It was built after the civil war to honor Harvard's dead. The theatre lobby is etched marble slabs, invoking said casualties and stained glass windows to give it a somber, spiritual feeling.The main theatre is all intricate wood in a 3 tiered amphitheater design, invoking a Socratic style of teaching. Holds about 900. I have never known for the theatre to be open to the public, just for certain large lectures and official Harvard functions. I believe the public can access the lobby (inspiring in its own right.)
I do not know why anyone says this is a good show. It's kind of like what happens if a community theatre production happens except they are charging $60 a head for it. First of all it's a 3 HOUR long show. The music is mediocre at best, the children's choirs are terrible, the dancing looks like the guys who did it learned the dance in the parking lot 20 min before the show. Seriously save your money, I have seen multiple high school musicals that blow this show out of the water. I am fairly certain the only reason it continues to exist as a show is because it's a "christmas tradition" and no one wants to tell their 70 year old aunt how horrific this show is. My entire family is "theatre people". We have been in at least 50-60 musicals/ballets/plays between all of us and we have never been so disappointed by a show. Oh btw for everyone saying "the building is beautiful" yes yes it is. You can also see it FOR FREE by taking a tour of harvard.
I went to the Sanders Theatre to attend the St. Patrick's Day Celtic Sojourn. Although the musicians themselves were unbelievably talented, the place gave the concert a special touch.The acoustics were marvelous and since it is not a very big theatre, it feels very cozy. It is an old theatre located in the same building as the dinning room in which Harry Potter was filmed, which makes the place even more special for those who are Harry Potter fans. I believe that this theatre is a must see when visiting Harvard!
Located inside Harvard University's Memorial Hall --dedicated to Harvard's own fallen in World I-- it's a beautiful concert space that hosts frequent high-caliber performances of mostly classical music. Prices are very reasonable and there are usually tickets at the door. For information please consult the "The Crimson" or the Harvard info booth at Holyoke Center.
Concerts here are intimate and make you feel as if you are sitting in the orchestra. The Masterworks Chorale and Boston Philharmonic concerts here are a real treat, and parking is much easier than in the city!
Went here to see and hear the Cambridge Community Chorus sing. The sound was excellent and the atmosphere in this historic building is excellent. I was disappointed they do not allow photography.
One of the best locations in the Boston area to attend a concert or a lecture. The word that I would use to describe this beautiful dark wood hall is "majestic". The acoustics are great, as I have sat in many locations, but the seats are hard (try to pad your derriere). Nonetheless, if you like dark wood, you will be swept up by its beauty.
It is part o f Memorial Hall which is the Freshman Dining Hall (Hogwarts) and the building looks like a church from the outside so many bypass it. The Transcept is gorgeous with the windows and memorials. But the theater itself is a lecture hall but also lends itself to music and theater productions, I have been in the Revels Cast at Christmas on stage and it is magical.
There are quite a few venues in Boston to see a good act but non can surpass the old-world, roll-top desk feel of Sanders. It's an amazing place to hear any music or see a show. It has been restored recently and is better than ever.
I had the pleasure of attending this show two years ago.... Decided to go again... BIG mistake!The show this year represented many egos that couldn't really decide what they wanted to present..As a result, it was a lot of nothing.I will never spend my time or money a attending one of these shows again!