Charles Playhouse Theater

The Charles Playhouse in the theater district is home to Boston’s two longest-running shows – Blue Man Group and Shear Madness. After taking turns as a church, a synagogue, and a nightclub, the building officially became the Charles Playhouse in 1958.

Throughout its 50-year lifetime, Charles Playhouse has presented works by world-renowned playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, Bertolt Brecht, and Eugene O’Neill.

Today, tourists and locals alike stream in to delight in the playful acrobatics of the Blue Man Group, or guess along with the characters of Shear Madness, a lighthearted mystery show that is the longest running play in the United States.

Although the theater seats 525, performances at Charles Playhouse sell out due to the popularity of the shows, so it’s wise to buy a ticket ahead of time. Since the theater is only a short distance away from the Arlington stop on the Green line, most patrons opt to take public transportation in order to avoid heavy traffic and hefty garage fees.