CITY SPOTLIGHT
BOSTON Performing arts options abound
“ One of our best-kept secrets ” is the phrase Thornton uses to describe Boston ’ s dazzling performing arts scene . The NTA membership includes four tour suppliers — the Boston Ballet , the Boston Pops Orchestra / Boston Symphony Orchestra / Tanglewood , Blue Man Group and Shear Madness — that regularly entertain audiences at their show venues across the city . The organizations ’ member contacts passed along these details regarding beyond-the-show options :
Boston Ballet NTA contact : John Fernandes | bostonballet . org In addition to offering group discounts on performances , Boston Ballet provides behind-the-scenes opportunities for groups that aren ’ t available to the general public , ranging from backstage tours to meet-and-greets with dancers and workshops .
Boston Pops Orchestra / Boston Symphony Orchestra / Tanglewood Megan Cokely | bso . org
Groups can interact with performers through the “ Working With the Masters ” program or as part of master classes , during which participants are coached by a musician on stage . Educational workshops and private tours of Symphony Hall also are popular options .
Blue Man Group
Boston Ballet
Blue Man Group Krissy Beal | blueman . com Ever wanted to meet a Blue Man ? That is just one of the things that can be paired with taking in a show at the Charles Playhouse . Question-and-answer sessions with the Blue Men , the show ’ s band or a stage manager help audiences get an inside look .
JRDN PHOTOGRAPHY
LINDSEY BEST
Shear Madness Lisa Field | shearmadness . com Beyond solving the crime during a performance of this longrunning whodunit , groups can take part in meet-and-greet sessions with cast members . Beyond-the-stage talkback programs also are available following certain performances .
Of Kennedys and coral reefs
Two of the defining aspects of Boston ’ s culture are its rich nautical history and its deep roots in American history . Groups can find out more about both during visits to these NTA-member attractions :
Edward M . Kennedy Institute for the U . S . Senate The institute , which opened in 2015 , encourages people to be more than bystanders in the political process and helps them experience democracy firsthand through interactive exhibits and programs covering public policy . Groups also can take part in daily programs in the attraction ’ s full-size U . S . Senate chamber replica . emkinstitute . org
The Edward M . Kennedy Institute for the U . S . Senate
EDWARD M . KENNEDY INSTITUTE
The John F . Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of JFK , and the museum has a number of special programs and events in store for the centennial celebration . “ JFK at 100 : Milestones and Mementos ,” which opens May 8 and will be on display through the end of 2017 , commemorates President Kennedy ’ s centenary . jfklibrary . org
The New England Aquarium This state-of-the-art attraction is home to 27,000 animals and more than 70 exhibits representing unique habitats from across the globe . Groups can see the revitalized 200,000-gallon Caribbean Coral Reef exhibit , visit the marine mammal center , and enjoy the largest shark and ray touch tank on the East Coast . neaq . org
Thornton says two other popular attractions are the MIT Museum and the Paul S . Russell , MD , Museum of Medical History and Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital . The city will welcome a satellite location of the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston in 2018 .
36 April / May 2017