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Home » Theater Guide » Location » United States » New Hampshire » Portsmouth » The Music Hall
Also known as Portsmouth Theatre, Civic Theatre

The Music Hall

Portsmouth, NH
28 Chestnut Street
, Portsmouth, NH 03801 United States
(map)
603.436.2400
Status: Open
Screens: Single Screen
Style: Renaissance Revival
Function: Movies (Classic), Movies (Independent), Performing Arts
Seats: 900
Chain: Independent
Architect: William Ashe
Firm: Unknown
Add a photo for this theater!
Today, the Music Hall in Portsmouth is an educational and charitable organization presenting live and cinematic arts in a landmark 900-seat opera house.

Over the last twelve years, since it was saved from the wrecking ball, The Music Hall has earned its position as the premier cultural center between Boston and Portland. The Music Hall is a stage for everyone in the Portsmouth community and is celebrating its 123 years of operation.

Related Websites

The Music Hall (Official)
Contributed by Monica Bounds

YOUR COMMENTS

 
I got to see this grand old theatre in October 2004. Unfortunately, my timing wasn't right for the Portsmouth Film Festival, but I did take in a Jazz and Blues concert featuring Dr. John. This theatre pre-dates the ornate movie palaces built in the 20's and 30's but it's still worth a visit. The acoustics are superb and other than a few seats behind the balcony support poles, there's not a bad seat in the house.
posted by Richard G. on Oct 26, 2004 at 6:39pm
There is a book out dedicated to this theatre: The Music Hall: Portsmouth, by authors Zhana Morris, Trevor F. Bartlett & Friends of the Music Hall. It is published by Arcadia and is part of the "Images of America" series.
posted by Gerald A. DeLuca on Jul 14, 2005 at 12:26pm
The architect was William Ashe and it opened on January 29, 1878. It was also known as the Portsmouth Theatre and the Civic Theatre. The Arcadia Press book mentioned by Gerald DeLuca has a great deal of info and lots of photos.
posted by Ron Salters on Oct 2, 2005 at 7:02am
Quite lovely. I saw it in 2004 also. This is the oldest theater I have ever seen in person; and I have seen a lot of old theaters, living close to NYC.
posted by GabeDF on Sep 19, 2007 at 7:02pm
Friday evening, May 23, 2008, a support column in the basement gave way during a sold-out appearance by Barbara Walters, promoting her book "Audition." 900 people were evacuated after the balcony dropped 4 to 5 inches. The building has undergoing renovations.
posted by PaulNoble on May 26, 2008 at 3:02pm
PaulNoble: Interesting that you would post this as I viewed The View today and heard Barbara speak of being at this theatre over the weekend and that it had to be evacuated though she didn't go into any detail, on air. Thanks for giving us the balcony scoop. BTW, has anyone read her book?
posted by Patsy on Jun 3, 2008 at 1:54pm
A photograph and article in today's issue of The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/21/us/21land.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=Dan%20Barry&st=cse&oref=slogin
posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 21, 2008 at 2:57pm
In 1945, the Music Hall was sold at public auction and re-opened as a cinema called the Civic, according to the NYT article. That name is not mentioned in the introduction, even though it remained for many years.
posted by Warren G. Harris on Jul 21, 2008 at 3:32pm
I'll be attending a show at the Music Hall in a couple of weeks, for the first time! I'm excited!
posted by MPol on May 26, 2009 at 6:21pm
Last night, as part of their Summerfilm program, the Music Hall showed West Side Story. I'd never been to the Music Hall before, but it's a fabulous-looking theatre, with a big screen that' covered by a dark red velvet curtain, plus an old-fashioned-looking concession stand.
posted by MPol on Jun 12, 2009 at 12:15am
This is a 2009 photo.

posted by Lost Memory on Jul 8, 2009 at 6:56pm
Since I was there last month, I recognize the Music Hall. It's a beautiful theatre!
posted by MPol on Jul 8, 2009 at 8:01pm
Too bad you didn't have a camera with you. We could use some interior photos. :)

posted by Lost Memory on Jul 8, 2009 at 8:18pm
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