Free presentation on Waltham’s first theater building

posted by Michael Zoldessy on March 10, 2014 at 8:00 am

WALTHAM, MA — The Music Hall Building of Waltham Massachusetts is an iconic part of Waltham’s history. Constructed in 1880, the building was the first of four theater buildings which would be constructed in Waltham throughout the next fifty years. From the day of its opening as a vaudeville opera house in the 1880s, to its closing as a silent movie house in the early 1930’s, the venue served the city in a variety of ways. Like many theaters across the country, the Music Hall was an ornately designed building which brought a wide variety of entertainment to the Waltham community. The theater showcased everything from local talent to nationally acclaimed vaudevillians, Broadway shows, opera companies, etc. It was also the first place in Waltham to view the new moving picture medium.

On Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 7:00pm, the Waltham Historical Society will host Jonathan A. Boschen’s presentation which explores the rich history of the Music Hall Building. Boschen, a film and theater historian, videographer, and slide show designer, created the presentation on the Music Hall for the Downtown Waltham Partnership to help emphasize the importance of preserving the building’s façade. It was presented to the Rotary Club in September, 2013 where it was well received. The presentation explores the rich history of this iconic building through the use of photographs, building blueprints, newspaper articles, and related Americana. It will be held at the RTN Federal Credit Union building and admission is free. For additional information on the presentation please visit the Waltham Historical Society’s website or the Facebook page dedicated to Jonathan A. Boschen Multi-Media FilmHistory Lectures.