The Comedy Studio Is Moving from Cambridge's Harvard Square to Bow Market in Somerville's Union Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A few months ago, we reported that a legendary comedy club in Cambridge was closing down and looking for a new home. Now we have learned that it will be moving to an upcoming development in Somerville.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, the Comedy Studio in Harvard Square is leaving its current location above the Hong Kong Restaurant on Mass. Ave. at the end of the year and plans to reopen at Bow Market between Somerville Avenue and Bow Street in Union Square. The comedy club will join a number of other businesses coming to the development--which is currently under construction--including vendors at more than 30 stalls as well as a brewery called Remnant Brewing. (The stalls will include Jaju Pierogi, Maca Macaronerie, Buenas, North South, and more.)

The Comedy Studio, which is leaving Harvard Square in part due to rising rents, has helped launched the careers of some big names since opening in the mid-1990s, including Bill Burr and Emma Willmann, and it has also hosted such well-known comedians as Sarah Silverman and Colin Jost over the years.

The website for the Comedy Studio can be found at http://www.thecomedystudio.com/

Thanks to @Fara1 for bringing this to our attention.

[August 26, 2018 update: An events page indicates that The Comedy Studio officially opens in Somerville on September 6.]

[Earlier Article]
The Comedy Studio Above the Hong Kong Restaurant in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Leaving Its Space

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Spotlight Tavern in Beverly Has Closed; Auction Taking Place Tomorrow

A North Shore restaurant, bar, and music club has shut its doors, and an auction will be taking place at the site.

According to a source, the Spotlight Tavern in Beverly abruptly closed down last week, with a variety of items from the Rantoul Street spot hitting the auction block tomorrow. An article from Vanyaland confirms that the closure took place "very quietly and very suddenly," and it is not yet known why it shuttered (stay tuned for more updates as they come in).

In addition to live music, the Spotlight Tavern was also known for comedy and art events as well, with food offerings including mostly comfort food, pub grub, and American classics.

The address for the now-closed Spotlight Tavern was 208 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.

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The Comedy Studio Above the Hong Kong Restaurant in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Leaving Its Space

A comedy club in Cambridge that has become an institution of sorts is closing down, and it is currently looking for a new home.

Cambridge Day is reporting that the Comedy Studio, which is located above the Hong Kong Restaurant in Harvard Square, is leaving its space at the end of the year and is starting to look for a new spot, with the article saying it could be moving outside of the square, or possibly even the city of Cambridge depending on what it finds for a new home. The post says that part of the reason for its closure is rising rents, but founder/owner Rick Jenkins also says "It's just that the Hong Kong could do so much with that room and we could do so much more with our own room that this seems like the best way to go about it." The Comedy Studio has helped launched the careers of some big names since opening in the mid-1990s, including Louis C.K. and Bill Burr, according to Cambridge Day.

The address for the Comedy Studio (and the Hong Kong Restaurant) is 1238 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the comedy club can be found at http://www.thecomedystudio.com/

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Plans for Medieval Manor to Reopen in Old Space Fall Through

A landmark theater and restaurant that was hoping to return to its former space has given its fans a bit of bad news.

According to a Facebook post, the Medieval Manor will not be reopening in its old home on E Berkeley Street in the South End after all, with the note saying the following:

It is with great sadness that we inform you our efforts to reach a new lease agreement for the space where the Manor has lived for so long were unsuccessful. The price of a castle in Boston has increased significantly. We will continue to search for ways to bring back the king but we may not be seeing you as soon as we had hoped. Thank you for all of your support over the years.

The Medieval Manor closed at the end of last year but subsequently said that it was hoping to reopen in its former space, which would apparently be modified. The place had been in business for more than 40 years.

The address for the Medieval Manor was 246 E Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[August 13 update: The Medieval Manor won't be returning to its old home, but a new Facebook post gives a bit of good news--some of the cast is working on a new Pilgrim-themed show called "Plymouth Rocks," which is planning to open in Plymouth sometime in November.]

[Earlier Articles]
Medieval Manor in Boston May Be Reopening
Medieval Manor in Boston Is Closing

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Medieval Manor in Boston May Be Reopening

A couple of months ago, we reported that a landmark theater and restaurant was closing its doors forever. Now we have learned that this might not be the case after all.

A recent check on the website for the Medieval Manor in Boston's South End indicates that its New Year's Eve show tonight will likely be its last show (as mentioned previously), but a new note below says "We hope to reopen ASAP." A message sent from the E Berkeley Street spot this morning says that they are now hoping to renovate the space and reopen, mentioning that they sold their liquor license and are looking to replace it with a beer and wine license, and that they would be staying in their current home, though the space would be "modified."

[March 21, 2016 update: A Facebook post from over the weekend indicates that the Medieval Manor is hoping to reopen sometime later this year, though it has not been completely confirmed that it will move back into its old space. (Thanks to Drew Starr for bringing this to our attention.)]

[April 19, 2016 update: A new Facebook post from the place indicates that the Medieval Manor now has plans "to see YOU in 2017," and that it may be going the Kickstarter route to raise money.]

The Medieval Manor first opened more than 40 years ago, offering Middle Ages-themed musical comedy along with dinner and drinks; in October, the place said it would be closing at the end of the year and last month it petitioned to transfer its liquor license to the upcoming Bar Mezzana in the nearby Ink Block.

The address for the Medieval Manor is 246 E Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Its website can be found at http://www.medievalmanor.com/

[Earlier Article]
Medieval Manor in Boston Is Closing

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Medieval Manor in Boston Is Closing

A landmark theater and restaurant that features Middle Ages-themed musical comedy along with dinner and drinks is going to be closing.

An email sent this morning indicates that the Medieval Manor in Boston's South End is shutting its doors at the end of the year, with the website for the E Berkeley Street spot confirming this. The email says that "after 42 years and nearly 13,000 performances we will be closing our doors this December....Thank you for fooling around during dinner. We will miss you very much." No reason has been given for the closure of the Medieval Manor at this point in time.

[October 16 update: Universal Hub reports that Medieval Manor owner Don Akin says he is closing the place because "We were not able to keep up with the rising cost of business," with rising rents being at least one of those costs. Akin does say positive things about the landlord, however, mentioning that "The past five years, he's been so patient with us," and he also says that the landlord may look to bring in a similar type of theater rather than selling to a developer.]

[November 10 update: A licensing board page within the City of Boston website indicates that the Medieval Manor is petitioning to transfer its liquor license to the upcoming Bar Mezzana, which will be located one block north within the Sepia condo building in the Ink Block. (See article on Bar Mezzana here.)]

[December 8 update: According to its website, Medieval Manor has added shows on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays for its final month because its Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows are either sold out or close to being sold out.]

The Medieval Manor has been a popular spot for birthday parties, reunions, corporate events, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and more over the years, with its website saying that the comedic roots of its interactive dinner theater are in "vaudeville and burlesque."

The address for this soon-to-close theater and restaurant is: Medieval Manor, 246 E Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Its website can be found at http://www.medievalmanor.com/

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"Pig: A Restaurant" Comes to ImprovBoston in Cambridge March 23, 2012

A comedy show that lampoons the food culture is on its way to the Boston area, and one of the people behind it may be familiar to those who follow the local restaurant scene.

On Friday, March 23, Pig: A Restaurant will make its Boston-area debut at ImprovBoston on Prospect Street in Cambridge, with the starting time being 7:00 PM. The show, which was inspired by Leila Cohan-Miccio's time as editor of Grub Street Boston (a popular food and restaurant site that is part of New York Magazine), follows seven characters at the opening party for a new meat-obsessed restaurant. All of the parts are played by Lauren Conlin Adams, a food industry veteran who has worked at some of New York's top restaurants, including Balthazar and DB Bistro Moderne.

Tickets cost $12, which includes both Pig: A Restaurant and a stand-up set. For more information, please go to the following link:

http://www.womenincomedyfestival.com/shows/2012/pig-restaurant-and-special-guest

[Photo Credit: Sarah Gainer]

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Davis Square Theater Coming to Somerville

A brand new music club is on its way to the Davis Square section of Somerville, and it will be affiliated with a popular restaurant and bar.

According to The Boston Phoenix, the Davis Square Theater will be opening on Elm Street, right next to Foundry and Saloon, a combination restaurant/bar whose owners are also behind the upcoming music venue. The article mentions that the Davis Square Theater, which will have a capacity of 200, will feature live bands, DJs, plays, and comedy shows. In addition to entertainment, the Davis will also have a full bar, according to the Phoenix.

The space in which the Davis Square Theater is opening used to be the site of Jimmy Tingle's Off Broadway Theater.

Expect an early March opening for the theater.

The address for this upcoming music club will be: Davis Square Theater, 255 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144.

For more information on the opening of the Davis Square Theater, please go to the Boston Phoenix link below.

Sound Warning: Davis Square has a rock club now

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Moo Shu Jew Is Coming to Hei La Moon in Boston's Chinatown December 24, 2011

A restaurant in Chinatown that is known for its dim sum is going to be the site of an unusual food and comedy event this weekend.

According to The Boston Globe and Eater Boston, Moo Shu Jew will be held at Hei La Moon on Beach Street in Chinatown tomorrow (Saturday, December 24) from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with the event featuring a five-course Chinese dinner along with entertainment from several comedians doing stand-up routines. Cory Kahaney of Last Comic Standing will be taking part in Moo Shu Jew, as will Jim David of Comedy Central, Ross Bennett of Blue Collar Comedy, and Ophira Eisenberg of the non-profit storytelling group The Moth.

Tickets to Moo Shu Jew cost $65 in advance or $70 at the door ($40 for "young adults" under 39) and can be purchased at the event website: http://www.newcenterboston.org/index.php/programs/current_upcoming/category/performance/moo_shu_jew

For more information on this event, please go to the Boston Globe and Eater Boston links below.

[Boston Globe]
Moo Shu Jew

[Eater Boston]
Moo Shu Jew; New Wine Regulations

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