The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester, MA

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Telephone:	+1 877-571-7469
Website:	www.thehanovertheatre.org
Address:	2 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA, 01608
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	0.4 miWorcester
Categories:	Performing Arts Music Venues

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Accepts Credit Cards	Yes
Accepts Apple Pay	No
Parking	Garage
Bike Parking	Yes
Wheelchair Accessible	Yes
Good for Kids	Yes
Good for Groups	Yes
Ambience	Classy
Noise Level	Quiet

Music	Live
Good For Dancing	No
Alcohol	Beer & Wine Only
Happy Hour	No
Best Nights	Fri, Sat, Sun
Coat Check	No
Smoking	No
Outdoor Seating	No
Has TV	No

Today

Today	–
Local time (Worcester)	12:31 AM Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Business hours

Monday	–
Tuesday	–
Wednesday	–
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Description

Specialties

The Hanover Theatre continues to draw over 170,000 patrons annually with world-class performances and headlining acts including Broadway hits («Les Misérables,» «Mary Poppins,» «Jersey Boys»); comedians (Steve Martin, George Carlin, Daniel Tosh); musical acts (Neil Young, Aretha Franklin, The Moody Blues, Diana Ross); and everything in between («A Christmas Carol,» Maya Angelou, Rudy Giuliani, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre). Ranked by POLLSTAR as one of the Top 50 Theatres in the World, the theatre opened in March of 2008 following a $ 32 million historic renovation. Since its grand opening in 2008, the theatre has established its place as a world-class performing arts venue, acting as a catalyst for the economic development of downtown Worcester. For more information, visit TheHanoverTheatre.org. Worcester Center for Performing Arts, a registered not-for-profit 501©(3) organization, owns and operates The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

History

Established in 2002.

The original structure, known as the Franklin Square Theatre, was built in 1904.

In 1925 Thomas W. Lamb, one of the world’s leading theatre architects, was hired to make major additions and alterations to the building. Lamb designed a 3,000-seat theatre, featuring ornately painted plasterwork, marbleized columns, mirrored walls, a grand staircase, a large chandelier and a two-story lobby.

In 1967, National Amusements, Inc. purchased the building and renovated the space into the Showcase Cinema. This renovation resulted in the division of the space into four smaller cinemas. Showcase was closed in the late 1990’s and the building was only minimally maintained for the next decade.

In 2002, Edward Madaus and Paul Demoga founded the Worcester Center for Performing Arts with the intention of purchasing and restoring the former grandiose theatre. National Amusements transferred ownership for a nominal fee and the Light the Lights! Capital Campaign to restore the theatre began!

Meet the Manager

Monica E.

Manager

Monica is the marketing specialist at The Hanover Theatre. She loves promoting and sharing the fabulous events that the theatre offers throughout the year. The Hanover Theatre offers performing arts, broadway show, dance, concerts, music, comedy & a whole lot more in the heart of Massachusetts. The Hanover Theatre has been rated one of Pollstar’s top 50 theaters in the world! Come experience world class entertainment, we have something for everyone!

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20 reviews of The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts

No registration required

Jeremy C.

Place rating: 4
Belgrade Lakes, ME

Wonderful Theatre, excellent seating and great accoustics.
However, For the Joe Bonamassa concert to small: music was overpowering, We could not clearly hear Joe Bonamassa. The drummer was way over powering.
There were two many people arriving late, this was unpleasant, people walking in front of your view. The staff should have held people outside until there was an appropriate time to enter.
This said: Joe Bonamassa started exactly at 8PM and did not break for over 2 hours, (impressive)

Nicole F.

Place rating: 5
Salem, MA

I never had such a friendly, welcoming, and wholesome experience at the theatre in all my days attending shows. From the beginning, staff went out of their way to be helpful and courteous; and I felt as though I was being jovially greeted by old friends and made to feel like family. Our seats were so close for such a reasonable price, and the quality of the show (yay, Annie!) was phenomenal. Far and away would I recommend this place to friends. The owner, who we saw before the show began when he made announcements onstage, obviously cares for this establishment with his whole heart. That adoration and attentiveness to detail translates throughout. This theatre is a hidden gem and deserves recognition in the utmost for what it was able to do for us this weekend. My mother and I had a magical time. Thank you so, so much Hanover. You get a standing ovation.

Kyle W.

Place rating: 5
Putnam, CT

Came here for the first time ever. Bought my mom and I tickets to see Donny Osmond as a birthday present for her. Had excellent seats. There is not a bad seat in the entire theater. You are able to see above people’s heads. The seats a comfortable. You get what you pay for. I look forward to any upcoming shows. You can’t please everyone. Theater isn’t for everyone. We were able to meet Donny Osmond outside of the theater. He autographed one of my tickets for me. The staff at the theater are so nice. They walk you to your seats. The theater is clean. I recommend this place to anyone.

Nicole C.

Place rating: 5
Gretna, LA

What a lovely Theatre in Worcester! I was told this was a recent renovation. On the 26^th of December enjoyed the show «A Christmas Carol» and felt it was a perfect venue. The Theatre was decorated for Christmas, the chairs were comfortable enough, and the staff was friendly. The hanging chandeliers looked restored to their original splendor. We had middle seats on the floor and were able to see the stage adequately. Looked like there were many upcoming shows on the calendar for this venue, a nice draw for downtown Worcester.
note: Convenient parking lot located directly across the street.

Tammy G.

Place rating: 4
Pawtucket, RI

Went there tonight for Deepak Chopra; it was my first time at that theatre. Parking was easy and affordable. The theatre is stunning; i love the lights and chandeliers and the seats were comfy. It was a little smaller than i thought it would be. There is absolutely no space at the lobby area if you are waiting for tickets so better to have your friend leave them at willcall. U highly reccomend getting a cookie beforehand; it was unreal!

Veevs N.

Place rating: 4
Portland, ME

The theater is beautiful. The bathroom was clean. Parking was 10 bucks. There were 2 bars on both floors. It took forever so I skipped that.
I sat in row c, left center balcony. It was ok. I can’t make out the person’s face from here. Next time, I would get somewhere in the lower level. And preferably get the seats by a walkway so I can get some drinks in between.
.

Ted J.

Place rating: 4
West Boylston, MA

Very nice venue. The bathrooms are clean. But for my long legs not enough room to sit. The ticket takers are nice too.

Christina B.

Place rating: 5
Worcester, MA

Great shows for young and old, always enjoy coming here! The ushers and service in general is excellent. Beautiful theater ambience. Highly recommend!

Dani S.

Place rating: 4
Millbury, MA

We love the Hanover but I would recommend paying the extra money to ensure having seats that are downstairs. The balcony is scary and I am often afraid that if there were an emergency we wouldn’t make it to the fire escape. You’ll have greater peace of mind and more leg room if you sit downstairs.

Joseph M.

Place rating: 5
Barre, MA

A Worcester Treasure!
This is a rather unusual review by a person who has never been in the theater so I can’t comment on the appearance which my wife claims is lovely and I cannot comment on the music, which my wife claims was mind-blowing. Nor can I comment on the ease of obtaining tickets which my son said took one quick phone call.
What I can comment on, though, is the ease of access and the helpful staff.
My wife is severely handicapped and is wheelchair bound. Her favorite band of all times is the Moody Blues and as soon as she heard they would be in Worcester for the start of their new tour it became apparent she wanted to go. A very good girl friend is also a fan and so we decided the two of them would go to the concert. As I am not a music fan (sorry but I once fell asleep in the middle of a Rod Stewart concert in the then-Centrum), it was decided I would get to take the two ladies to dinner and then drive them to the theater.
I pulled up in front of the theater at 7 p.m. for a 7:30 performance and asked the very friendly Worcester police officer on duty there where I could find a handicapped parking space. He apologized and explained that all handicapped spaces were long since filled. He then told me I could pull into a small alley and unload my passengers. When he saw the extent of my wife’s problems he immediately cleared or found a space just feet from the front of the building and told me to pull in there.
Another thing I can report is that following the concert my wife and her girl friend raved about the Moody Blues, the beauty of the theater, the ease of access and great handicapped seating and the kindness of the staff throughout the theater.
Something tells me I’ll be sitting outside the Hanover Theater again in the future!

Ed K.

Place rating: 1
New Bedford, MA

The only good experience you will have at the Hanover will be if there are no ISSUES.
Read the reviews. The reviews that involve management or ushers or staff, are the poor reviews.
The management people are antiques and they think very old school. You are NOT the priority. Very poor customer relations.

Lulu I.

Place rating: 5
Worcester, MA

This theater is beautiful; a gem in downtown Worcester. It was beautifully decorated for the holidays, with lights on the trees and fountain outside that has transformed a formerly rundown eyesore. There were lights, garland and Christmas trees throughout the chandeliered lobby. The inside of the theater is cozy and elegant. We have enjoyed shows from the front few seats and from the balcony, and are happy with the quality of the sound and view. Parking is right across the street at the Federal Plaza parking garage, usually $ 10 cash up front during performances, with police on traffic detail. Staff are curteous and professional. We were there with little kids during the Fresh Beat Band concert, and ushers did their best to keep dancing little ones safe while allowing them to have fun. We are so lucky to have this theater right in Worcester.

Misty S.

Place rating: 5
Melrose, MA

The Hanover is a really beautiful theater right downtown in worcester. They have great shows including musicians, musicals, and game/TV shows (dancing with the stars!).
Parking is ample and is $ 10 at the garage across the street. Easy in/easy out.
There are 2 bars and also on the first floor they always have a local bistro selling cookies, sandwiches and pastries. The food is good, reasonably priced, and local. However, you can’t take food into the theater with you. They also have coffee and hot chocolate.
The shows are top notch. The seats are comfy. It’s generally easy to get tickets to shows as well.

Molly P.

Place rating: 4
Hutto, TX

Just saw Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat — opening night.
Pros: Very intimate, we scored free parking but the $ 10 cash only lot was right across the street, kind and enthusiastic staff, restrooms were large enough for a short wait, clean, nicely decorated
Cons: A little cramped in the hallways, acoustics could be better — we had good seats and sometimes it was hard to understand lyrics clearly
We took advantage of the theater’s Buy One Get One Family night promotion which was what made the drive from Merrimack NH on a school night worth it. My kids enjoyed themselves immensely.
I can’t go as far to say that this show is just like one you would see in a major metropolitan city. The production budget is much smaller and therefore less dazzling, but The Hannover Theater does provide a fine entertainment experience for a great price.

A. A.

Place rating: 4
Shrewsbury, MA

We went to see Last Comic Standing here this past weekend.
The theatre was quite beautiful inside, much larger than it looks from the outside. Very classic looking and well kept. Gorgeous detailing on the ceiling, brilliant chandeliers hanging, comfy seats, classic décor. The ushers and staff were very professional, smartly dressed and very helpful with a smile on their face. A very big thumbs up for the staff. We parked for free at the Library (as it was after hours, its usually cheap metered parking during daytime hours) which is just a few minutes walk around the block — some people were paying $ 5 for ‘event parking’ at the Social security office/funeral home which is directly across the street — so save yourself a few bucks for drinks inside.
We had seats for the upper balcony, section 300 — all I will say is never ever again lol. We could barely see the stage from where we were, especially with people sitting in front of you (some with big heads, others with big up-hairdos :)). As it was a comedy show, seeing wasn’t of the utmost importance as long as you could hear the jokes. But it was a real bummer not to be able to see the stage/comic more than 70% of the time. I read in another review that there was enough space in the rows to walk through without others having to stand up — hmmm, that must’ve been in the lower levels because up in the sky, I mean balcony, that certainly wasn’t the case. There was barely enough room without your knees up against the chair in front of you. It certainly discouraged us from getting any drinks (or using the restrooms) during the show as everyone would have to get up for you to go out.
All in all, a good experience there. I would advice not to buy upper balcony seats. If you cannot afford the lower level, the loge seemed like it would be an okay view. Happy Broadway-ing folks.

James Q.

Place rating: 5
West Newton, MA

This building had the 3 S’s I look for: Safe, Sanitary, Sexy!
It was in a good area of town, it was well maintained (clean bathrooms), and very swanky décor. Wide spaces between the seats so you don’t have to stand up every time a person comes fumbling through. Very Cushy Seats! The staff were friendly, and gave me a whole history on the building when I asked about its age. Lots of parking lots and garages nearby (with low rates)
Very good experience here!

Robin Y.

Place rating: 4
Boston, MA

My fiancé and I have come to three comedy shows here over the last couple of years (Brian Regan, Lewis Black, and Mike Birbiglia).
Pros: Gorgeous, restored, classic theater that is just a cool place to see a show. Pretty reasonable prices (usually about $ 35−45/ticket for the upper tiers), allowing you to see some pretty eminent people for decent prices. Parking garage across the street that isn’t insanely expensive like those in downtown Boston are.
Cons: If the show is cancelled due to weather, they will try to reschedule it for another date, and will refund your money if you can’t make the rescheduled show; but if they determine that «the show must go on,» you lose your money if you can’t make it (which is significant in a place like central Massachusetts that gets severe winter storms). Also, the tickets are more expensive than they seem, because they attach a significant fee… which you find out at the end of the transaction.

Lauren E.

Place rating: 3
Boston, MA

The theater itself is okay. We had tickets to a show in the front of the balcony. Our view could have been worse, and I wasn’t as disappointed as I thought I’d be.
The balcony seats were cramped. My boyfriend’s knees were touching the seat in front of him, and the guy in front of him kept bumping into his leg when he put his arm around his wife.
There is a parking garage across the street reasonably priced at $ 10. That made it a lot easier for us to get to the show quickly once we were in Worcester.

E T.

Place rating: 2
West Hollywood, CA

Nice theater … but the show selection is a little blah. And I really take issue with the fact they charge $ 7 — $ 10 per ticket for ‘handling charges’ and $ 2 each ticket for some kind of ‘restoration fee’. Its not like they use ticketmaster … they have their own ticketing section on their website.
It seems strange to me that they would charge such a high handling fee for tickets purchased over the website and picked up at the box office instead of being mailed. There is virtually no handling that needs to be done of these tickets.
The theater itself looks brand new inside. But is kind of similar to any other theater of its kind I have been to. Also, it is not at all handicap/elderly friendly.
Would only go to a show here if it was amazing. Most of the shows are overpriced lecturers or off-broadway productions of broadway type shows. Or Vegas acts who are touring off-Vegas.
Meh seems about right.

Sarah C.