Want to impress your date? Take her to the opera house. This place is stunning. I came here with my hunney for my birthday to see the Nutcraker. The seats were amazing. Center stage, balcony seats. (bonus points for the bf.) Best seats in the house in my opinion. The celing is beautifuly decorated with gold carvings and crystal chandeliers. The theatre its self is easy to navigate but the bar set up wasnt so great. During intermision, the lines were rediculous. Same with the bathrooms. Coat check was a bit of a hassel as they only had ONE person behind the counter. We parked directly across the street which was convienient, but a nighmare after the show. It was snowing pretty hard when we came out (beautiful way to end the night after seeing the Nutcraker) anyway, it was snowing hard and we had to wait in a long line, outside, in the snow and cold (in a dress) to get out valet keys. Once we had the keys, we waited 20+mins in the line of cars to exit the parking lot. Not a good idea. I suggest parking a bit farther away, and possibly avoid the road directly in front of the theatre on your way out. MAJOR TRAFFIC. But I had an amazing night I will always remember. read more

How Fancy Shcmancy!! Saw "In the Heights" here.. my first time at this venue. The Venu is beautiful and spacious. We sat in the Center Mezz and was satisfied with the view. Upper balcony looked a little too high up for my taste to see a show. I wasn't too happy with acoustics here. I felt the sound lacked a lot especially for a show that is motivated by it's amazing music and voices. I work for the Boston Symphony and a huge audio geek... I've been to many performances there and their acoustic rock anywhere. So I guess, I'm a little biased. I didn't buy drinks here but my friend did and she said it was superrr pricey. Try not to buy any drinks or snacks here. All in all... had a great time! read more

I love that the Opera House recently got itself revamped, and it's worth just going in to see the restoration work of the beautiful interior. It is not my favorite venue for theatre, however, and I'll tell you why (since you asked =P) It is low and deep, and not really built well for musicals and the like (though what old theatres really were). We had balcony seats for "Wicked" during its most recent run in Boston (warning: slight rant): The seats aren't scattered, so if there is a tall person sitting ten rows in front of you, it's just as obstructing as if they were sitting right in the very next row. I sat on my coat and leaned on my friend through the whole show. The acoustics weren't great; I hardly understood a word Glinda said thru most of the first act. And since the balcony is more behind, rather than above, the mezzanine, we were far enough from the stage that I didn't realize a character was wearing glasses until she took them off half way through the show. That being said, you could do a lot worse ::cough cough Wang Center::, and we got mezz seats for Lion King and orchestra seats for Spamalot, both from Bostix, and it was of course fine. But I won't pay full price for balcony seats again. So if it's a show you're really desperate to see and don't want to risk waiting to see if it'll go on Bostix, just be wary and maybe bring binoculars. read more

I went here for Phantom of the Opera and the Opera House itself was as spectacular as the performance! You know in those movies or games that took place in the 1700s, the opera houses were elaborately and elegantly decorated? Expect the same for Boston Opera House, and get ready to be blown away by its beauty! Despite its antique architectural structure, the Opera House is well equipped with modern accommodations and equipment. Seating were comfortable, and even the balcony seats weren't ridiculously faraway like other opera houses. Restrooms were on every level, so you don't have to worry about long lines during intermission. However, the biggest highlight of the Boston Opera House was the theater itself. It is perhaps the most beautiful interior space I have ever seen! The amount of details were simply mind-blowing as I sat in the majestic theater, and it is truly amazing at the artistic extent of the architecture. Even if the play was bad, just being in the theater itself was a remarkable performance to behold. read more

Opera House is beautiful and a great place to see a performance. I love just sitting in the seat and looking at all of the cool architectural details. I went to see the Nutcracker there last year, and I sat in the balcony, but when we bought tickets for this year, I wanted to be up close so we got tickets 5 rows from the front. The view was amazing; we could actually see the dancers' faces and there was a lot more emotion to connect to. The only problem with Opera House is the temperature - it is always SO HOT in there. Like, UNBEARABLY hot. Last year, in the balcony, it was so hot that everyone in our row decided to leave at Intermission and not return. It wasn't as bad this year since we weren't in the balcony, but it was still ridiculously hot. They've got to do something about that. read more

This is a gorgeous theater, very ornately decorated so you feel like it's a special occasion when you attend a performance here. I have only seen ballet performances here, and for ballet, I think the best seats are the mezzanine, because you can see the dancing somewhat from above and appreciate the formations in the choreography. For the same reason, the balcony is a good value. It may seem like you're farther away but the theater is small so you can see everything from above quite well. Parking is terrible, if you can possibly take the T, do so. It's in the theater district, so Chinatown is a good option for eating nearby. read more

Pippin...Not worth the revival. Talented cast but the music and choreography does not hold up

Saw Dear Evan Hansen. Amazing play. Second time I was seeing it. Gorgeous venue. Not a bad seat in the house. Just amazing. If you have a chance to see a show here, do it, it's worth it. Book a place to eat in advance though. Things get booked up. read more

This opera house is gorgeous! I went during December to see the Nutcracker, it was great. read more

See all

It's such a strange dichotomy; 1928 Tom Lamb architecture and massive modern sound system hanging from the ornate, gilded ceiling. It's just weird to see cherubs ostentatiously floating fat and half-nude around one ton, jet-black speakers while the crowd below enjoys twist-off top Miller light at 6.00 a head. It is also roomy, compared to other theatres in the area - maybe because it was last renovated in the 1990s while other theatres were built before the unfortunate American bulge (both upwards and sideways). And, strange as it may be, the theatre really is beautiful in its own weird way. I like it. read more

Today I went to Opera House because of Nutcracker performance! It was great! All the guys in Ballet did very well. My seat was in T row, (on left). I got my ticket for $ 65 and I could see the scene very well. I also had a Binocular and so I could even see the faces in details. Besides, the design of scenes was wonderfull! I really enjoyed the show. read more

This is a lovely venue. So glad it was renovated. Lots of restaurants in the area and plenty of parking.

GORGEOUS HALL!!! Comparable to the most beautiful historical symphonies in NYC, if not better. We watched the Romeo and Juliet Ballet and it was absolutely beautiful! I have watched the Russian ballet perform in St. Petersberg, and this team added a modern performance to it. It was emotional but there was great choreography and dance with it that underlied the entire ballet performance. I felt a million bucks surrounded by the beautiful tapestry and chandeliers... and a million bucks after the performance of this new-age ballet technique! read more

All the good things are true, but the seats here are as narrow as People's Express airlines once were....ever seen those teensy tiny dresses from the late 19th century?...apparently the rennovation did not include chair replacement The architecture can only be enjoyed by the extremely fit Do not try taking someone with bad knees or a bad heart here; if they should make it to the seat they might not make it to the bathroom in time or alive. I am in decent shape and suffered. read more

I just saw my first show at the Opera House, and it was excellent! Walking in, I felt like I was transported to another time. The architecture is so detailed, and there was all the gold and glamour! Everyone that worked there was nice. I was happy to see they served snacks in addition to drinks since we were there for a while and I'm a snacker. The show was fabulous! We saw Dirty Dancing, one of my favorite movies and it was so much fun too see it transformed to the stage. Great lighting and sound. I will definitely be back to see another show soon at the Opera House. read more

Have been here a few times now. Have seen Wicked, Les Mis, and the Ballet. I always feel so fancy when I'm here with the grandiose staircase, columns and old world/old money European charm. Being that my boyfriend is an architect, when I'm here with him I have the pleasure (I use this term loosely) of learning all the different names of the parts of the structure (a column vs. a pilaster - I'm on the edge of my seat when he starts in on the topic of Ancient French floor tiles). I do, however, wonder how they change the overhead light bulbs here. Anyway, this place is exquisitely ornamental and draws some great acts. I've even sat in the very back row and been able to enjoy myself, despite having to do some rubber necking. read more

I've been here for a bunch of shows and most recently the Phantom of the Opera on 7/19/2014. have no complaints about the Opera House except for how long it takes you to make your way out once a show is over. I have come to the conclusion there is not a bad seat in the house. We had balcony seats, almost all the way to the back, and we could make out everything that was going on on stage, and even when one of the mics cut out we could still hear the performer....which is a nod to the opera house's design and the performer's voice! I cannot wait to come back for my next show, which will be the Lion King! I am always excited to see a show here, nestled into a quaint neighborhood in the heart of Boston. read more

Beautiful venue. Shocking though that All Kylian by Boston Ballet couldn't even fill half of the theater. Boston Ballet has (in my view) evolved into a top modern ballet. It is disappointing that they cannot draw bigger crowds. For ballet-lovers, you can get last minute seats just as I did! read more

I've seen many shows here over the years, the most recent of which was Hamilton, which was good but not the best musical I've ever seen, but I'm going to focus this review on the location. I'm always amazed by the incredible beauty of the building, walls, and ceiling. Security at the entrance is comforting to know they are making an effort to keep everyone safe. The exit process could use some work! Also, I noticed a lot of people moving their heads back and forth in order to see beyond the row(s) in front of them. So, not perfection but overall a good experience and I'm looking forward to returning. (visited 10/28/18) read more

Lovely to come here and see a ballet performance! Piano players are great, ballerinas help you time travel, and the modern stage in contrast with the old-style wooden seats truly allows for a timeless experience. I loved the surround round acoustic system that is in perfect harmony with the dancers movements. Intermissions are great, and the bathroom lines are managed well. Downside: the price of a water bottle is $4. Pretty steep! read more

Breathtaking. I've always admired the facades of the Opera House, the Paramount and the Modern Theatre amidst the graffiti and filth that continues to plague Downtown Crossing/Ladder District. What gorgeous architecture! When I found out the Opera House was reopening a few years ago, I was ecstatic. Even moreso when my hubby scored us free 4th row seats to see the Lion King. Walking in is like stepping back in time. I felt like my head was going to fall off my neck because I kept looking up at all the gorgeous and intricate detaiil. My favorite thing about it is how skinny it is from the outside and then you walk in and are totally blown away. More recently, we went to go see Wicked, and as we paid for these ourselves, we sat much higher up, in the balcony seats. I think I actually prefer these seats because you can appreciate the work so much more up there! I absolutely love theatres and this one is nearing the top of my list. My only regret is not being around when Sigur Ros held a show there. That would have been AMAZING! read more

The Opera House is a beautiful venue. I've been quite a few times to see various shows (usually musicals), and I just love it there. The ceiling paintings, the ornate details and carvings all around, and the way that people dress up to go there makes the Opera House a special place. A night here is an event, it feels like something really special. I recommend that everyone go at least once. Small note: If you are seeing something with an intermission, and you know you're going to need to use the restroom, you should be briskly walking away from your seat by the time the lights come up if you want to beat the lines. The lines for the bathroom get ridiculous, I think there are something like 6 stalls in the women's bathroom. read more

what a beautiful old venue! the ornate decor EVERYWHERE is severe eye candy. though i think some parts could use an updating (old carpets...etc) it was amazing. it felt like you were in the golden ages, coming in to see a famous show. also, for a show venue, candy at $3 is a steal. i went to see alvin ailey's, and it was super interesting. i will say that we were sitting in the mid section, not even far away, and the sound quality was not very good (strange, considering it's an opera house??) the acoustics could definitely use an updating. the music was muffled and far-away sounding. honestly though, what a glorious opera house. it feels almost italian renaissance, with the cherubs and gold ornate everything. the ceiling is amazingly detailed and you could stare at it for hours. i would have given 5 stars, except they really need to update the speakers/acoustics situation. but just being in the venue almost made me forget about it. so pretty and historic! read more

Citizens Opera House - at the opera house. - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Marvelous venue, spectacular appointments, efficient and courteous staff. The best of Boston for performing arts. read more

This venue is lovely. The staff is really helpful and friendly. The interior looks AMAZING and really classic. The acoustics are really sharp. I have nothing bad to say. read more

I love here so much!!!! I went here several times to see different Broadway shows, such as Mamamia, Phantom etc. Nearly every time could I get the student rush ticket, but you have to remember to bring cash with you and come earlier than one hour. read more

See all

I love this theatre...aside from the fact that it's in Boston (I hate the traffic). When you walk into the Boston Opera House you feel as if you're taking a step back in time. The huge brass gated doors and marble floors and columns in the entry lead to a lushly decorated foyer. Beautiful chandeliers, balconies, tapestries, and the grand staircase. Breathtaking. I have been here on multiple occasions...4 times for The Nutcracker, twice for Wicked, and once for Mary Poppins. Tickets are a bit on the pricey side, and if you buy a drink there be prepared to grossly over pay. (My friends and I usually sneak drinks in our purses because between tickets, gas, tolls, and parking it's expensive enough!) The seating is not the most comfortable. Parking is a hassel...if you park in the lot across the street you will most likely be blocked in due to the lot 'piggybacking' the cars...this can cause you to have to wait quite a while for your car to get unburied. read more

A gorgeous theater in downtown Boston. The lobby areas and the ceiling inside the theater are spectacular. I went a few nights ago to see Hamilton and it was worth the wait. I was seating in The mezzanine and had no problems seeing the stage. The only issue at all with the theater is leaving--the design has everyone exiting out of the main entrance to just prepare for a slow exit--such a small note since everything else was perfect. read more

Citizens Opera House - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Just saw Beauty and the Beast as a surprise birthday present! Loved the theater and loved the show. This is my first but won't be my last. Caution, the seats are old and close and lack any give...if your 6' + you are going to be uncomfortable. read more

At the end of last month I went to see k.d lang at the Opera House. As soon as my friend and I went in, we were in a beautifully lite hallway that lend into a bright lobby. Seating was fabulous and the people that helped you find your seat were very friendly. The whole place gave off such a brillant vibe. Fabulous place for concerts like k.d lang's. read more

took our special needs son to see Aladdin. The staff at the Boston Opera House Was fantastic! When our son became nervous with some special effects, we went for a walk in the beautiful hallways, and staff explained some details of the building. when back into the show, they reseated us, and it was perfect. What could have been a tense experience for us, turned out to be a wonderful night that we will remember for a long time. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at the Boston Opera House! read more

After being here 4 times I still can not say enough good things about the Building, the Staff and the Shows. And not say enough bad things about the Vulture "Capitalists" who run it. 5 stars for the building itself! Fully redone in 2004, with 38 million dollars in (mostly) public money, the Opera house is one of the greatest architectural works of Art in America. When you sit in a chair in the main theater just before a show, you feel like you are a member of the Romanovs, watching the Bolshoi ballet, just before the Bolshevik revolution: The stunning gold trim, the elegant carrera marble columns, the silk adorned walls, the vaulted ceilings, the ornate molded detailing, the Gorgeous Renaissance style Mosaic, the sparkling chandeliers, and sheer gilded elegance, are all a rare thing in our nation where everything has a price and so little is worth buying. Everyone should see it once. And here is how to do it, and For Free! Come here on a Monday afternoon and often the ticket people will let you see all splendid interiors (free of charge!). If you are not one of the walking dead: you will be awed by this visual experience! 5 Stars for the Staff here! You know you have great service when the staff don't work like their work is work. With out exception they seem to genuinely enjoy what they are doing. From the ticket people who bend over backwards to accommodate my frequently ridiculous seating requests, to the unfailingly polite ushers who can show someone as clumsy as me to their seats in one piece, to the candy vendor who is quick to go above and beyond with advice on where is best to park, this sort of enthusiasm is contagious. You will catch it to! 5 stars for the quality of the shows it attracts.! I have been here for the Lion King (march last year) Wicked (October last year) Mary Poppins (Don't laugh! It was great!) and most recently the spell binding Boston Ballet (Man! Those folks sure can dance!). All were first rate. I agree with the Boston herald who said you will never see a bad show here! (Note: Charlie Sheen was banned from setting foot inside and had to play BU) And 1 star for the owners: Boston Opera House Ventures LLC, a typical profiteering partnership of local Boston businessmen Don Law and David Mugar really deserve negative stars. Why such scorn? The Opera house, after falling into "combat zone" disrepute and utter rotting decay was saved actually by the Mayor of Boston, late senator Ted Kennedy and a TON of public (tax) money. That was how it was renovated from the ashes and reopened in 2004 in all its current resplendent glory. Then the vulture capitalists swept in to run it like an exclusionary country club, pricing out 90% of the residents of Boston with exorbitant ticket prices (Despite the fact that the Opera House is HIGHLY profitably sustained by tons of Corporate welfare in the form of tax breaks, tax subsidies and NEA financing. Read: YOUR tax dollars). The Owners even have the Grotesque audacity to charge $15, per person, for a (non-show) tour so the "little people" can pay to see what their tax dollars built! Frankly, it is time to throw the vultures out and for the City or the State to step in and say: "As Public money saved you! As public money sustains you! To the public you belong! With doors open to all! Accessible to all! Because Great Art is not the Gift of the wealthy. It is God's gift to all humanity. And the Boston Opera House Ventures LLC, and all the other malefactors of extreme wealth, should learn the lesson of the Romanovs. Or face their same inevitable bloody fate. (though that would make for a great musical afterwards. Hope fully performed here! And hopefully produced by the same people who made Wicked!) Addendum, May 28/2011 to owners untrue Comment: Your comments are completely refuted by your personal Yelp email to me where you admitted that you received millions in "historic restoration tax credits" (Tax credits = Corporate welfare) . Your other comments are easily refuted by the extensive public record that exits concerning the Clear Channel's Financials in regards to the Opera House. I would refer you to the Boston Globe on this. The facts are clear here: You ARE tax payer supported. Furthermore: you may want to reconsider posting a photo of yourself on your Yacht deep Sea Fishing. Does not do a lot to dispel the image of Vulture capitalist out of touch with the average American. read more

Beautiful venue! There are enough ushers to get everyone where they need to go fairly quickly. And after doing a quick tour during intermission there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. The view from the highest seats isn't obstructed by anything and the wing seats aren't so off-center that you can only see half the stage. I loved my experience and I'm sure I'll be back soon! read more

Still love! We went for the Nutcracker, which was a delight. Tiny glasses of gin and tonics=$10 each. While mainly gin, it's still steep. I don't think it's possible to have a bad seat in the joint, but then again, I've only had good seats so far for any show I've been to hear. Bonus points for the location-we ended up going to Q Restaurant down the street after we went to the ballet. If you don't want to dine at the Q, it's close to other great Chinatown options. read more

I went to the opera house last night to watch Wicked! First I would like to start off with the show was absolutely beautiful. The vocal talent is impeccable. I honestly had goosebumps the entire show. Second, I would just like to state that the Boston Opera House is beautiful. There is so much history built beneath the walls (literally). Its indescribable, so if you get the chance I definitely recommend checking it out. read more

This place is beautiful, and a great venue for a show. The only downside is the line for the ladies room, but that's standard at any of the older theaters in any city. The bars on each floor have decent choices for drinks before the show or during intermission, at a relatively steep cost but again no different than most other venues. It's in a great spot, easy to get to - walk in minutes from Park Street, Downtown Crossing, or Arlington. I usually park in the Lafayette garage for a set theater price of about twenty bucks. There are also a number of good restaurants within walking distance, making it a great place for a night out. read more

I don't know that I can add much to all the wonderful things that have already been said, but this is one of my favorite, if not THE favorite, Boston landmark(s). The renovations are beyond incredible and it's so lovingly maintained. Walking in to the opulence, splendor and old-world charm that the Opera House oozes gives me goosebumps. There really isn't a bad seat in the house. I saw Wicked from literally the last row in the house and I still found the experience amazing. Most recently, I saw Beauty and the Beast (Row J, left center mezzanine) and the seats were incredible. We had such a beautiful view of the stage and everything came together for a very magical experience. If there is one thing to complain about, it's the bathroom situation. Long lines during intermission! read more

Just went to see the Nutcracker, and what a place! I definatly liked it better then the Wang. We sat in the "Mezzane" section, couldn't have been happier with our seats! The place is beautiful, and the balcony isn't as steep as in the Wang, so no more dizzy spells watching the dancers spin! Definatly worth the money! read more

Excellent production of Cabaret .Love the Opera House . Worth a visit before this run ends .Especially for this show at this time in history .Every seat is good .Great staff and historic Boston beauty. read more

Beautiful, grand opera house. The best version of my favorite ballet 'The Nutcracker" was seen here, and that's saying a lot. I've seen it many times in many cities. Boston rocks! read more