The Central Square Theater is one of those neat black box theaters, where the seating and stage arrangement changes based on the needs of the play that will be performed. The seating however is always raised, and the theater cozy, so seats with a bad view are highly unlikely. One thing that I think was new this season is that they've taken to decorating the waiting area for each performance, which I find to be great fun. Refreshments purchased at the concessions stand are allowed into the theater. One thing I notice that they make sure to tell the audience before every show - they love their subscribers. Blocks of seats are saved for their subscribers, and I think that they also get free parking. This theater is an easy walk from the Central Square T, and is located on the same block as Mary Chung's. *** 8/2011 *** With the new season they've changed from open seating to assigned seating. So buy your tickets early for a better selection of seats. The theater gets chilly sometimes, so consider bringing a sweater. *** 10/2012 *** Validation tickets for the University Park @ MIT Garage - 55 Franklin Street are available to all CST patrons at the Will Call Counter for parking after 5pm on weekdays and all day on weekends for a max of 5 hours. Parking for $5? Nice! PS - they sell a soda pop sweetened with cane sugar here - I recommend the cherry. *** 11/2013 *** 2013-2014 is the 3rd season that the Central Square Theater is playing "Arabian Nights" based on "One Thousand and One Nights." I highly recommend going to see it - it is terrific and I've seen it both seasons prior and am scheduled to watch it this December also. For Black Friday through Cyber Monday, the tickets are $35 (vs up to $61), or 4-Play Subscriptions (peak) are $100 (vs $163 regular price). *** 8/2014 *** For those with little ones, Central Square Theater has begun offering a Date Night with optional childcare ($20 for the first child aged 6 and up, $5 for any additional children) for specific nights. The kids get to watch a movie, while the parents enjoy the show. Something else new was a pre-show MicroTheater performance of "Othella" which began in the stairwell and headed into the lobby. Theater, right in your face. It was cool. It was scheduled to accompany the performance of "Her Aching Heart" as part of their Central Conversations series of discussions and special events. *** 12/2015 *** The fifth and final run of the holiday special "Arabian Nights." See it while you can! This season CST no longer decorated the lobby area specific to each show, but you can still enjoy whiling away the time till the theater doors open, relaxing at one of a number of small tables or checking out the framed photos of past shows hanging on the wall. They sell snacks and drinks that can be taken with you into the theater - I highly recommend the oatmeal cookies. But my beloved cherry soda is no longer available here, as they've changed brands. I loved how they wove together the tales of the Little Match Girl and the Happy Prince in "Matchless & The Happy Prince." I admit it - I got a bit teary eyed at one point. *** 12/2016 *** CST has changed their restrooms to be All Gender shared restrooms as they believe that everyone should have a safe place to use the bathroom. What does that mean? It means anyone can choose to visit either of their previously labeled Men's and Ladies' restrooms. It also means that if will make you feel safe, you may ask a staff member to accompany you to the restroom. What I didn't like was how you could peek in (and out) of the stalls through the gaps around the door - well, no more! They've installed privacy covers which makes your going private from accidental eyes. read more

Central Square Theater - Central Square Theater 5/2011 - Performing Arts Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Very intimate theatre...The first row is on stage. You can see the expressions of all the actors so clearly, making it easy to connect with them. The theatre is located down the block From the red line, central square T stop. The deal: go to GoldStar.com to get tickets fire 50%+ off... There are no bad seats in this little theatre with a big heart! read more

I've enjoyed the couple of plays I've seen here quite a bit! The experience of getting tickets at the box office leaves a lot to be desired, though, so I'd suggest considering whether you want to brave the box office or just pay the extra fees to order online. In today's box office experience, I showed up during the normal box office hours, but the ticket window facing the outside of the building was curtained off, the door to the building was locked, and the inside box office door (which I could see through the transparent building door) was closed. I called the box office and they let me in, but maybe some clarifying signage (along the lines of "yes, we are open") would be useful. When I asked about purchasing a specific pair of tickets, the person in the box office initially stated there were no seats available in the row where I requested seats, although I could see seat availability showing up in my phone app. After we looked at the phone app together so I could better understand the discrepancy, they did confirm that the seats the app was showing were available and booked tickets for those seats. I also had quite a difficult time using a promotion for $25 tickets they had emailed me. First the person in the box office said that the promotion only applied to the seats that are always $25 dollars (although the promotion email said "all seats"), then they said the promotion had expired (although the promotion email said it was valid through midnight today), then they said that the promotion only applied to some show dates (although the promotion email said it applied to "all performances"). After we looked at the email together to try to sort through these differences, they let me book according to the terms in the email. read more

What an impressive Little Theatre. I just watched a great Opera by Puccini Called La Rodine. It was an amazing performance by the Boston Opera Collaborative. The acoustics was fantastic and every seat is an excellent seat in this theater. The BOC did great job staging the opera. It was very much of a Grecian Auditorium Style. I had a great view of centerstage since I was in the last seat, I was able to see and hear everything perfectly. I really think this theater is suitable for different types of productions because the acoustics were incredible. I was pleasantly surprised considering I go to a lot of shows in Boston. read more

See all

Welcome to my neighborhood. Now I really don't have to leave Central. You are a hop, a skip and a jump away. Now all we need is a Cinema. You are almost 100% perfect. I really won't have to go anywhere else. Central Sq. I can indulge my time with you even more than before. I love you. Theatre near my house--what!? Right now the play "We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!" is showing at the Central Sq Theatre. This play ensues the political problems of our time and past times. That is is to say, the theme explores the struggles mankind experiences when its being oppressed. When people in a society are being oppressed, the more time passes by, there will be a day when they (the oppressed) will explode and revolt. Many references to the Los Angelos riots and Hillary Clinton's femininity is mentioned and acted upon with poise and hilarity. To say the least, if you hate politics or love it and you are observing this election closely, then I recommend the play. You might even reflect about the realism or non-realism around you: Its funny, sardonic and satirical. Sure it might sound like the old washed out Karl Marx ideology, but trust me, you'll connect with the characters and their struggle to follow the rules of a society when society itself contributes to the mayhem--its quite contrary. Anyway, check out the play, and I'm certain that many more will be shown. YES! read more

Central Square Theater - http://www.centralsquaretheater.org/index.php - Performing Arts Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Recently saw "The Other Place" here (a Nora Theater Co production, I believe.) Intriguing storyline w/ a tragic backstory...it's a mystery you have to puzzle piece together...you will towards the end. The woman who plays the lead role is on stage for the entire 80-minute play; she's fabulous! Amazing acting from all 4 characters. The theater space is arranged so that you are up close & personal to the action. The audience almost spills into the stage area. Even if you're seated in the farthest seat from the stage, you'll still feel engaged with the actors. Concession stand prices are reasonable; one of the benefits of a smaller theater, I suppose. Bottled water & some almonds only set me back $3. Short walk from the central square T stop, plenty of restaurants in its vicinity. Go! read more

My wife and I have watched two plays here - both very entertaining and excellent performance by the cast. 11/2012 - Arabian Nights earlier in the year - The How and The Why Its a small theatre with excellent seating that allows you to be up close and personal. The cast does a phenomenal job. The concession stand had a wide variety of snacks and drink. Its located right off Mass Ave. with access to many different businesses after the play. Will go again to watch their next play. read more

Last night I went to see "The Hound of the Baskervilles," an adaptation of a Sherlock Holmes story. Let me preface this review by saying the following: I am not really into theater stuff so I'm not the greatest critic of the arts and I grew up reading Sherlock Holmes so going to this play was SUPER exciting for me. This was my first time visiting this theater as well (LivingSocial provided me with a half off ticket, which was incentive enough). The venue: Right off Mass Ave. next to Middle East, but it's set back a bit so you don't see it initially. The lobby area was cute with seating for people before the show and during intermission. They provided some drinks (water, wine, juice) and some snacks (granola bars?) - but it was cash only. As a non-frequent theater-going individual I don't know if this is the norm, but I was parched and starving and kinda ticked off. But oh well, such is life and I made up for it by running to McDonald's across the street and grabbing an apple pie during intermission. This of course was too hot and I had to wait for it to cool down and eat it covertly once the show resumed. Somehow I ended up with a front row and center seat, which was great, but looking around at the seating arrangement I don't think there were any necessarily "bad" seats. The play: Hysterical. I haven't laughed that hard in awhile. It was full of witty humor and puns and the actors did a wonderful job of taking on the different characters. There were only 3 actors but they played a myriad of roles (both genders as well), which was impressive. It was a very cool sort of play because every now and then the actors would engage and converse with the audience. Also, in one scene they used dry ice to create steam and it made me really happy in a nerdy sciency way. (: I had a fantastic time here last night but I wish I had known the refreshments were cash only. And my LivingSocial deal was $20 or $25, which was 50% off the original price - that being said, as not so wealthy recent college grad it would take some convincing for me to pay the full price of the ticket. P.S. Dudes who were sitting next to me: If you read this, I know you were super baked but you were very entertaining! read more

Great local theater! Something of a partnership with MIT? There seems to be a theme in the performances. Geeky humor in at least two shows this year. I kind of love it! The whole place is new. I almost imagined it being a run-down forgotten theater. But it absolutely is not. The bathrooms were sparkling clean. The decor is sort of colorful but minimalist. Actually, I liked it. The theater is a black box theater that can change set-up for the show that's playing. They even move the seating around. The dynamic set-up really lets each show's personality shine. Seats were fairly comfortable. The only issue is the stairs getting up towards the top. But I think that if you had an actual physical reason to not climb stairs they'd accommodate you. Oh! And my favorite part--- they serve tea! I enjoyed the show last night with a cup of tea in hand. Forget noisy candy or whatever else people serve. What a delight! Glad to know we have such a nice local theater. read more

The Nora Theater Company has been around since 1987 but has just found a permanent home right here in Cambridge at the Central Square Theater. Their mission is to: "(Seek) plays that jostle our hearts and minds and have attempted to produce them in ways that reveal our common humanity." and after seeing "Martha Mitchell Calling" at CST this past winter I heartily agree. A beautifully designed, heartbreaking funny and eerie representation of Nixon era politics, "Martha Mitchell" left a lasting impression on me as an audience member. Like I always say at CST, quality of production at least matches more well known venues such as the American Repertory Theater, without the hefty price tag and the elitist attitude. Check it out! read more

I love theater and usually see 8-10 plays a season. I have seen a number of plays in the Central Square Theater, and there were ok. But Frankenstein was one of the worst plays i ever seen in my life. Tortuously boring, not executed, with some really bad acting. Overall just painful waste of time. No intermission in 2 hr play, i imagine because the whole audience would have left? read more

Tried to go see Constellations and was told tickets were $62. That is just way too much for this place, hopefully in the future they'll have more affordable prices. read more

Recently I watched' When January feels like Summer' in Central Square Theater. It was my first time visit. Play was superb and theater is good too. But what shocked me was there are 2 big washrooms and outside it is written for both women and men. When they have 2 why cant they have one for women and one for men? It is very ockward to go in and find man in side. Has anyone not felt same like me?????????????????? read more

Cozy atmosphere. We have gone to many plays here. This year we bought season tickets. Many great restaurants nearby and parking lots are plentiful. read more

A friend and I saw "Precious Little," produced by the Nora Theatre Company. The stage was very intimate, and the actresses were extremely talented. From our seats in the audience we felt engaged thru the entire performance. I look forward to returning to Central Square Theater soon! read more

Saw "Mr. G" here. We sat in the very last row but still felt as if we were right in the action. It is a quaint small venue that I will visit again and again. I highly recommend catching a show here. read more

Saw Car Talk the Musical at the Central Square theater two weeks ago. It was so funny and the cast was top notch. Seats are comfortable and ticket prices are good. There are several restaurants/bars right there to choose from for a pre-show bite or post-show drink. My only complaint is that the line for the theater concession stand and the line for people coming into the show converge and it gets cramped and confusing. I highly recommend you give this live theater a try. read more

I had a wonderful time seeing Saving Kitty at Central Square Theater. Jennifer Coolidge was great and very funny. The supporting cast members were also excellent. I liked it so much I saw it twice. The production was great in Central Square Theater's intimate atmosphere. The theater is a great place to see a play. A true Central Square gem. read more

I admit I tend to be more drawn to flashy Broadway musicals than to plays. Being that this wonderful local theater is so close to me I decided to give it a try and went to watch a production of Frankenstein. I enjoyed the play, definitely different than expected. The theater is just small enough that there is not a bad seat and the size gives the theater a cozy/intimate feel. The staff was very nice and added to the charm of the theater. Cannot wait to come back and catch another local production. read more

I got a great deal on a subscription to this theater that is just a few blocks from my apartment. The space is small and versatile. The staff and actors are wonderful. There is a great variety in the plays that they put on. Along with the plays they put on, they also have different talks/get togethers that are open to the public. Would definitely recommend seeing a play here. Most recently I've seen The Mountaintop and Operation Epsilon - both were excellent. read more

My husband and I saw Car Talk last night and were blown away from the clever writing, adorable music adaptation and level of performance by the cast. This theater is truly a hidden gem. The staff could not have been any nicer or accommodating. Can't wait until the next show. FYI: the theater is surrounded by numerous restaurants( vegan, sushi, chinese etc.) to complete your night. read more

They can't seem to get their ticket office logistics organized. As a subscriber for the last 4 years, I have experienced issues with my ticket seatings ~20% of the time. They have a most awkward and confusing procedure for signing up for tickets which aren't actually assigned. At random times, each performance sends out email from an unrecognized source to select seats but its not clear if it is assigned to a subscription or just individual tickets. Their lack of a system causes many email miscommunications and embarrassing moments when you arrive for a show and the tickets weren't properly assigned. My 3 communications with the Management at CST have produced zero response. Alas, I have resolved to stop beating my head against the wall and will no longer subscribe. ~50% if the production have a nice historical background. read more

My husband and I attend almost every play here. They are fantastic. Here you have a very intimate theater space & high quality productions. Next month, end Nov - Dec 2012, they will again present "Arabian Nights". This is a great show to attend for an introduction to Central Square Theater. The show is appropriate for dates, groups or families. I think you will love it. read more

Have seen many productions at Central Square Theater. Given how small the theater is, any seat is a good seat, so why not buy the last row seats for around $25? Concessions are reasonably priced, too. My issue is the "newer" gender neutral bathrooms---the former men's bathroom now only has a thin, diaphanous black curtain surrounding the urinals, so when you enter there, you can easily see male patrons relieving themselves. I'm no prude, but don't want to be able to see this in public! CST should install private stalls in the former men's bathroom and get rid of the urinals altogether-it's really gross. I've walked into the former men's bathroom twice over the last 6 months and have turned right around and left, because of men urinating at the visible urinals. For that reason alone, I'll be taking my business to American Repertory Theater, where their gender neutral bathrooms have separate stalls for everyone's privacy. read more

At first I had some trepidation when I saw about 20 children (of the under 7 variety) waiting in the ticket line with their parents. How good could the show be if it's also oriented to 7 year olds? It was excellent. The actors are very talented: at times I felt like I was really in the story. What I mean is that at times the play seemed more real than reality. That's really saying something because the stories in the play are full of all kinds of unreal situations, like magic lanterns and magic carpets. It was for this kind of experience that I moved to the Boston area. I'll be back. read more

This theater has just opened (July 2008) next to Economy Hardware in Central Square after a long period of construction. The entrance is set back off the sidewalk with an open area in front of the ticket window that could be described as a reception area with some potted plants and advertisements for the upcoming show. There is a theater company in residence with live shows every night of the week. On the street level there is a retail space for lease that looks as though it could be retail or restaurant once it is leased. read more