If you’re lucky enough to snag a seat at the Boston Opera House, you’ll be overwhelmed by the Edith Wharton-esque beauty and gilded opulence of one of the most sublime theaters in Boston. The opera house got its not-so-humble beginnings on Huntington Ave. in 1901. The current locale is the renovated B.F. Keith theater which was once a downtown hotspot for films and vaudeville shows. Now, after $30 million worth of touchups, the Grande Dame of Washington Street hosts Broadway-style musicals ranging from “Wicked” to an upcoming production of “A Chorus Line” (Sept. 11 until Oct. 5) followed by "Legally Blonde" (Oct. 28 to Sunday, Nov. 9). And starting with the 2009 season, the Opera house will be the proud resident stage of the Boston Ballet. Don't miss Boston Ballet's annual presentation of the Nutcracker during the holiday season, which opens on November 29th-Dec. 24th, 2008

Nineteen screens, all-digital sound, stadium seating, giant fiberglass popcorn kernels—what more could you ask for? Weekday shows before 6pm and weekend shows before 2pm, $7.25. Evening shows M-Th $9.75, F-Su and holidays $10.25. Advance tix available online at Fandango.com. Show your student ID M-Th for $8.50 tickets. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

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$25 Student Rush tickets to participating shows at the Colonial Theatre, Wilbur Theatre, and Opera House productions (cash only; 1 ticket per student with ID)

The Colonial Theatre presents productions of Broadway musicals as part of Broadway in Boston. Built in 1900, it is the oldest continually operating theater in Boston. There’s not a bad seat at the Colonial Theatre. A throwback to an era when live performance was revered, the Colonial is cozier than the nearby Boston Opera House—with minimal leg room between seats—but that’s a good thing. At a recent performance of “Sweeney Todd,” an upper mezzanine seat felt like being in the front row. Upcoming shows include “Mamma Mia!” and the always-controversial “Avenue Q.” Here's more info: National companies, Broadway shows and an occasional concert perform in the 1700-seat Colonial. The theater also hosts pre-Broadway tryouts. Tickets $50-70. Reservations needed. Student rush tickets ($25) are available 1hr before showtime except on F and Sa. Patrons in wheelchairs (and 1 companion) can call ahead for half-price orchestra seating.This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The Wilbur, modeled after a stately residence on Beacon Hill, was the first Boston theatre to have a lounge where patrons could mingle and enjoy refreshments. However, after 93 years of packed houses and standing ovations, the midsize, 1,200-seat Wilbur Theatre is currently for sale by the Tremont Entertainment Enterprises group after two decades of ownership.

Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003, the Majestic is the second-oldest theater in Boston's Theater District. It was reopened by Emerson College in 1989 as the first Broadway-quality stage owned and operated by a college. The Majestic hosts professional groups like the Boston Lyric Opera as well as near-professional quality (but much less expensive) productions by Emerson students and the New England Conservatory. Ticket prices range widely and some rush tickets are available. Wheelchair-accessible. Purchase tickets at the box office, online at www.telecharge.com or at 800-233-3123. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. The Majestic was also recently renovated (around the time of its anniversary) and brought back to its former glory.

In a city known for its stellar comics—-ranging from Paula Poundstone to Barry Crimmins to Jimmy Tingle—-The Tribe Theater offers its unique spin to the Hub’s comedic legacy. Each night’s show features a rotating 30-minute set coupled with a round-robin group of improv ensembles who perform different sketches each week. The lineup includes Damn Skippy (up-and-coming newcomers), New England Family (comedian from the Northeast region) and Spinning Hardcore (a punk band from Ohio). Also, the Tribe boasts a full bar.

Dick’s Beantown Comedy Vault – Casual Boston Comics with Boston attitude. Catch a glimpse of Boston through the eyes of local comedians. Located in a remodeled bank with a 12-foot vault door and cartoon wall murals of famous human Beans and Beantown locations as background, for over 20 years this club has been the start point for some of America’s best know comics. There is no telling who is going to drop by for a guest set. Shows: Sun. Open Mic Night. Mon. Kevin Knox Show, Tues. Jim Lauletta Show, Wed. Bob Gautreau Show, Thurs Greg Howell Show. Tickets: $12 Showtime 8:30pm. Fri & Sat National & Local Headliners Tickets $20 Showtime 8pm & 10:30pm (Tickets Cash Only, Food & Beverage all major credit cards). Lower level of Remington’s Restaurant, 124 Boylston St., (617) 482-0110. 800-401-2221

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