Tag Archives: theater district

The Wilbur Theatre: Continuing Its Tradition of Live Entertainment in The Theater District

Comedians like Brian Regan, Joan Rivers and Bill Maher have all performed on stage at this cozy theater nestled inside the Theater District. The theater itself was built in 1914 by the Shubert brothers who named it after their friend and theatre manager A.L. Wilbur and was the first Boston theatre to draw its inspiration from American Colonial architecture rather than from European sources. Today, you can catch a musical performance from the likes of Gaelic Storm, Yesterday – The Beatles Tribute, Engelbert Humperdinck, Steel Pulse and ABBA – The Concert. Click here for the schedule of events.

Fleming’s Prime Affordable Steaks

Imagine finding a steakhouse in Boston that offers quality beef at affordable prices. That’s exactly what Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar does night after night and wins “Best Steakhouse” in Boston year after year. Located across from The Boston Park Plaza Hotel in the Theater District, this elegant restaurant that has a dark wood interior with high ceilings and an open spacious dining room, was the first East Coast location for the West Coast brand.

Start off with a glass of wine from itsPicture 13 Wine Spectator award-winning collection of 100 vintages by the glass to go along with some Blue Point oysters. There is a good selection of seafood for those who don’t like beef, but for the true carnivores, the bone-in ribeye and bone-in New York strip should not be missed. For the ultimate indulgence, try the house specialty, Fleming’s potatoes, served with cream, jalapenos and cheddar cheese, which are large enough to share with the entire table. The walnut turtle pie should be the grand finale of the evening. Visit flemingssteakhouse.com
for more information.

Insider Tip: If you sit at the bar, don’t miss the amazing deal of five for $6 until 7 p.m. promotion, which includes a choice of five cocktails, five glasses of wine and five appetizers.

The Citi Center is Boston’s Center Stage

Picture 5If you’re looking to check out a show while in town, chances are you’ll be heading over to the Wang Theatre where Louis XVI’s opulence and the Roaring Twenties come together at the Citi Performing Arts Center. Formerly known as the Wang Center, the 3,600-seat venue hosts a variety of theatrical performances from comedy shows and theater performances to dance productions and the famed Nutcracker ballet.

The center opened in 1925 and today boasts one of the five largest stages in the country. The theater has seen numerous performances, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Riverdance, The Kirov Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Whitney Houston, Harry Connick Jr., Dave Matthews, Lady Gaga, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera.

While many guests choose to dress up for their special night out on the town, others can also be seen wearing more casual attire. Because there is no specific dress required here, you could see everything ranging from evening gowns to jeans. There are several parking lots located adjacent to and across the street making it easy to get in and out of after a performance.

Historic Laughs at New Tommy’s Comedy Lounge

Picture 8If you’re looking for something fun to do for everyone of all ages, head over to Tommy’s Comedy Lounge for a great night of laughs. Boston’s newest comedy club, located at The Charles Playhouse in the historic Theater District, offers live stand-up comedy every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

You never know who you might see on stage that night. The comedy house has showcased well known local talent, including Tony V, Gary Gulman and Steve Sweeney of There’s Something About Mary and Me Myself and Irene fame as well as the annual Magners Comedy Festival.

Every Thursday night, there is a comedy showcase at 8:30 p.m. for a cheap $8 admission ticket. Tommy’s new showcase for gay and lesbian comedians will be held the last Thursday of every month beginning this month. Typically, most shows are under $20 per ticket making for a reasonably priced and affordable night on the town.

TKTS: New Big Red Booth is the Times Square Star

Not many discount ticket booths get the kind of attention that TKTS receives, like a star-studded grand opening and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys singing on its steps in their ode to New Yoooork, but this place is worth all the praise.

For years this gem of Broadway has bPicture 14een stuck un-glamorously under the Marriot Marquis, a hidden secret for the ticket savvy. Now, after some major construction, the new TKTS Times Square booth is open- and saying it’s better than ever is a serious understatement. It’s not in the heart of Times Square, it is Times Square. The booth, located under the can’t-miss red steps, has transformed Duffy Square into a Broadway fan and tourist photo-op heaven.

Thankfully, the generous discounts are still the same with up to half-off for same-day performances of Broadway favorites Chicago, Jersey Boys, Monty Python… you name it, TKTS still has it. But with this makeover, now you can actually find the booth and it’s clearly stated before you enter the long line what show tickets are up for grabs.

Discount tickets have never looked so good.

W Hotel is Wicked Cool

Looking for the newest, coolest and hippest place to stay in Boston? The W Hotel has it all covered. From high tech modern amenities to a lively lobby “living room” that resembles a disco after dark, the W is already making a name for itself in the city.

Picture 10The all glass hotel, located smack dab in the Theater District directly across the street from the Citi Performing Arts Center, opened in November with 123 private residences if you can’t resist the urge to ever leave. The rooms here are spacious and modern with floor to ceiling windows, flat screen TVs and a docking station for MP3 players.

The underground bar, Descent, is popular with a younger crowd, while an older crowd flocks to W Lounge where you can also play a board game or check your email with the free high speed Internet access.

Be sure to book a reservation early at the popular casual restaurant, Market, as there are often long waits. If you’re looking to work off the calories you put on last night, head over to the on-site fitness center Sweat, or relax with a massage at Bliss, New York’s hottest spa, which finally made its Boston debut.

Rumor Nightclub Heats Up the Club Scene

Late night partiers come to dance the night away at Rumor Nightclub, one of Picture 11the hottest clubs in town. Located near the Charles Playhouse (think Shear Madness and Blue Man Group) in the Theater District, Rumor Nightclub typically doesn’t get going until late in the evening. If you go on the weekends, expect long lines if you arrive after 11 p.m.

Even though the club is closed Sundays and Mondays, there seems to be something going on every other evening. Evolution Tuesdays is extremely popular for house, hip-hop and Latin music. Rumor Wednesdays hosts Boston’s longest running Latin night. Signature Thursdays is one of their most popular nights featuring a mixture of house, hip-hop and Latin music. Envy Fridays and Rumor Saturdays both feature a DJ and are the club’s most popular nights. Check out rumorboston.com for more information.

The younger chic crowd comes for the lively atmosphere at Rumor Nightclub.

Raffaello Hotel’s Menage-a-Trois

Boutique hotel. Four Stars. Non-smoking. Raffaello Hotel proudly boasts being the only hotel in Chicago to hold down that menage-a-trois. Thankfully, their location is also a major perk, just off Michigan Avenue and surrounded by the Theater District, where perfect shopping oPicture 47pportunities and dining options galore. But we all know that means jack if the service sucks — and worry not. It doesn’t. The service is personalized and sincere; phew!

Next question: amenities of course! Here’s their bragging list:

breakfast room service, massage treatments, manicure and pedicure by Windy City Massage, concierge services, 24-hour business center, PC computer kiosks, 24-hour fitness center, valet parking, valet laundry, mini-bars, microwaves, rain forest showerheads, flat screen LCD TV’s, DVD players, electric shoe shine machines, in room safes, luxurious bathrobes, all cotton terry bath towels, 350 thread count sheets overlaying goose down duvets. 18th floor meetings and convention center; restaurant and bar with outdoor terrace seating

If all this doesn’t talk to you, maybe money will. The Raffaello Hotel recently threw $25 million to their space in refurbishment upgrades. So if checking out this space is on your radar, see if a package would suit your fancy. They’ve got one for practically every occasion (hot cars, bridal getaways, shopping sprees and many more).

W Chicago – City Center

The city is all around you at this hotel in the Chicago Loop near the Sears Tower and theaPicture 64ter district. Get some shut-eye on the hotel’s plush beds each equipped with pillow top mattresses and 350-thread-count sheets. For those who want to relax to the max, loosen up with a deep-tissue massage brought to you by the in-room spa service. Don’t you just love to lounge?

Best Western President Hotel

Picture 17The Best Western President Hotel is nestled in the heart of New York City’s theater district just steps away from the Great White Way. This reasonably-priced Manhattan hotel is surrounded by some of New York City’s most famous area attractions, including Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Marriott Marquis

Picture 53The Marriott Marquis, in Times Square, is a world-class hotel that has undergone a recent renovation. Amenities include six hotel restaurants and lounges, including the well-known rotating rooftop restaurant. The hotel is within walking distance of the Broadway theater district, Fifth and Madison Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center and NBC studio tours, plus Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and Central Park.

Milford Plaza

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Located in the heart of Broadway’s Theater District, Milford Plaza is just around the corner from 14 Broadway theaters, and only a short walk from Radio City Music Hall. It’s the perfect place to stay for your Broadway-theme getaway, or just want you want to be smack-dab in the center of the city.

Sanctuary Hotel

Picture 11Looking for a Times Square hotel on a budget? Sanctuary Hotel is the spot. The hotel provides clean, comfortable accommodations and friendly service. Find the deal of your dreams in one of the stores and emporiums of Fifth Avenue. Spend your day exploring legendary landmarks such as Broadway, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the Empire State Building. A favorite of bargain-minded travelers since 1904, the Portland is the most stylish cheap hotel in Times Square.

The Millennium Broadway

Picture 30Revel in the Manhattan skyline from one of 625 spacious guest rooms and suites, luxuriously appointed with custom bedding and advanced technology. Experience distinctive service, with a concierge staff ready to help you with the hottest tickets, directions and other arrangements. Built in 1903, the renovated Hudson Theatre is the optimal location for memorable meetings, product launches, weddings, concerts and other events.