The Wilbur Theatre

Location: 246 Tremont St., Boston

Time: Varies by performance

Age appropriateness: All ages

Cost: Varies

The Wilbur Theatre was built in 1914 by the Shubert brothers who named it for their friend and theatre manager A. L. Wilbur. The Wilbur was the first Boston theatre to draw its inspiration from American Colonial architecture rather than from European sources. It was designed by architect Clarence H. Blackall.

According to newspaper accounts of the time, The Wilbur was the first Boston theatre to have a lounge where patrons could mingle and enjoy refreshments.

Today, that same lounge is home to Aria, an elegant after-theatre nightclub in the heart of the Theatre District inspired by elegant European design.

Stars who have appeared on The Wilbur stage include Ethel Barrymore, Fred Astaire, Claire Luce, Jessica Tandy, Hume Cronyn, Montgomery Clift, Joan Blondell, Karl Maiden and Brian Bedford. Throughout the years The Wilbur has changed hands many times and has had a colorful history.

As a Broadway in Boston venue, The Wilbur will continue to host quality touring and pre-Broadway theatre for generations to come.