What to know about The Music Hall's new Members Club in Portsmouth

Special to Seacoastonline
·3 min read

PORTSMOUTH — The Music Hall has announced the opening of its new Members Club and box office and ticketing hub. It is located in the historic Kearsarge House 1866 building on Congress Street, adjacent to the Chestnut Street historic theater.

The speakeasy–style club, open to Music Hall members and sponsors exclusively, enables patrons to access the theater directly from inside the club, where drinks are served prior to, during, and after shows and films.

Yearly Music Hall memberships start at $60 and cover an entire household.

The Music Hall Executive Director Tina Sawtelle said the club is a vital part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the patron experience.

The Music Hall Executive Director Tina Sawtelle and Associate Executive Director Ashleigh Tucker Pollock in the new Members Club.
The Music Hall Executive Director Tina Sawtelle and Associate Executive Director Ashleigh Tucker Pollock in the new Members Club.

“The Members Club promises to elevate every visit with a blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury," she said in a prepared statement. "The art deco ambiance is reminiscent of the roaring '20s. Think of it as a sophisticated haven where members and sponsors can unwind and socialize comfortably with family, friends or colleagues.”

The Members Club includes McKeon's Bar, names for donors Paul McKeon and Jessica McKeon, as well as the Newburyport Bank Room and The Wentworth Room, named for the Wentworth by the Sea, part of Opal Collection. The club offers live streaming of events from the theater.

The new ticketing hub is intended to enhance accessibility and convenience. While the existing box office in the theater remains operational, the new ticketing hub is located at the Congress Street frontage of the Kearsarge building. This strategic placement will provide better visibility and access for ticket purchases. It will serve as a centralized hub for ticket sales not only for Music Hall events at the historic theater and The Lounge, but also for the New Hampshire Film Festival, Telluride by the Sea and for partner venues such as the Ogunquit Playhouse.

The Music Hall in Portsmouth has added a Members Club with access on Congress Street.
The Music Hall in Portsmouth has added a Members Club with access on Congress Street.

“We anticipate that people will enjoy meeting at The Members Club prior to a show, and pop in during or after a show," said Ryan Klink, The Music Hall's director of marketing and communication. "Our hope is that the community will recognize the benefit of membership to fully enjoy this new amenity. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for us to show appreciation to our sponsors, whose support allows our nonprofit to thrive.”

The Members Club is open Tuesdays through Sundays, beginning at 4 p.m. and is open to all members and sponsors at the annual $60 level (and above). In addition to exclusive access to the new club, a Music Hall membership provides early access to events, ticket discounts, and more, with benefits increasing at each membership level tier. The Members Club is also available to rent for parties, corporate events, and other private gatherings. Information: themusichall.org/event-hosting/the-members-club

A ribbon cutting event will take place on Friday, May 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. for The Music Hall's new Members Club located at 104 Congress St., Portsmouth. The ribbon cutting itself will take place at 1:15 p.m.

Information: TheMusicHall.org

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: The Music Hall opens new Members Club in Portsmouth NH