Colonial Theatre (Boston)

Colonial Theatre (Boston)
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Name	Colonial Theatre
Caption	The Colonial Theatre's facade on Boylston Street
Address	106 Boylston Street
City	Boston
Country	United States
Designation	Boston Landmark
Owner	Emerson College
Operator	Broadway In Boston
Capacity	1,700
Type	Broadway
Opened	December 20, 1900
Architect	Clarence H. Blackall
Website	https://www.broadwayinboston.com/venue/colonial-theatre/

Colonial Theatre (Boston). Located at 106 Boylston Street in the Boston Theater District, the Colonial Theatre is a historic Broadway-style venue and a designated Boston Landmark. Opened in 1900, it is one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the United States and has served as a pre-Broadway tryout house for countless major productions. Owned by Emerson College and operated by Broadway In Boston, the theatre remains a vital part of the city's cultural and theatrical landscape.

History

The Colonial Theatre was commissioned by prominent Boston producers Frederic C. R. Robinson and Frederic G. Nixon and designed by architect Clarence H. Blackall, who was also responsible for several other Boston Theater District venues. Its grand opening on December 20, 1900, featured a production of *Ben-Hur*, starring William Farnum. Throughout the early 20th century, under the management of the Shubert Organization, the theatre established its reputation as a premier pre-Broadway tryout house, a tradition that solidified during the Golden Age of Broadway. The venue's stage has hosted rehearsals and out-of-town openings for legendary figures like George M. Cohan, Richard Rodgers, and Oscar Hammerstein II. In 1978, it was recognized as a Boston Landmark for its architectural and historical significance, and in 1985, it was acquired by Emerson College to support its performing arts programs.

Architecture and design

Designed in the Beaux-Arts style by Clarence H. Blackall, the Colonial Theatre's exterior features a distinctive rusticated limestone facade and a grand marquee on Boylston Street. The interior is renowned for its opulent Louis XVI style decoration, including a lavish auditorium with three balconies—orchestra, dress circle, and gallery—accommodating approximately 1,700 patrons. Notable design elements include a magnificent proscenium arch adorned with gold leaf, a large Austrian curtain, and an elaborate dome featuring a central skylight. The original design also incorporated state-of-the-art stage machinery and excellent acoustics, making it a model for subsequent theatres built by the Shubert Organization across the United States.

Notable productions and events

The Colonial Theatre's stage has been the tryout venue for an extraordinary number of iconic American musicals and plays before their Broadway premieres. These include the original productions of Porgy and Bess (1935), Oklahoma! (1943), Annie Get Your Gun (1946), and La Cage aux Folles (1983). It also hosted pre-Broadway runs for A Little Night Music (1973) and the revival of *Hello, Dolly!* starring Carol Channing. Beyond theatre, the venue has been used for concerts by artists like Bruce Springsteen and Judy Garland, and for political events, including a 1912 campaign speech by former President Theodore Roosevelt.

Renovations and restoration

The theatre has undergone several significant renovations to preserve its historic character while updating its facilities. A major restoration in 1995, led by Emerson College and the architecture firm Finegold Alexander + Associates Inc., addressed structural issues and meticulously restored the interior's original decorative finishes, including the gold leaf and murals. Further updates in 2018, undertaken by operator Broadway In Boston, modernized stage technology, lighting, and sound systems to meet contemporary production demands. These projects have carefully balanced preservation with modernization, ensuring the theatre can host large-scale Broadway tours while maintaining its status as a protected Boston Landmark.

Cultural impact and legacy

The Colonial Theatre holds a legendary status in American theatre as one of the most important pre-Broadway tryout houses, often called the "tryout capital of the United States." Its influence on the development of the Broadway musical is profound, having shaped the out-of-town preview process for over a century. As a key institution within the Boston Theater District, it contributes significantly to the city's economy and cultural vitality. Its stewardship by Emerson College ensures its continued use for both professional productions and academic purposes, preserving its legacy for future generations of performers and audiences.

Category:Theatres in Boston Category:Boston Landmarks Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1900