Wang Theatre Holds Open House Celebrating 90th Anniversary Today

The Citi Wang Theatre is celebrating its birthday, and the public is invited!

Some Bostonians may still remember the Wang Theatre when it was called the Metropolitan and operated as a movie house. Others might recall when it was renamed the Music Hall in 1962 and began offering Broadway shows and concerts. Over the decades, families from across New England have taken their holiday card photos at the top of the Grand Staircase and treated their children to memorable theatrical performances. Couples have become engaged and gotten married at the theatre, still more visitors have rocked out in their seats or enjoyed the splendor of the landmark building's impressive architecture and glittering chandeliers.

Today, October 16, 2015, - exactly 90 years to the day - the Citi Wang Theatre will open to the public

from 2 - 7 pm to give people a chance to relive those memories, to share them, and to create some new ones. The Open House, the first of many events taking place to celebrate 90 years, is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Registration is suggested, but not required. Suitable for all ages, the event will feature tours, activities, access to the stage, a photography exhibit, and prizes. The Wang Theatre is located at 270 Tremont Street in Boston, and is accessible by public transportation.

Visitors to the Open House are invited to:

· Bring a written memory of the Metropolitan Theatre, Music Hall, or Wang Theatre to the Open House for a chance to WIN two (2) tickets to EVERY Wang Theatre show through May 31, 2016! (Emailed or mailed entries will be enjoyed, but only in-person submissions during the open house are eligible for the ticket prize.) Other prizes will be awarded throughout the Open House.

· Enjoy a special exhibit of iconic performer images by photographer Sid Limitz, as well as photos from the Wang Theatre archives.

· Sing on the famous Wang Theatre stage where the best actors, singers, comedians, and dancers have performed.

· Leave your mark - sign "The Wall" backstage just like actors, rock stars (and the Dalai Lama.)

· Win a chance to tour the theatre dome high above the theatre seats - dress for narrow spaces and a little climbing.

To be kept informed of this and upcoming 90'h anniversary events, including a special public gallery showing of art created by the legendary Ringo Starr from October 21st-23rd, visit

citicenter.org/discover/wang-theatre-90th-anniversary

History of the Wang Theatre

Noted for its beautiful Louis XIV architecture and design elements popular in the Roaring '20s, the Wang Theatre has been known by several names over the years. Originally conceived as the Capitol Hotel, when the investors ran out of money the building was re-imagined as a movie theatre and renamed The Metropolitan. On opening night, October 16, 1925, more than 20,000 New Englanders crowded Tremont Street hoping to be among the first to see what newspapers hailed as the "marvel of the show world." In 1962, the theatre was renamed the Music Hall and hosted ballet and theatre performances and concerts. In the intervening years, the venue experienced financial difficulties and its future was imperiled. In 1983, a generous gift from Dr. An Wang saved the theatre from possible demolition. The historic venue was renamed the Wang Theatre and over the next several years, successful fundraising led to a spectacular restoration of the building. Today, the Wang Theatre is recognized as one of the most important cultural facilities in New England.

The Open House kicks off a year-long celebration of the history of the Wang Theatre. Details of the exciting events - from Broadway shows to conferences, seminars, arts advocacy, and more - will be announced soon.

The 90th Anniversary Open House takes place on Friday, October 16, from 2 - 7 pm at the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston, MA. Admission is free; registration is suggested (but not required), by visiting www.citicenter.org.

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