. This was to honor Ted and Joan Benard-Cutler, who were important donors.
The theatre is located at 219 Tremont Street in Boston's Theatre District. It can seat almost 1,200 people.
Important Landmark Status
The Cutler Majestic Theatre is recognized as an important historical building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also on the Massachusetts Register of Historic Places. In 1986, it was named a Boston Landmark. This means it is a special place that is protected for its history and beauty.
