The Somerville Theater, a historic landmark in Davis Square, is capitalizing upon the square's new status as a mecca for fine dining and funky stores as well as its proximity to mass transit. The theater's monthly programs, which include live and film performances, attract a regional audience and enjoy renewed patronage. Restored and reconstructed in 1996, the theater reflects favorably upon the square's recent improvements.
"Its outer appearances are deceiving, but it's much nicer inside than you would ever think it would be," said sophomore Sandy Kunvatanagarn, a frequent patron of the theater.
One the oldest independently operated theaters in the Boston area, the Somerville Theater maintains its original vintage look, complete with red-eyed owls peeking out from the auditorium walls. The only modern-looking items are the large screens screens.
Junior D.J. Lee said the Somerville Theater "claims a unique presence in the heart of Davis Square."
Since 1996, the theater has not only become more comfortable but also more economically sound for college students - movie tickets are only $5.75. And unlike the sticky-floored theaters of Copley Place, Somerville Theater is clean and attractive inside, with excellent sound and picture quality. The five screens show current commercial films and art-house hits such as Shall We Dance? and Chasing Amy, which both enjoyed long runs.
Sophomore Jeremy Leung, who got his first taste of The Exorcist at the Somerville Theater, enjoys having an outlet to see his favorite vintage films.
"Whenever you miss the old movies, you can always count on Somerville to have them for you at a cheap price," Leung said.
But movies haven't always been the main draw at this entertainment hot spot. As early as 1914, the theater served as a vaudeville house, and for five years housed entertainment that would surprise most Tufts students.
The Vaudeville industry was highly competitive and found a large audience in the Boston area. Even though movies are one of the new Somerville Theater's greatest draws, during the Vaudeville era, silent films were actually a sideshow for live performers.
When the Somerville Theater decided to show films, it created new auditoriums that were actually modeled on institutional facilities,and newly designed to house emerging symphony, opera, ballet and classical theater groups. Resident artists had become highly educated and skilled in American conservatories. The resulting symphonic societies, ballet and opera companies, and "classical" theater groups had been developing for 50 years and became substantial institutions.
Students have some appreciation for the Somerville Theater's continual dedication to promoting local talents. Senior Joseph Pak praises the artistic integrity of the theater and says that it has always promoted quality entertainment for the entire Somerville community.
"[The theater's history distinguishes itself from] variety both by packaging and disciplining performers within proscribed taste, and by exhibiting their work in palaces for the common man," Pak said.
The entertainment palace comes complete with 900 seats and offers performers an ideal mid-size venue - not too small that fans will be shut out by limited space, but not so big that the intimacy between crowd and musician is lost.
On the weekends, the theater showcases some of the hottest names in cutting-edge folk and comedy acts. Ani DiFranco, Ferron, Hot Tuna, Jane Siberry, Joe Jackson, and Susan Westenhoefer have been among the theater's most popular acts in recent years.
It has only been in the last decade that the Theater has dedicated itself to presenting live music on a regular basis. Not too long ago, the theater might have hosted ten concerts each year. Now that average is close to 80 and features a world-class roster of performers working in a dizzying range of styles.
A night of music here might also mean other prominent folk musicians such as Greg Brown, Bruce Cockburn, and Patty Larkin, who all performed last November. At times a world-renowned harpist or even Tuvan throat singers may make an appearance.
The Somerville Theater's ability to draw a crowd after 87 years of business played a role in Davis Square's ranking as number 14 on the Utne Reader's list of "The 15 Hippest Places to Live" in the US and Canada. This ranking, compiled by the self-proclaimed "alternative" magazine, was based on conversations and interviews with many community members and leaders, such as shop clerks, gallery owners, urban planners and advertising agencies.
"It's a treasure in town. There are very few classic theatres that still exist," senior Ming Chow said.
And, as if the Theater weren't economical enough, there is an alternative to paying for a ticket to see a show: ushering. The music venue hires ushers on a volunteer, per-show basis. Simply sign up to work a show. If they call, all you'll need is a flashlight and a friendly smile to watch your favorite musicians perform. However, a limited number of ushers are needed, so be sure to sign up well in advance.
