Boson is a destination for visitors seeking a sense of history and tradition. The city sprawl is large, and is layered with suburbs that are just outside of it. The people in these suburbs often commute to Boston to work and then leave the hustle and bustle of the city for home. Some Bostonians head to the suburbs for serenity on occasion. If you interested in seeing a movie, there are a few theaters outside of Boston that can accommodate you.
The suburb of Arlington is the home of The Capitol Theatre. The theatre opened in 1952 and has undergone a number of changes over the years. The theater still has its old marquee, but the blade sign attached to the building had to be removed in the 1960s due to building strain. Technology has progressed in the old building, however, and a steady stream of six movies rotates daily. Digital 3D projection was added in 2010. The Capitol's focus is on independent and family-friendly films. The venue also hosts ballet and other events and has a built-in ice cream parlor. Private showings and parties can be booked in advance.
The Somerville Theatre is located in the suburb of Somerville and is another historical theater that has stood the test of time while facing many changes. The theater first opened in 1914 with a focus on vaudeville acts and opera. Trying to keep up with fads, the theater began showing motion pictures and never stopped. Currently, the theater runs a rotation of six films with a focus on independent features. Live performances are still in demand and still always on schedule at the theater. Despite its small size, the theater has attracted big names such as Irish rock band U2, Kevin Spacey, Phish, Norah Jones, Adele, Nelly Furtado and even Leonard Nimoy.
The Coolidge Corner Theatre, in the suburb of Brookline, started showing movies in 1933 and continues to run six features daily as of January of 2011. The building that the theater is housed in was actually built in 1906, and has been used for a variety of purposes, including as a retail store at one point. In addition to films, the venue also hosts live events on occasion, including musical performances, art shows and book readings. The theater is also known for special programs like its "Box Office Babe" program that allows parents to watch family-friendly films with their infants without worrying about the baby crying.
A small theater in the community of Cambridge, the Loews Harvard Square shows a steady run of five films. Like many other buildings in the area, this theater is historic. The outside of the building features murals of famous stars from the past, including Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe and the cast of "Casablanca." To keep up with changes in the industry, Loews Harvard Square has installed a Real 3D projection system with a full-range digital sound system. This is not a megaplex by any means, but it is cozy, rich in history and on the cutting edge of technology.
