A few months ago, I purchased a Living Social deal for a Broadway in Boston membership. One of the reasons I decided to get the deal was that it came with a tour of the Boston Opera House. Yesterday was finally the day! I was so excited, not only was I going there for the first time, but it was just a gorgeous day out!
I hopped on the T after work and was honestly giddy like a school girl. I have been so busy with work and school that I haven't really had some good old "explore Boston" fun in a long time.
Even more exciting for me, is that Les Mis is in town right now and that I will finally be seeing it on stage on Sunday! The idea that the stage would be set for the show when I was there was amazing!
I have walked by the opera house numerous times, but never been in past the foyer. It is gorgeous! So many ornate decorations and details.
I learned so much on the tour too. Like how the theater was built in the late 1920s and has been home to many types of theater groups and movie theaters since then. I had no idea that in the early 1990s its owner went broke and that the theater spent about 10 years in a state of shambles until it was restored in the early 2000's.
Everything was restored to its original state, either through reproductions or repairs. Even the 350 chandeliers were restored, they were able to preserve all but 2 of them. Yes, 350 chandeliers and only 2 aren't original!!
The red walls are made of single panels of silk. To restore them to their original glory they had to recreate the looms used to make them! Talk about dedication to a restoration.
The ceilings were created and then resorted using dental tools. I cannot imagine what it was like to stand on a scaffold working on such intricate details. But wow, what a payoff this space is just stunning.
Our guide was great. She really knew her stuff and clearly loved being able to share all this information.
We went into the theater to learn some more about the 2600 seat venue. It is even more stunning in there, but we couldn't take pics. I snuck this one on my phone (such a rebel, I know) of the crew working on some of the Les Mis sets!! I think I sat there with my mouth open for several minutes!
Now I cannot wait for Sunday to come so I can see it all in action. It will be even more amazing to be in the theater, taking in a show now that I know the amazing history behind this historic theater!
11 thoughts on the matter:
Wow!! What an opportunity. Les Mis is my absolute hands down fave show of all time. I should try to get down and see it again.
I've been to theaters in NYC and not seen something so ornate. I can't imagine the money spent to do such an amazing restoration. Opera was huge-all the rage. A place to be seen and see who and who and what and what. To wear your best. I guess back in the day, they wanted to look their best in "the best" setting.
Have a great time Sunday.
Gorgeous building! Enjoy the show on Sunday!
Oh, I love theaters and musicals! I can't explain it, but I just love, love, love being inside a theatre (one for plays and performances, not movies).
I hope you will love Les Miz. I simply love the music and I could listen to it over and over... That said, I fell asleep when I first watched the show when it was in town. I was absolutely knackered from working all night on a business pitch the night before. =(
beautiful theater.
Gorgeous restorations! How cool to see Les Mis there! It's such a great show!
How exciting, Tamar. What a gorgeous place and I love all of the history you included with your photos.
Yes, you are a rebel!! Bad girl. :)
WOW- what an incredible experience!
Oh wow! What an amazing place! Thank you for sharing this tour with us. Love learning through your posts! :)
I love how you captured all the details! What a beautiful place and beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing.
In awe of those pictures - and the details in that gorgeous building! Just amazing - so glad someone restored it!
What an incredible adventure!
It looks gorgeous! Especially all the chandeliers.
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