Burlesque-Friendly Venues in Boston
Oberon Theater
“OBERON is the second stage of the A.R.T., a destination for theater and nightlife on the fringe of Harvard Square.” (from website)
Notes from BB: With an incredible light and sound system, and dedicated team of stage workers of the highest caliber, the OBERON makes our wildest most glitteriest dreams come true! It has become not just a hub of activity, but a home for the burlesque and arts community. We congregate to celebrate our biggest stars at the annual Alterna-Tease New England Neo-Burlesque Festival, and come back again and again for new and recurring shows, including “Revenge of the Robot Battle Nuns” and “Sailor Moon Shoujo Spectacular.”
How to get here: Easily accessible by the MBTA Red Line Harvard Square train station, or several busses including the 1, 66, and 71. Make sure to park early and then check out the local cafes before the show.
OBERON
2 Arrow St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tickets: 617.547.8300
Administrative Office: 617.495.2668
Website: www.americanrepertorytheater.org/oberon
“OBERON is the second stage of the A.R.T., a destination for theater and nightlife on the fringe of Harvard Square.” (from website)
Notes from BB: With an incredible light and sound system, and dedicated team of stage workers of the highest caliber, the OBERON makes our wildest most glitteriest dreams come true! It has become not just a hub of activity, but a home for the burlesque and arts community. We congregate to celebrate our biggest stars at the annual Alterna-Tease New England Neo-Burlesque Festival, and come back again and again for new and recurring shows, including “Revenge of the Robot Battle Nuns” and “Sailor Moon Shoujo Spectacular.”
How to get here: Easily accessible by the MBTA Red Line Harvard Square train station, or several busses including the 1, 66, and 71. Make sure to park early and then check out the local cafes before the show.
OBERON
2 Arrow St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
Tickets: 617.547.8300
Administrative Office: 617.495.2668
Website: www.americanrepertorytheater.org/oberon
The Rockwell Theater (formerly the Davis Square theater)
Located just steps away from The Davis Square T station, it is one stop from the red line’s Alewife terminus. Formerly the Davis Square Theatre and Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway, the basement-level theater resembles a black box theater and features a full bar and shows ranges from children’s to burlesque. Accommodating up to 200 people, it is an intimate space that plays host to over 300 performances annually.
Note from BB: Right in the heart of Davis Square, this exclusive-feeling, speakeasy-esque downstairs immersive theater is full of secrets and intrigue. Be warned, because it is connected to a bar this venue is only 21+. Additionally, it has a small front entrance and is easily overlooked by newcomers! Walk down the stairs and veer right, then down the hall to walk into a world of enchantment and stripping.
How to get here: A quick walk from the MBTA Red Line Davis Square train station.
255 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 684-5335
Website: www.therockwell.org
Located just steps away from The Davis Square T station, it is one stop from the red line’s Alewife terminus. Formerly the Davis Square Theatre and Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway, the basement-level theater resembles a black box theater and features a full bar and shows ranges from children’s to burlesque. Accommodating up to 200 people, it is an intimate space that plays host to over 300 performances annually.
Note from BB: Right in the heart of Davis Square, this exclusive-feeling, speakeasy-esque downstairs immersive theater is full of secrets and intrigue. Be warned, because it is connected to a bar this venue is only 21+. Additionally, it has a small front entrance and is easily overlooked by newcomers! Walk down the stairs and veer right, then down the hall to walk into a world of enchantment and stripping.
How to get here: A quick walk from the MBTA Red Line Davis Square train station.
255 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 684-5335
Website: www.therockwell.org
The Midway Cafe (aka The Midway)
The Midway has presented the best acts, and the best VARIETY of acts, in Boston since 1987. Often compared to New York's Knitting Factory for its eclectic mix of styles and crowds, the Midway books everything! Even special events, benefits, movie screenings, and our famous Queeraoke every Thursday. We'll also host your private party. We mean everything!”
Notes from BB: The Midway is full of character and a perfect place to try something new and niche. It is the home of Punk Rockin’ and Pastie Poppin’ and has housed “The Nightman Cumeth: An ‘Always Sunny in Philadelphia Burlesque” and “WTF Queerlesque.”
How to get here: Just a hop off the 42 bus, a short walk from the 39 bus, and a stroll from the MBTA Orange Line Green Street station. Ample street parking
3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-524-9038
Website: www.midwaycafe.com
Club Cafe
“Dine. Drink. Dance.” Club Café a leader in Boston Nightlife Entertainment for nearly three decades has an all new look, sound and feel. This Boston Landmark boasts a top rated restaurant, cabaret & dance club. Open 7 nights per week.
Notes from BB: A beautiful and intimate space, Club Cafe offers all the glitz and glam of a red velvet curtain, all within the confines of Boston Proper. Seating is first come first served - unless you ponied up for the table seats, you minx - so come early and tip your bartender! Home of Rogue Burlesque and Dale’s All-Male Yardsale.
How to get here: A short walk from the MBTA Green Line Copley train station, or the Orange Line Back Bay train station.
209 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116
617-536-0966
Website: www.clubcafe.com
The Midway has presented the best acts, and the best VARIETY of acts, in Boston since 1987. Often compared to New York's Knitting Factory for its eclectic mix of styles and crowds, the Midway books everything! Even special events, benefits, movie screenings, and our famous Queeraoke every Thursday. We'll also host your private party. We mean everything!”
Notes from BB: The Midway is full of character and a perfect place to try something new and niche. It is the home of Punk Rockin’ and Pastie Poppin’ and has housed “The Nightman Cumeth: An ‘Always Sunny in Philadelphia Burlesque” and “WTF Queerlesque.”
How to get here: Just a hop off the 42 bus, a short walk from the 39 bus, and a stroll from the MBTA Orange Line Green Street station. Ample street parking
3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
617-524-9038
Website: www.midwaycafe.com
Club Cafe
“Dine. Drink. Dance.” Club Café a leader in Boston Nightlife Entertainment for nearly three decades has an all new look, sound and feel. This Boston Landmark boasts a top rated restaurant, cabaret & dance club. Open 7 nights per week.
Notes from BB: A beautiful and intimate space, Club Cafe offers all the glitz and glam of a red velvet curtain, all within the confines of Boston Proper. Seating is first come first served - unless you ponied up for the table seats, you minx - so come early and tip your bartender! Home of Rogue Burlesque and Dale’s All-Male Yardsale.
How to get here: A short walk from the MBTA Green Line Copley train station, or the Orange Line Back Bay train station.
209 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116
617-536-0966
Website: www.clubcafe.com
Local Businesses:
The Dance Complex
From the website: The Dance Complex is a central hub of dance, locally, regionally and nationally. We enable the creation, study and performance of dance; We sustain artists, audiences and the community through programs that connect movement and ideas; We celebrate the wonder and curiosity of dance for all. The Dance Complex is a unique arts center where professional, pre-professional and recreational movers can find a multiple variety of movement and dance classes.
You can access affordable studio space and programs to help strengthen you choreographic, performance and production skills. We are also home to performances, presenting over 100 concerts a year in our theatre and on-site in our seven dance spaces. We contribute to the field of dance through all our programs and activities.
Notes from BB: More than just a business, the Dance Complex is where the burlesque community rehearses, takes lessons, teaches dance lessons, and meets to collaborate and workshop our art.
How to get here: Take the MBTA Red Line to the Central Square train station and walk just a few blocks down Mass Ave and you’re there!
536 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
617-547-9363
Website: www.dancecomplex.org
From the website: The Dance Complex is a central hub of dance, locally, regionally and nationally. We enable the creation, study and performance of dance; We sustain artists, audiences and the community through programs that connect movement and ideas; We celebrate the wonder and curiosity of dance for all. The Dance Complex is a unique arts center where professional, pre-professional and recreational movers can find a multiple variety of movement and dance classes.
You can access affordable studio space and programs to help strengthen you choreographic, performance and production skills. We are also home to performances, presenting over 100 concerts a year in our theatre and on-site in our seven dance spaces. We contribute to the field of dance through all our programs and activities.
Notes from BB: More than just a business, the Dance Complex is where the burlesque community rehearses, takes lessons, teaches dance lessons, and meets to collaborate and workshop our art.
How to get here: Take the MBTA Red Line to the Central Square train station and walk just a few blocks down Mass Ave and you’re there!
536 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
617-547-9363
Website: www.dancecomplex.org