MSG Entertainment inks deal with Boston theater

The Citi Performing Arts Center (Citi Center) in Boston, MA has signed a new co-booking arrangement with MSG Entertainment (MSGE). The deal will bring additional broad-based performances to Boston’s 3,600-seat Wang Theater starting as early as next season. This collaboration between Citi Center and MSGE comes after years of partnership, including successful performances of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 2004 and 2006 at the Wang.

The long-term agreement with MSGE will include many performances that might not otherwise have toured in Boston. As part of the agreement, MSGE will make a one-time $2 million sponsorship contribution to Citi Center which will be used to support projects and initiatives that have direct community impact and benefit.

The agreement with MSGE comes at a time when independent theaters and performing arts centers have been continually challenged by changes in touring Broadway, a fragile arts sector, and consumer behavior shifts.

Recent live entertainment events that MSGE has presented and produced in New York include Cirque du Soleil’s first family-themed production, Wintuk; The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the Radio City Rockettes; and literary engagements such as the Radio City Music Hall Speaker Series, a four night speaker series featuring top political leaders and pundits. “We are extremely excited by this collaboration,” said Joe Spaulding, president and CEO of the Citi Performing Arts Center, in a statement. “The financial stability created by this collaboration, together with the ongoing support of our generous contributors will enable us to invest in expanded educational, community and other initiatives benefiting the youth, families, and fellow arts organizations within our own community.”

“The Wang Theater is one of the world’s most venerable performing arts theaters,” Jay Marciano, president, MSGE, noted in a statement. “It is our goal, in partnership with Citi Center, to create the most dynamic and diverse programming for the Wang. We feel that together we can offer even more quality family entertainment and unique productions for the City of Boston.”