The Wilbur Theatre is a historic performing arts theater at 244–250 Tremont Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The Wilbur Theatre originally opened in 1914, but underwent renovations in 2008. The Wilbur Theatre sits in the heart of Boston's historic theater district and is known for hosting live comedy and music.
The venue seats 1,093, but the main floor (orchestra level) has removable tables and seating, to create a general admission standing room (bringing capacity to 1,200). It features basic concessions, including a full bar, on each of the three floors (Orchestra, Mezzanine, Balcony).
History Clarence Blackall built the theater in 1913, and it was opened the following year. The play Love and Kisses was given its premiere at the theater in 1963. The Wilbur was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and designated as a Boston Landmark by the Boston Landmarks Commission in 1987.
In 1998 SFX Entertainment (now Live Nation) bought the Boston theater properties of Jon B. Platt, which included the lease on the Wilbur. The lease ended in 2006.The Wilbur Theatre is up for Sale
In 2007 the theater was put on the market. Bill Blumenreich, a former owner of the Comedy Connection in Quincy Market, leased the building in 2008. The theater continues to regularly host comedic and musical acts, as well as other events.
Comedy specials The following specials were filmed at the Wilbur Theatre:
ComicSpecial titleNetworkRelease dateSam MorrilYou've ChangedAmazon PrimeJuly 9, 2024Sarah SilvermanSarah Silverman: Someone You LoveHBOMay 27, 2023Taylor TomlinsonLook At YouNetflixMarch 8, 2022Jim JefferiesIntolerantNetflixJune 24, 2020Katya ZamolodchikovaKatya: Help Me I'm DyingAmazon PrimeDecember 12, 2019Joe RoganStrange TimesNetflixOctober 2, 2018Norm MacdonaldHitler's Dog, Gossip, and TrickeryNetflixMay 9. 2017Dana CarveyStraight White Male, 60NetflixNovember 4, 2016Tig NotaroBoyish Girl InterruptedHBOAugust 22, 2015Jim JefferiesBARENetflixAugust 29, 2014Jim GaffiganObsessedComedy CentralApril 27, 2014Tom GreenTom Green LiveShowtime2012Gary GulmanIn This Economy?Comedy CentralSeptember 1, 2012Kathy GriffinGurrl DownBravo!June 22, 2011Bruce BruceLosin' ItShowtimeFebruary 26, 2011David CrossBigger & BlackererSub Pop RecordsMay 25, 2010Craig FergusonA Wee Bit o' RevolutionComedy CentralMarch 22, 2009
See also
National Register of Historic Places listings in northern Boston, Massachusetts
References
Further reading Yearbook of the Boston Architectural Club, 1915. Includes illus. of Wilbur Theatre George McKinnon. "A born-again Wilbur will celebrate success." Boston Globe, 20 Jan 1980 Anthony J. Yudis. "Theatre plaza to spotlight the district." Boston Globe, 09 Oct 1983
External links Library of Congress. Drawing of Ye Wilbur Theatre, Tremont St. and Hollis St., Boston, Massachusetts, 1927. Boston Athenæum Theater History . Wilbur Theatre (1914–), 250–252 Tremont Street New York Public Library: Photo of interior, Wilbur Theatre, Boston, Mass., 20th century Program for the Wilbur Theatre, Boston (Oct. 1956) Bostonian Society: Photo of 244-272 Tremont Street, c. 1935 Photo of 250-268 Tremont Street, c. 1959 City of Boston, Landmarks Commission. Wilbur Theatre Study Report, 1983
Images