A History of the Strand Theatre
1918
November 11, 1918 - The Strand opens as a movie and vaudeville palace.
Two celebrations took place in the Uphams Corner community of Dorchester on Nov. 11, 1918: The Armistice was signed that day, ending World War I, and that night the Strand Theater swung open its doors to a grand first-night celebration.
Vaudeville was comedians, singers, plate-spinners, ventriloquists, dancers, musicians, acrobats, animal trainers, and more. Beginning in the 1880s and through the 1920s, vaudeville was the most popular form of entertainment in America, and an essential part of every community. (source).
1930's
The Strand introduces “talkies” to audiences with a screening of Marx Brothers movies.
1938-1969
The Strand continues to run first-run films until 1969, when the theatre closed its doors due to declining ticket sales.
1970's
The Strand is Revived
Led by Dorchester resident, Thomas McKenna, a group of neighborhood residents create a plan to salvage the theater. They incorporate as the M. Harriet McCormack Center for the Arts to refurbish and reopen the Strand.
1979
The City of Boston Takes Over
With the support of the City of Boston, the federal Economic Development Administration, and Community Development Block Grant money, the Strand is renovated and the M. Harriet McCormack Center for the Arts signs a 25-year lease of the theater with the City of Boston for a dollar a year.
1980s
Performaces come to the Strand.
Performers include Tracey Chapman, BB King, Julius Hemphill (with Long Tongues: A Saxophone Opera), Boogie Down Productions, and Public Enemy.
1985-1987
More big names featured at the Strand.
Joe Perry ( from Areosmith), Till Tuesday, and New Kids On The Block all shoot videos at the Strand Irish theatre group, Parnassus and in 1987 brings a production of the play "Da" by Hugh Leonard over from Dublin for a 3 night run.
1990s
Initiation of youth programs to serve the inner city youth.
Strand Teen Players emerges as a model program teaching teens every facet of theater production, both creative and technical. Louis Farakhan speaks at the Strand Jazz/Tap/Hip-Hop Festival sponsored by Dance Umbrella, features a young Savion Glover and the first american performance by the group STOMP.
1991
A New Marquee
Phish performed at the theatre in 1990, and in 1991, the theater lights a new marquee with a gala reception.
2000s
Premiere of The Urban Nutcracker
Acclaimed jazz artist, Boney James'tour takes in Strand date Pro Arte Orchestra celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Strand with a special concert LL Cool Jay plays Strand "Can a Woman Make a Man Lose His Mind" continues an annual run of gospel play sell-outs
2004 - today
Mayor Thomas M. Menino appoints a task force to help him set a new vision for the Strand Theatre.
Click here to read the report from the task force.
Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis, of American Idol, come to the Strand with the Broadway Musical- Ain't Misbehavin'
- - -
