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Charles Playhouse

Charles Playhouse

The Charles Playhouse is the current home of Boston’s long-running hits, the critically acclaimed Blue Man Group and the longest running play in American History, the hilarious whodunnit, Shear Madness. The venue is owned and operated by Broadway In Boston.

The Charles Playhouse has had a long and varied history in Boston’s Theatre District since its beginnings. The venue was originally designed and built in 1839 as the Fifth Universalist Church, by renowned architect Asher Benjamin. In 1864, it became the first synagogue in Boston, home of congregation Ohabei Shalom, before its transformation during Prohibition into a speakeasy called The Lido Venice. In the 1940s, during the heyday of Boston’s Post-World War II nightclub scene, the upstairs (mainstage) was converted into a fashionable nightclub, Storyland, while downstairs was transformed with hot jazz by artists such as Fats Waller and Earl Fatha Hines.

The venue became the Charles Playhouse in 1958, when the building was named home to The Actors Company, a group of Boston University graduates who included, among their performers, Olympia Dukakis. The Charles Playhouse name originated from The Actors Company’s first home, located at the Charles Street Playhouse at 54 Charles Street, at the base of Beacon Hill. Boston drama critic Elliot Norton wrote that the venue’s rich history gave it “the proper sinned-in atmosphere to become a great theater.” The Charles Playhouse quickly moved to the forefront of America’s regional t ... view more »

LOCATION

Charles Playhouse

74 Warrenton Street, Boston, MA 02116

Accessibility Information

  • Accessible Parking

    Accessible Parking

  • Accessible Restrooms

    Accessible Restrooms

    Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the ground level in the lounge.

  • Drop Off

    Drop Off

    Patrons can be dropped off and picked up in front of the theatre, but there is currently no handicapped accessible parking. Walking distance to the theatre varies based on where you’re parked and can range between one and two blocks.

  • Elevator

    Elevator

  • Wheelchair Access

    Wheelchair Access

    The Charles Playhouse is accessible via a wheelchair lift system for patrons with mobility issues. The House Staff is also available at all times to assist patrons with access needs. Please note that the lift does not reach the balcony level.

    Wheelchair locations are available for Blue Man Group performances.

ADDITIONAL ACCESSIBILITY INFO: Guests with accessibility questions should email CharlesADA@broadwayinboston.com or call (617) 426-6912.

More info: https://boston.broadway.com/theatre/charles-playhouse/#accessibility

PARKING INFO

200 Stuart Street Garage

200 Stuart Street, Boston MA 02116

(617) 377-4174

https://www.lazparking.com/

The Charles Playhouse is happy to validate parking at the 200 Stuart Street Garage. Validation is $10.00 for up to 5 hours after 4pm during the week and on weekends. See a member of the Charles Playhouse staff to receive your validation sticker. Please note that validation is unavailable when reserving a spot in advance.

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