Photo: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Joe Spaulding, the long-time CEO and president of the Boch Center, the Wang Theatre, and the Shubert Theatre, is retiring at the end of May.
He stood on an empty stage at the Wang Theater, reflecting on his almost 40-year career. “When I first took over, they were going to tear this building down. And all the other theaters in Boston were dark. The Colonial was dark. The Shubert was dark. The Emerson Majestic was dark. This was a different time,” he said.
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Spaulding oversaw the restoration of the historic Wang and Shubert Theatres and helped bring life back into the Boston Theater District through arts education programs, diverse cultural performances, and other innovation initiatives, explained the Boch Center.
These programs helped revitalize the theater scene in Boston, “which is why we’ve been very successful, having diversity of the kinds of shows that we’ve had. That makes a huge difference,” said Spaulding.
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Under his leadership, the Boston Theater District was able to attract Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and RENT.
Also, Spaulding helped establish the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame, became a national leader in securing funding for theater programs during the pandemic, and led the Boch Center to contribute to tourism revenue for the Commonwealth.
Photo: Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu spoke on Spaulding’s career in the Boch Center’s statement announcing his retirement.
“Joe Spaulding has changed lives and shaped the fabric of our city. Joe’s tireless efforts to revitalize the theater district and develop innovative programs engaging young people in the performing arts have changed Boston for the better,” she said.
Spaulding shared why he has decided to step down from his leadership role after a historic career. “This is a time that comes in everyone’s career where you know it’s time for the new blood to come in and take it to the next level.”
As he looked over a sea of seats in the Wang Theatre, Spaulding said, “If you look out and see this theater like we’re looking at it now… I mean, this is a pretty special place. So I’ve had a really wonderful run, and it’s meant a lot to me. I’m really glad I took this job 30-odd years ago, and here I am.”
The Boch Center said that Spaulding will continue to serve as a senior advisor and consultant after his retirement effective May 31.
WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens (@CarlWBZ) reports.
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